Is your cat meowing at the door, scratching the doorframes and not giving you a break, persistently demanding to be let outside?
This behavior is familiar to many owners and can be caused by a variety of reasons.
Before giving in to the persuasion of a furry friend, it is important to understand the motives for such behavior and choose the best solution, because the street is fraught with not only opportunities for a cat, but also dangers.
Instincts and curiosity
The first thing to consider is instinct. Cats are natural hunters, and even the most pampered pet retains the desire to explore the world, chase prey, and mark territory.
A cat may be motivated to ask to go outside in order to satisfy these natural needs.
Don't forget about cats' natural curiosity. The world outside the window is full of interesting sounds, smells, and moving objects that attract your pet.
A cat may be eager to go outside simply out of a desire to explore new places and gain new experiences.
Hormonal influence
Sometimes a cat's desire to go outside is related to hormonal changes. Uncastrated male cats want to find a mate, and female cats in heat want to attract the attention of potential partners.
In this case, sterilization may be the best solution, which will not only rid the cat of the desire to walk, but also reduce the risk of unwanted offspring and certain diseases.
The dangers of the street for a domestic cat
Before making a decision, consider the risks associated with having your cat outdoors.
These include cars, stray animals, the risk of infection, and the possibility of getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. Even if your cat was previously a street cat, keeping it indoors makes it more vulnerable.
An alternative to walking
If you don't want to put your cat in danger but still want to meet its needs, there are several alternative solutions.
Provide your cat with enough physical activity in the house. Play with it using toys that imitate hunting, create play complexes with ladders, tunnels and scratching posts.
Spend time with your cat regularly, petting it, talking to it. Cats are social animals, and it is important for them to feel attention and care from their owner.
If you live in a safe area and have the ability to supervise your cat's movements, you may want to consider using a harness to walk your cat.
Remember that the decision to let your cat outside is an individual one, based on many factors. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure your pet's safety and well-being.
Earlier we talked about why the dog began to avoid its owner.
