Cat Problem

iammargarette

New member
I have recently adopted a stray cat, and I am having a problem with her behavior. She keep on scratching the back door and is finding her way out. I feel like she wants to play outside but I am scared that she might get lost. It's been almost a month when I provided her a new home but it seems like she hates indoor. Do you think that I should start on buying a kittywalk system to ensure her safety outside? I can't always keep an eye on her.
 
When we lived aboard our sailboat in the Caribbean, we met several cat liveaboards, one had a cat they took on in Egypt. They all had the run of their boats. They were at home in the dinghys and when visiting our boat, made themselves at home. I can't imagine a cat jumping overboard, but who knows....
 
Do you live in a house or on a boat? Either way, cats are territorial and uncomfortable when in new territory. Might take some time before your place becomes her place.

Also, I think that cats that are used to being outside find being inside pretty boring. They want to go where they are more entertained. Cats who are raised indoors don't know what they are missing and are content to stay inside.

Finally, if the cat is a stray, it may have a limited tolerance for human company. Add this to being away from it's usual territory and it may need to go where it is more comfortable to de-stress.

You don't mention how old the cat is, but like older people, older cats can have a harder time adapting to new situations.

They say that if you have a cat in your family and you move, it takes about a month for the cat to accept that your new house is its new house.

Cats can be quite comfortable on boats. They are unlikely to intentionally jump off into the water. However, they can misjudge jumping to/from the dock or other parts of the boat if things are moving (just like people). When they miss, the smooth hard surfaces on most boats can make it hard for a cat to get a grip (claws aren't much good on fiberglass or metal surfaces) and it can fall off.

We had family friends that took their cats when cruising on their boat. One fell off the boat one night. Luckily, they heard the splash and where able to fish it out before it got carried away by the current. If you cruise with a cat, you might want to make sure you have a landing net with a long handle.
 
Well, at the risk of sounding like a cliche', our cats have all been great travelers, and each has enjoyed being outside... on a leash.

We have tried a "kitty run" (a portable arch-shaped pen), that none of them have particularly appreciated. If a cat is determined to get outside, you will have a full-time job trying to keep them in.

We start out with a harness, inside. When the cat tolerates that, we practice with a leash on the harness; short jaunts. Then, progressively longer. Depending on the unique personality of each cat, it takes patience and time. I do think there are some cats who will not be leash trained.

I will admit that we dote on our furry family member. We give them attention and love; good food and grooming; interesting toys. And, we play with them. I think that makes a difference in their desire to be out on their own.

I hear there's a guy who wrote a book about a... cat on a leash. :wink:
 
I haven't tried to take her on a boat ride, I guess you guys are right it will take some time for her to adapt in a new environment that she now has. Thank you for all the insights, I really do appreciate it.
 
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