Should I let Smokey outside?

Smokey is fixed,and gets outside every chance he gets.With 2 (human) boys running in/out all day Smokey escapes a minimum of a dozen times a day.I run after him every time and so far have managed to get him without fail but.....
He's fast! Becoming faster with every opportunity and now he's starting to hiss at me when i'm picking him up to bring in the house.So far just this morning he's escaped 3 times.All in a 15 minute span! The last time I was bringing him in he hissed and tried to twist his body to bite me! He was really ticked off that I won't let him out!
Should I buy a collar and leash? What kinds if any have worked best for you?Length? Should I only let him on a leash with me holding it or should it be tethered? I have no idea!Growing up my parents let our cat outside to run free.Not ever going to happen with my pets.HELP please!

I would say yes, but depending on where you live. If you live on a high traffic road, I wouldn't advise it. I live on a quiet country road, and even I was hesitant to let my cats outside, despite their non-stop screaming at the door.

Finally, I gave in - I tried the collar/leash route - I did it for a while with my older cat, and walked her around the perimeter of the house for a few weeks. Then let her free, and she stays right around the house, no problem. My little one, 1 yr old cat, I ATTEMPTED the collar/leash thing, but she wouldn't cooperate, at all. She would NOT wear a collar, so I just let her out and to my surprise, she stays fairly close to my older cat. Occassionally she'll wander, but I clink her food dish, and she comes running everytime.

it's nervewracking letting them out. I try to only let them out if I'm out doing yard work, and can keep somewhat of an eye on them, and I NEVER let them out after dusk.

Smokey better like his harness(After doing a search on here I have decided to go buy one today) or he will not go out .period! :p He's way too devious and I know he would get hurt or in trouble.

In my opinion nobody should even own a dog or cat without a collar- even if you keep it off in the house every time he goes out be sure he has it on. As for a leash for a cat, that depends on you. I would definitely say walk him with with you like Jessie said.

Do you have a gated yard or somewhere Smokey has been going out? Can you teach a perimeter to cats? I'm not sure as I haven't owned (or been owned) by a cat since I was a child. Additionally, teach your kids not to let him out unless you feel he is ready for it- that dangerous for your cat. As for him hissing when you pick him up... I really don't know what is normal or not... more knowledgable people on this topic will definitely come along. :)

:rolleyes:
I post here for tips from experienced cat owners with info on harnesses and leashes.What part of "he escapes" did you not understand?Smokey is not LET out of the house.
When I give advise to someone it's because I have experience with thier scenario,if I don't then I read another post.I also reread the questions or pleas for advise before answering.It helps....nevermind,I just remembered why I rarely post...

:rolleyes:
I post here for tips from experienced cat owners with info on harnesses and leashes.What part of "he escapes" did you not understand?Smokey is not LET out of the house.
When I give advise to someone it's because I have experience with thier scenario,if I don't then I read another post.I also reread the questions or pleas for advise before answering.It helps....nevermind,I just remembered why I rarely post...

People are just trying ot be helpful and share the info they have learned, I think your attitude is very uncalled for. As for suggestions I do have one. Are you able to take an area of your yard (right outside of your door) and enclose it in mesh or chicken wire or something to that effect, so if your kids let the cat out, who cares, he's still in a safe area, put a cat stand for him to sit on, and what not. Im sure he would love it. You can have a small gate the kids could slip out of.

Hissing and biting in this situation in my opinion is normal, your cat is mad because your ruining his fun and forcing him to do something he doesn't want to. My cats the same way.

If you're going to be rude for someone trying to help than don't ask for opinions. As for your kids letting him escape (which is being LET out however you want to phrase it! He doesn't have opposable thumbs to turn door knobs, does he?) you should be firm with them and have them pay close attention to where he is when opening and closing doors... it's really not a hard thing to do.

I gave you my opinion as I have experience with dogs and cats- yet not with your problems because I haven't OWNED one as an adult. Doesn't mean I haven't been dealing with cats for my whole life. I feel your attitude is EXTREMELY uncalled for and really dislike dealing with people like you on this board.

Rainy, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get your cat and how old is he? The reason why I'm asking is because it sounds like your cat has been exposed to the outside world and enjoys it. Sometimes when a cat used to be an outdoor cat and then is adopted and made to be an indoor cat, they can try to escape every chance they get. I've known cats like this.

The solution they used, they put their cats on a harness and tied them outside on a line and let them stay there (supervised) for a while. They wouldn't escape after since they had their time outdoors.

You can also use the invisible fence system. They do have collars for cats. But, this doesn't protect your cat from other animals.

I also like the idea of creating a cat space outdoors like SarahLynn suggested. That is fully fenced all around, including the top, and escape proof. Of course, only if your property permits.

The only other solution, reminding your kids to watch when they are opening the door that the cat doesn't get out.

I guess the only suggestion that I have is that if you do end up tying the cat outside use a harness not a collar. I only say this because cats will try and jump a fence or tree etc.., they could choke themselves very easily with the collar on.

Be careful putting a collar or harnass on a cat that's not used to it. We tried that with our cat when he first showed signs of wanting to go out. We put the collar on him inside the house, to let him get used to it for a few days. Then we put the leash on and let him drag it around the house for a few days, to get used to the feel. Then we started putting slight pressure on the leash, spent a few days inside holding onto the end. So far, so good. He didn't object to this rope thing Mom has suddenly subjected him to. Then I took the big step and brought him outside on the leash. It was like having the Tazmanian Devil on the end of what suddenly seemed to be a very short piece of rope. I thought he was posessed. He escaped from his collar and disappeared for four days.

If at all possible, go the route of a covered dog run, with a cat tree and all the fun stuff a cat needs. Otherwise, you'll be constantly worrying about whether or not he's been hit by a car yet, and you'll spend a fortune on vet bills cleaning up the abcesses from the cat fights he'll be getting into (voice of experience here :( ).

HTH!

I guess the only suggestion that I have is that if you do end up tying the cat outside use a harness not a collar. I only say this because cats will try and jump a fence or tree etc.., they could choke themselves very easily with the collar on.
Yes! Forgot to add...if you're putting a collar on a cat, make sure it's the break-away kind so they don't choke themselves, and make sure you have them chipped so they can still be traced back to you if the collar does come off.

my goodness Rainy.... be thankfull someone took the time to give your question any thought at all.

Do you plan to have him harnessed/leashed in the house? if not, then you still have the escaping problem, right? I honestly don't think chicken wire or a gate will hold a cat. certainly wouldn't hold my little furry monsters. even my puppy can climb a gate now.

remember, letting your cat outside opens another can of worms - now you have to worry about fleas, tics, diseases.

Thanks for the suggestions. I bought Smokey a harness and short leash.He loved it! I also bought a longer lead so he can play under the tree he seems to love so much(when i'm outside with him)

My YY LOVES her leash and playing outside now that it is warm. Just don't ask her to go out when it is cold. That is absolutely out of the question for my little Siamese diva, lol The Sphinx are not outdoor fans at all - they are quite content to watch us from the window, happier when we are all in!

Glad you and Smokey are having fun tho!!

Thanks! Smokey is loving his halter and leash. :D