I trapped a mixed breed kitten 14 months ago. She has been in my home ever since I got her fixed. For several months she refused to leave the dog kennel that I established her in. I already had cats. When she finally came out of the kennel she was very sweet and loving and quickly became a play friend of the other cats. I am trying to keep her indoors although when I trapped her she was a stray outside. She escaped once and was missing for 3 days but came back to the house and I managed to grab her and bring her back inside. While she is inside she is very loving and accepting of me, looking for play and affection. She sleeps on my bed next to me. But when she does manage to get back outside again she runs away from me. She stays with the other cats but she is frightened of me. She is afraid to come in the door. Even if I leave it open and throw treats she won't enter on her own. I am beside myself because the other cats when they go outside will come to me and will stay close. (One of my other cats is a stray earlier that I trapped who is a couple years old and as a former Tomcat is convinced he must go out.) I live in a rural area the nearest house is about a quarter mile, there is lots of wildlife to be concerned of and I don't want her to get in the habit of staying out overnight.
I am want to keep trying to keep her in but since I know she can occasionally get out I need help to train her to feel like she can come back in the house once she is outside.
I am want to keep trying to keep her in but since I know she can occasionally get out I need help to train her to feel like she can come back in the house once she is outside.