Mary Allen
If the outdoor cat is showing up less and less, it may have found another home. Here’s how to avoid this and what to do if your cat starts to wander off.
If your child comes homeless less often, something may be wrong. There are many reasons cats stay outside for several days, and it’s not always a cause for concern. But if the cat stays away from home longer and longer over weeks, it could be that it migrates. Read here what you can do now.
Why Do Cats Migrate?
Cats don’t change homes all at once – it’s a gradual process over weeks or months. The cat is showing up less and less and at some point even disappeared completely. If the cat no longer feels attached to its human or its home, this is often due to the following reasons:
- Strangers feed your cat and let it in the house.
- Changes at home overwhelm the cat.
- Your own home is too boring.
- The relationship with the reference person is too weak.
- Other cats are competing for territory with your cat.
This is How You Act Now
Whatever your cat’s reason for migrating and choosing a new home, you can always prevent the worst and win your cat back. Find the reason your cat is migrating and act accordingly.
Strangers Feed Your Cat
It’s an absolute no-go, but unfortunately, it happens again and again: Strangers feed a cat that doesn’t belong to them and maybe even let it into the apartment or house. If the cat gets better food or more attention there than at home, this can be a reason for it to migrate.
If you suspect someone else is feeding your cat, you should immediately locate that person. Politely confront her and explain that this is not okay. Feeding strange cats is not a crime in itself. However, you can file a complaint if your cat is regularly or systematically fed and lured.
You are considered the owner of the cat and have a right to spend time with your animal. Luring your cat away violates your property rights. You then have the option to file a civil suit and have your cat banned from being fed by strangers.
At the same time, you should definitely try to make your own home attractive and interesting again for your cat.
Changes at Home
A new pet, a baby, or a new partner can all stress a cat. Because cats instinctively avoid uncomfortable situations, the overwhelmed cat may seek a new home.
Of course, some changes at home are unchangeable, like having a baby or a new partner. But you can make the situation more pleasant for your cat: try to be fair to her despite everything and keep dealing with her. Because if you get a cat, you are responsible for the animal for the rest of its life.
You can also gradually get the cat used to your new partner. At first, he or she just stops by, then the person stays with you and your cat for a longer period of time. Only then can both slowly approach each other. Small treats will help break the ice.
It’s Boring at Home
Frequently, free cats leave when they are bored at home. No cat likes a sterile home! The animals need climbing and hiding places. The right scratching post can be crucial. Every cat also needs a small viewing platform from which it can see the entire room.
Cats primarily perceive their environment through their nose. Certain plants have intriguing smells that cats like to sniff. That entertains her. Even if your cat is outdoors, an exciting, interesting home is important to her.
Weak Relationship With Owner
If the bond with its owner weakens, it can happen that the cat migrates. Cat owners often mistakenly assume that they don’t have to deal with their cats outdoors. After all, the cat takes care of itself. This assumption is wrong: even outdoor cats build a close bond with their owner.
If you notice that your cat is less and less at home, you should play with it more and pet it more often. There are many ways to show your cat affection. Try to bond with her without food if possible.
Other Cats in the Area
Other cats may drive their pets out of their own territory. Your cat could also migrate because of this. It is often younger cats that drive away older animals. In this case, you can make the territory safer for your cat.
A cat door enables your cat to retreat to a safe home at any time in the event of danger. If she stands in front of a locked door when the cat feels threatened, she will look for another hiding place in the future.
Before you let your cat out of the apartment, you should check if there are other cats nearby that could be dangerous to it. Approach them safely and quickly, the strange cats will surely retreat of their own accord. Only when the coast is clear can you let your cat out.
House Arrest For Freedmen
Notice that your cat will gradually wander off if you keep her at home for a while. But this is only possible if your home is designed really attractively for your cat. If this requirement is met, you should take further measures.
You can feed in small amounts more frequently to avoid boredom. Also, many cats like to work out some food for themselves. This works, for example, with intelligence toys or sniffing pads.
Cats like to sniff: offer them pleasant and exciting smells with special plants. You should also take care of your cat personally: play together and cuddle with it. If you develop a genuine relationship with your cat that isn’t based solely on food, there’s a good chance your cat won’t wander off.
Only when the relationship between cat and human is stable again and the cat visibly feels at home can it be let out of the apartment again.
This is How Your Cat Stays With You
In the best-case scenario, the cat never moves away in the first place. It is crucial that the cat is also occupied at home. Like indoor cats, outdoor cats develop a deep bond with their owners and need their attention.
If the cat feels safe at home, it has no reason to leave. Make sure that your cat can enter the house at any time – for example with a cat door. If there are interesting toys, places to hide and climb, and a comfortable place to lie, then your cat will be happy to come back.
You should take it seriously if your cat shows up less and less at home. Find the cause of your cat’s wandering off and do everything you can to make your cat feel comfortable with you again.