Dear Critter Corner: My cat keeps running out in the yard and I think he just wants to be outside. Do you think I should try taking him outside?
Cats gain a lot of mental stimulation and exercise from being outdoors, so it can be a sweet treat to let your cat into the yard to explore. Let’s try to create an outdoor haven for your cat, where they can utilize all of their senses in a safe and fun manner. Some cats really enjoy exploring the outdoors through a catio, which is an outdoor version of a cat enclosure. Catios can be located right on a patio adjacent to your home or within the yard itself, to include an above ground tunnel from the home to the catio. This can provide your cat with a space to explore the outdoors, get a breath of fresh air, climb on various perches, and safely interact with other outdoor creatures (like birds, butterflies, squirrels etc) from a distance.
If a catio is not feasible, you may consider training your cat to walk on a collar and harness. There are quite a few styles and fabrics that may be suitable for your cat depending on their body type and shape. Be sure to measure your cat first based on the specifications of the harness and find one that is a suitable fit, allowing your cat to feel comfortable but also secure.
Training a cat to be comfortable in a harness can take just a few sessions, if you’re patient and provide yummy rewards. First let your cat sniff and explore the harness on their own, and then leave it where your cat’s bed is to help them become more comfortable with it in general. Then try giving your cat a treat near the harness and progress to putting the treat in the harness, allowing your cat to poke their head through the front of the harness. As your cat becomes more comfortable, slowly clip the harness together and continue rewarding with yummy treats. Their first excursion will be walking around the house in the harness and then even with the leash connected. Take your time and be sure it’s enjoyable for you and your cat before exploring the yard.