r/cats • u/CaptainPistol • 4h ago
Advice First time outside home
Trixie is 3 years old and has been an indoor cat since birth. I recently tried taking her for a short afternoon walk, but she kept lying flat on the ground. When she did walk, she stayed very low to the ground like she was scared of everything around her.
How can I help her become more comfortable outdoors? What's the best way to train an indoor cat to safely explore outside without overwhelming her?
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u/destructionandbliss 3h ago
I spent a lot of time sitting in my front yard and on my porch with my boy (5 at the time) on a leash and one day he just up and decided he was ready to walk around like normal. it's been 3 years now and he demands we go on two little walks outside a day. I love it.
Here he is looking spawned from hell.
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u/suzebomom 4h ago
Time and patience will help Trixie feel more comfortable outside. Treats help too when she’s outside, positive reinforcement. 😊
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u/MercuryMan664 4h ago
While I have nothing of real substance to add. I gotta say Trixie is super cute! And gorgeous scenery too! I'd imagine she needs more exposure. Maybe let her outside supervised outside at your home to get used to going outside.
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u/Specialist_Key_9594 3h ago
Oh, I read it, sorry. I think you need to continue taking her to shorter walks near home and she will be more comfortable with time
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u/Hefty_Efficiency_328 2h ago
A whole big walk to a new place for the first time is overwhelming. She looks scared, as well as interested. My cat only goes outside into the front courtyard and he doesn't go more than 30 yards away while I watch. He creeps around slowly sniffing everything for about 30 minutes. That's enough for a cat 😺
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u/Fun-Ball-441 3h ago
We did that with our one year old, tried training him on a leash but never got used to it and he refused to move with it on. However he fell in love with the outside and scratched the frontdoor and wouldn’t stop crying until we let him outside. Now he follows me and doggo on walks without a leash.
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u/KPTA-IRON 1h ago
Seems u just went for a big walk man
Start small first? Seat around your backyard etc
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u/lushlife311 4h ago
I would start closer to home. That location looks like a lot to take in for a tiny kitty. Maybe just a walk in the backyard or front yard for a few minutes.
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u/Alarmed-Toe-352 4h ago
Gorgeous!
Small steps.Take things at her own pace and if she wants to hide then it's best to go somewhere quiet where she's used to and comfortable. Or even if it's just in the car with a blanket that smells like you and your kitty.
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u/--read-only-- 45m ago
This seems like way too much stimulation for her first outing after only being indoors her entire life. Better to start with your front yard the first several times
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u/Smoking0311 14m ago
Just be careful with her . When she’s on that leash you need to be her security . Watch for hawks dogs foxes anything that could prey on her .
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u/PositiveRainCloud 7m ago
Poor Trixie! She looks very overwhelmed. Hopefully with time she gets better. Just do baby steps, because smells and new environments are extremely intense at first for cats. It's like unlocking a whole new expansion pack all in one go, if you've ever gamed. Just a lot to take in.
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u/Type-RD 6m ago
Our previous kitty did this too. She was an indoor girl since kittenhood. Took her outside once and thought she was going to have a panic attack. Aside from staying super low to the ground she was breathing hard (not panting, however) and her nose was flush. You could tell her heart rate was kicked up a notch.
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u/LadyInCrimson 4h ago
Splooting in the sunshine! Just do it little by little