Unhappy Cat

Question
I have had my 5 year old indoor Burmese cat for 3 years and he was a great
cat for about 2 years. About a year ago, he got outside when the maintenance
people left the door open, and I couldn't find him for about 10 days. After
that point he has had a great interest in the outdoors, and tries to get
outside. For the past 2 months or so, he has been crying a lot, and constantly
tries to get out. I brought him to the vet because I was concerned about his
constant crying and he was given a clean bill of health. He got out for 4 days
last week and when I found him he drank for about 5 minutes, so I don't think
he had access to good, clean water in the 100 degree heat. Yet, he is worse
than ever. He is constantly crying, keeping me up through the night, and
trying to get out the door every time it opens. I don't know what to do
because I play with him, have tried to bring him outside on a leash, and feel
as though I am providing him with everything I can. Yet, he is still unhappy.
Please help!

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

It is my opinion he is in a phase that you need to help him through.  In point of fact, when you take him out when he is crying, you reinforce the behavior.  If you insist on taking him (applaud you for ensuring it's on a leash--keep in mind he MUST be on monthly heartworm preventative as well as flea/tick preventative if you take him out), you MUST do so only when he is NOT crying.  Provide him with more stimulating toys and a catnip ball sound by the Pet Life Stages company--you can find them at any Petsmart or Petco (I find Petsmart has more of a selection).

If it were me, I wouldn't have taken him out at all.  Eventually he would learn that despite his crying, he did not get to go out.  I find the biggest issue after situations like this is that the owners feel bad (which is perfectly natural) and let them on the patio or out on a leash when they're crying and then reinforce the behavior.  It will be a slow process, but you have to retrain him to understand he does not go out when he decides to.  Best of luck!

Best regards,

Holly Martin
Cat Care & Behavior Specialist
Texas A&M University
B.S. Animal Science