Cat Suddenly Scared to Come Indoors

by Jane
(Essex, England)

My cat has recently appeared scared to come indoors. He normally is in and out all day and I always get him in every night. So far I am still able to coax him in at night (normally because he is hungry by then as he hasn't eaten since breakfast) and once he is in, he eats well, enjoys a fuss, purrs and curls up on a bed somewhere. However, the next day, during the day, he keeps coming back to the house but every time I try and approach him or encourage him to come in (as he seems like he wants to), he acts scared, meows and runs away.He normally stays fairly close and keeps reappearing at the door, but runs off again every time I open the door for him to come in. He has a cat flap which he can use if he wants too. He appears well in every other sense. This has been happening for the last 4 days now. I can't think what could possibly have scared him or what other reason there could be. Any ideas please?!

Answer by Kate
Hi it could just be what i like to call spring fever. Its almost as if they get excited about being outside again after the winter, sort of full of the joys of spring. My own cats behavior changes quite dramtaically in spring.
The other option is of course there may be a new cat in the area who is in his territory, they may have even sprayed near the back door and this is detering your cat. You could try cleaning around the back door and cat flap just in case.
Apart from that, i don't think there is much for you to worry about as long as he is still eating and coming in at night.

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