Cat that can't make up its mind when the window is opened

Tomasstz
Tomasstz Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone,

Our young cat Oscar (10 months old) has been driving us mad for the last few weeks.

Basically, he meows at the window leading to the balcony to be let out... When we oblige, Oscar hesitates before going out, and once he's finally out there, he usually wants back in within a minute or two. So, we open the window again for him to come back in. But at that point, Oscar won't move; he just stands there frozen in front of the window for several seconds before finally coming back inside.

The problem is he's been pulling this rigmarole every single evening, several times over, for the past month. When it's 0°C outside, it's getting a bit much because unfortunately Oscar doesn't have a bank account to help pay the heating bill! (None of the other cats in the neighbourhood have access to the balcony).

Some extra info: Oscar shares the flat with Bichon, a 2-year-old female cat who sometimes stays out for the whole day before coming home. Oscar, on the other hand, is happy enough just staying on the balcony. To go out into the grounds of the building, we HAVE to go with him, otherwise he panics and runs straight back into the flat. (There are a lot of cats on the estate).

If anyone can explain Oscar's behaviour—the meowing at the window and these very short, repetitive trips to and from the balcony—it would really help me out.

Thanks, everyone.

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

6 answers
Sort by:
    • G
    Greylox Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi there, I don’t have a solution for you, unfortunately, but here’s the reason behind this behaviour: cats like to have access to every single part of their territory. Whether it’s the balcony, the garden, or the bathroom, anywhere they’ve set paw a few times effectively becomes their domain. So, when a door or window is closed, they can’t carry out a full patrol of their territory. It’s a bit of a nuisance for them because they can’t make sure everything is "safe" before they settle down for a nap (which is usually the case). On top of that, when it’s cold outside, they’re not exactly keen on sleeping out there, which is why they ask to come back in as soon as they’ve done the rounds (which, as you’ve noticed, only takes two or three minutes max ;) ). It’s exactly the same when you’re in a room with the door shut; your cat wants to see what’s going on and will ask to come in just to make sure everything is okay on their patch :) Even the most chilled-out cats in the world can be like this; it’s just hardwired into their genes :)
    Translated from French
    Morghane
    Morghane Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Oh, honestly, I can tell you now—it’s not just for going outside that cats do that! They're exactly the same with any closed door! Mine lives in a flat. She loves coming into the bathroom with me when I'm in the shower. In the summer, I leave the bathroom door open so she can come and go, but in the winter, I shut it to keep the heat in. She’ll scratch at the door to be let in, and then once she’s inside, she miaows for me to open it again and just sticks half her body out... -.- I think she’s torn between wanting to be with me in the bathroom and wanting to be able to come and go as she pleases.

    I haven't found a solution. I just keep the door shut, whether she’s inside or out, for the duration of my shower and then open it back up afterwards. 😔

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    That’s cats for you! :-)

    Every cat I’ve ever known has done the exact same thing. When you have an outdoor cat, you automatically become a full-time doorman, unless you invest in a cat flap.

    I can’t fit a cat flap at my place, so I’m constantly opening and closing the windows. It’s not just that cats are incredibly indecisive; they’re also absolute champions at asking to come back inside ten seconds after they’ve just gone out!

    Translated from French
    L
    Louna et ses animaux Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    My 2-year-old cat does this as well, except I live in a house so he goes off to see his mates. It’s such a pain when he takes ages to make up his mind while all the heat is escaping, only for him to not even come in in the end 😞 I personally try to lure him in with some dry food to speed things up, but I know it’s not the best solution... If anyone has any tips for us, I’d really appreciate it 👍.
    Translated from French
    Tomasstz
    Tomasstz Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    We don't force him to go out in the complex. Oscar’s got into the habit of nipping out when we’re taking the rubbish out, for example; he follows us then without a second thought. Since then, he’s started asking to go out on his own (meowing at the door), but as soon as he’s out there by himself, he’s back inside in a heartbeat. Anyway, that’s beside the point. Thanks for clearing that up; it sounds like he’s simply... cold, despite his thick coat. 😉
    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi everyone, Oscar is really drawn to the outdoors, but the thing is, as soon as you open the window, he realises just how cold it is... So, he’s torn between his desire to go out and his love of home comforts. It’s also possible that the outside world still scares him a bit; he seems like quite a homebody. Why try to get him out of the house if he’s reluctant? Plenty of cats are perfectly happy with just a balcony. He has a more timid temperament than Bichon, and shall we say... he's a bit more hesitant.
    Translated from French

  • 6 comments out of 6

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more