Instructions
"Cat proof" your home. Make sure that all doors can be secured shut and all windows can be latched. Windows should have screens that cannot be pushed out if they are to be opened. Any holes or vents leading to outdoor areas should be covered or cordoned off.
Spay or neuter your cat. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that intact cats are more likely to attempt an escape than surgically altered pets. The need to breed urges intact cats to seek the company of other cats in the neighborhood.
Train your cat to run away from the door when it is opening. Throw a piece of kibble across the room to entice her in the opposite direction of the open door--her most likely avenue of escape.
Provide toys and a variety of stimulating play for your cat. All cats have a natural desire to hunt. If this need is unfulfilled, they may be more likely to bolt. Toys and games that encourage him to chase, pounce or stalk "prey" will fulfill this urge, prevent boredom and tire your cat.
Show your cat the environment outside of your home by training her to walk on a harness and leash. Doing this on a regular basis may lead to less inquisitiveness about the outside world, and less panic if your cat escapes unintentionally.
Look into your new cat's history. If he was previously an outdoor-only cat, the transition to an indoor cat may be a lengthy one that will try your patience. You may wish to use a ready-made, cat-proof fence in your back yard to allow your cat to experience the outside world without the possibility of escape.
How to Stop a New Cat From Running Away
Cats are veritable escape artists -- one minute they're by your side, the next they are across the neighborhood. This can be a painful and sudden realization for new cat owners. If you live in a particularly dangerous area where your new cat cannot be exposed to the outdoors, or if you are of the belief that cats should be indoor-only pets, running away from home can be a serious behavioral problem. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chance of your cat running away from his new domicile.