How to get a cat to come home at night

Cats are known for their independent and curious nature, which often leads them to embark on adventures outside the home. While this freedom allows them to satisfy their instinctual behaviours, it can also lead to increased worry for the cat owners, especially when the sun goes down. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to get a cat to come home at night, ensuring your furry friend is safe and gives you peace of mind.

Understanding your cat's behaviour

Before diving into the strategies, it's crucial to understand why cats tend to wander off, especially at night. Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. These periods are their prime hunting times.

Cats love exploring, and the nocturnal environment serves as a playground that suits all their curious needs. Their excellent night vision and keen hunting instincts also contribute to their preference for nocturnal adventures. However, the darkness of the night can expose them to various dangers, including road traffic accidents, getting lost, or encounters with other animals.

Furthermore, cats are territorial creatures. They establish their territory by marking it with their scent. This behaviour is more prevalent in male cats than in a female cat, which are more likely to venture farther from home, particularly if they haven't been neutered.

Hence, understanding these behaviours can help you develop effective strategies on how to get a cat to come back home at night.

The importance of preparation

Before you start training your cat, you need to be prepared. This preparation involves creating a conducive environment for training and ensuring your cat's safety. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Neuter or spay your cat

Neutering or spaying your cat can significantly reduce their desire to roam, especially at night. This procedure eliminates their need to seek out mates, thus keeping them closer to home.

If you're unsure about this procedure, you can get in touch with a vet or a professional pet health advisor. They can provide you with comprehensive advice and even help you get a cat insurance quote for the procedure.

2. Microchip your cat

Microchipping your cat can be a lifesaver if they ever go missing. A microchip contains your contact information, which can help someone return your cat to you if they find them. Ensure that your cat's microchip details are up-to-date.

3. Use a breakaway collar

A breakaway collar is a safe option for your cat. If the collar gets caught on something while your cat is exploring, it will simply snap open, preventing any potential injuries.

4. Create a cat-friendly garden

Designing a cat-friendly garden can encourage your cat to stay close to home. Include features they like, such as plants (like valerian or sunflowers), a small shelter, and even some catnip. For some more advice on creating a cat-friendly garden check out a blog on our site.

Training your cat to come home at night

Training your cat to come home at night is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Start with supervised outings

Begin by taking your cat out for supervised walks. You can use a leash and harness to maintain control. During these walks, show your cat the safe areas where they can explore and set boundaries for areas they should avoid.

2. Extend the explorations

Once your cat is comfortable with the leash and harness, you can start lengthening the walks and letting your cat explore more. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praises, whenever your cat stays within the designated boundaries.

3. Gradual independence

Gradually allow your cat to explore without the leash, but always stay nearby. During this stage, continue to reinforce the boundaries and give rewards for correct behaviour. If your cat ventures beyond the boundaries, gently guide them back.

4. Off-leash exploration

Once your cat consistently adheres to the boundaries, you can let them explore independently. However, always remain watchful. If your cat goes beyond the limits, call them back and reward them when they return.

Other useful strategies

While training plays a significant role, several other strategies can help get your cat to come home at night:

1. Establish a feeding routine

Cats are creatures of habit. By setting a specific feeding time, especially in the evening, your cat will associate this time with mealtime and will likely return home when they're hungry.

2. Use familiar scents

Cats have an excellent sense of smell, and familiar scents can lure them back home. Place familiar items, like their favourite blanket or your recently worn clothes, outside your home.

3. Leave a door open

Consider leaving a door slightly open to allow your cat to sneak back in when they're ready. This approach can be particularly effective if you're training your cat to come back at night.

4. Use food bait

Use food, particularly strong-smelling ones like tuna or sardines, to lure your cat home. Heat the food to enhance its aroma and attract your cat. However, be aware that this method may also attract other animals.

5. Call your cat calmly

Cats are more likely to respond to the calming sound of your voice. Instead of calling out in a pleading or frantic tone, speak as if you're talking to a friend. This comforting sound can attract your cat back home.

How do I train my cat not to go out at night?

1. Establish a routine: Cats, like humans, are creatures of habit. Set a schedule for your cat's feeding times, playtimes, and sleep times. This will help condition your cat to being indoors during certain hours, especially at night.

2. Create a stimulating indoor environment: If your cat wants to go outside, it's likely they're seeking stimulation. Ensure your home has plenty of playful distractions like toys, climbing towers, scratching posts, and interactive activities. This can deter your cat from wanting to venture outside.

3. Offer incentives for staying in: Use positive reinforcement strategies. For instance, if your cat tends to leave at night, try rewarding them for staying in with treats or extra playtime.

4. Feeding schedule adjustment: Another helpful tip can be modifying your cat's feeding schedule. Feed them a main meal right before your bedtime. Cats tend to sleep after a big meal; this can help keep them inside during nighttime hours.

5. Ensure safety and comfort: Make sure your cat has a safe, comfortable space inside to sleep. If they feel secure and comfortable, they will be less likely to want to venture out.

6. Gradual training: Start by restricting your cat’s outdoor time gradually. It is more effective to reduce their outside hours progressively rather than stopping it suddenly.

7. Use of cat flaps: Consider installing a cat flap that you can control. Some are magnetic and can be linked to your cat's collar, allowing only your pet to come and go. Others can be programmed to lock at certain times.

8. Neuter/spay your cat: If your cat is not yet spayed or neutered, consider having it done. Cats who have been spayed or neutered are less likely to roam.

For example, if you decide to use a cat flap, you could set it to close just before dusk and open again after dawn. This way, your cat gets some outdoor time but is kept safely indoors during the riskier nighttime hours.

Dealing with stubborn cats

Despite your best efforts, some cats may still refuse to come home at night. If you have such a cat, it's important to ensure their safety while they're outside.

Consider setting up a small shelter outside, filled with comfortable blankets that carry your scent. This way, your cat will have a safe place to hide if it starts to rain or feel cold.

Why won't my cat come home at night?

Why won't my cat come home at night? This question may have been bothering you, especially if you're a first-time cat owner. Cats are independent creatures and they love exploring their surroundings, especially during the night when it's cooler and quieter.

Your kitty might be out hunting or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the night. However, it's worth noting that being out all night can expose your feline friend to various dangers such as traffic, wild animals, and even harmful substances. Therefore, it’s important to try and train your cat to come home at night or create an inviting environment indoors.

What to do if your cat doesn't come home

If your cat doesn't come home after a night out, don't panic. Most cats, especially an indoor cat, do not go very far. They are likely hiding nearby, waiting for the right opportunity to return. While you wait patiently, continue to use the strategies discussed above to lure your cat back home.

However, if your cat hasn't come home for two nights in a row, it may be time to start actively looking for them. Reach out to your neighbours and local community groups, and consider posting about your missing cat on social media. Remember to include a clear photo and your contact details in your post.

Can a cat get lost?

Indeed, the answer to the question "Can a cat get lost?" is a resounding yes. Cats are curious creatures by nature and their adventurous spirit could lead them to unfamiliar territories.

While they have a strong sense of direction, there are various factors such as moving to a new home, or being in an unfamiliar environment that can disorient them. As much as we like to believe our feline friends are invincible, they can also get scared or distracted, causing them to lose their way.

Patience and consistency is key

Training your cat to come home at night may seem like a daunting task, but with patience and consistency, it's entirely possible. Using the strategies outlined in this guide, you can ensure your cat's safety without compromising their freedom.

Remember, each cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Experiment with different strategies, and find what works best for your feline friend.

And don't forget, if you're considering any procedures like neutering or microchipping for your cat, don't hesitate to get in touch with a professional pet health advisor. They can provide you with comprehensive advice and even help you get a cat insurance quote. However, it is important to state that any preventive treatment, such as neutering or spaying is not covered by our policies.

With the right approach, you can confidently let your cat enjoy their outdoor adventures, knowing that they'll safely return home each night.