Rescue misses the outdoors. I live in an apartment. Advice?
Our 2 year old British Short Hair rescue has been living with us in a two bedroom apartment for almost a full year.
Before adopting her, she spent 100% of her time outdoors as a stray. She has adapted well to indoor life. We play with her often, she has a small dog brother who she loves (the feeling is mutual), and she is a sweet lap cat who loves to explore and parkour off of our furniture. She spends A LOT of the day in her window perch “hunting birds” that come to the window. She also likes hunting animals on the TV.
For the last week or so, when I return from walking the dog, our cat will make a break for the door to explore the hallway of our apartment. Nothing in our routine is different or new. We got a harness and leash and are gently introducing this to her so she can explore safely. I am hoping this helps, but I also want to know what those of you in an apartment do to help satisfy your cat’s desire to explore outside safely.
I can’t build a “catio” and can’t make any major changes to our space since we rent. I don’t want her to feel cooped up in the apartment all day, but also want to keep her safe since this is a shared living space and there are people with untrained dogs around.
Any advice? And why is she having this urge to run out the door after a year of being here?
TLDR: After a year of living indoors, our previously outdoor cat suddenly wants to go outside again. Why now, and what positive changes besides a harness and leash can we make in a rental space to help satisfy her desire to go outside?