I would recommend just letting him come and go as he pleases, because this is what I did with my cat back home and it worked out really well. No litter box= righteous.

However, if this is not an option, all I can say is to be careful of keeping the door open... sometimes cats just want to go out. They can be very independent creatures. He's curious and probably wants to do some hunting, so if there's a way out he'll find it and take advantage. Maybe someone else will be able to give you better advice.

 

It's very rare to find an indoor cat where I live. They all like to be out and about, checking out their territory. This is really normal behaviour for the cat and I've not heard of training a cat not to do it once they have a taste of the outdoor life.

The issue though is, for the sake of your boy, you need the cat at home. I think that's right?

If so, can you operate a sort of 'airlock' system with the outside door, so no-one lets the cat into (whatever room the door opens into) and you check the room before you open the door?

Difficult. They're wilful creatures!

What about, if you have an upstairs part of your home, keeping this cat upstairs and putting a door at the top of the stairs to stop him sneaking down?

 

Single story, and he will shoot out the back door with the dogs or between my feet out the front.

And yes, this is all for my son's sake. I would leave him out - hopefully to realize how nice he has it with us.

 

I don't have any suggestions for you but I just wanted to let you know are really not alone in this problem. We had a couple of indoor/outdoor cats when I was growing up and it wasn't cause I was okay with them being outside. Cats are very sneaky when they want to be and they would always find a way to get out.

Just thought I would also mention that I would put a bell on my cats collar so it would help me keep track of her and locate her when she did get out.

 

the way to fix this is to open the door slightly, wait for the cat to try and bolt and then close the door in his face. He may even knock his head on it, thats ok. Lather rinse repeat. If you end up closing the door on the cat, do so gently, and have him "stuck" there for a moment or two, when he tries to back up instead or go forward, release him.

when the cat backs up, the door opens, when he goes for it, it closes, the same method used in dogs, you just have to be really good/fast at it.

=parts of that can sound/seem harsh, but to me an outdoor cat is likely a dead cat. Ideally the cat doesn't run into or gets closed in the door, but due to the nature of cats and the skill involved, don't beat yourself up if it happens, but try and have door open, cat tries, door closes. He will give up.

 

Criosphynx, that sounds like a great idea, but it's definitely not a guaranteed fix. I tried very similar techniques with my cat back home, and as someone mentioned before: they are very willful, independent creatures. Although that would probably provide a temporary fix, I'm willing to bet that eventually kitty will try again. He'll definitely be a little angry.

 

. Im confused by your comment. Why would this only provide a "temporary" fix? Once the cat learns the door shuts in his face hes learned it. If it didnt work for you long term you didnt train for long enough.

The angry comment I dont understand either. The cat understanding that you are closing the door, is a bit abstract. He will think his behavior causes the door to close, so no reason for the cat to be "angry" ( not sure I even believe thats possible, it implies spite) at anyone

Cats are smarter than dogs. This method works fantasic on dogs and cats.
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I will try anything! I was out last night in 15 degree weather with a wind off the lake going here kitty, kitty with a can of tuna. Finally caught him around 11:30 and my son would not come in until we had him.

Crio - I will try that. Or possibly take the door and beat him with it! lol No, I don't want to hurt him I just wish he was more like the other two - more interested in the radiator and food than the door.

 

So cats are smarter than dogs, but not intelligent to recognize that you are closing the door?

I'm not trying to insult your methods, I think it's a very good idea- I'm just saying that there is no permanent fix to a cat's interest in the outdoors. In fact, my cat was indoors only for 2 years before she graduated to indoor/outdoor, and that was only because we were vigilant. They are naturally adventurous creatures. As far as spite goes, we're talking about cats here... they can hold a grudge. My cat gave me the cold shoulder for the first two weeks our puppy was in the house!

I would say to do exactly what Criosphynx recommends, but just to be very aware of every time you open or close the door, your cat just may be waiting for you to put your guard down.