My grandmother has Alzheimer’s and can’t remember that our cat is an indoor kitty. She keeps letting her outside through the door to the backyard that is in her room, and the cat won’t come back on her own. Last time this happened, it took 8 hours of searching the neighborhood before we finally spotted her. I was thinking of putting a lock on the outside of the door to prevent her from opening it, but I’m concerned for my grandmother’s safety should there be an earthquake or fire or other emergency that required her to exit out the back door. Thoughts and suggestions greatly appreciated!!!
I apologize for my warped sense of humor. Especially since I haven't got a legit solution for you.
Or, can you double-lock or bolt her door from the inside? If opening it is a two-step process she probably won't be able to do that before you have time to stop her.
If you really want the door unlocked and the cat in with Grandma, the sign at eye level seems like the best idea. Perhaps you could make a safe comfortable little home in the back yard, to entice her back. Or razor wire along the top of the fence?
My brother did that with his dogs. He had early ALZ, and would open the front door cuz the dogs were whining.
NO good answer.
Since she has AZ, I am wondering about her having a door in her room to get out of the house with no one else knowing. Is she a flight risk?
When it got dark, I taped a sign to the door to remind auntie to keep the dog IN.
Simple, but it usually worked.
Um. Why does your cat need to be an indoor cat?
It's just that the fact that she wouldn't come back on her own would normally make me suspect that she was voting with her paws on this issue. I agree that a housebound cat is better than a flat cat, God forbid, if you live near busy roads or other hazards; but by and large cats really do not appreciate being confined indoors.
As Alva stated most bedrooms do not have have an exterior door, so locking it should not be a safety concern.
I have a neighbor who let their 2 cats out when they are home, and the cats have tracking devices on their collars. I do not know what they are called or how they track (I am assuming a cell phone?). The disc is about one inch square and flat, and hangs from their collars. If you private message me that you are interested I will ask her the name and cost of the device. You would at least then be able to track the cat.
Good luck and hope that others have ideas for you.