Why is my cat scared of the front yard but loves the backyard?

It's very possible something scary happened in the yard, or there is an animal under the ground making noises she can hear but you can't. If this is a sudden or new behavior, ruling out any health issues with your vet is also a good step to take. You can try to get Delilah more excited about the back yard in a few ways. If she likes walks, taking a "walk" on leash through your backyard may distract her enough to enjoy her time. Bringing a favorite high-value treat such as pieces of chicken or hotdog and only giving them every time you're in the yard can also help her associate the backyard with good things instead of scary. Checking to make sure there aren't any animals or items that can startle her and getting rid of them may also make the yard more welcoming.

Being outside can be pretty overwhelming and scary for an animal who's not used to it! If you keep introducing your kitty to the outdoors, over time it should become more familiar and less scary - but some cats who grew up indoors never learn to enjoy going outside. Try to make it a positive experience by offering some treats or canned food when he's out with you. If you want to keep trying, I recommend putting a cat harness and leash on your kitty, since scared animals can panic and bolt!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Barney! I would try to talk to the owners of the cats first. If that doesn't work, contact Animal control and find out how you can legally (if owned) prevent them from entering your yard or have them come and capture the cats (strays or ferals). You can also purchase noise deterrents that are turned on my motion. Maybe over time the cats will avoid your yard if they find it "scary." I wish you and barney the best!

Hi there and thanks for posting on Pet Coach. It is hard to know what Luna’s experiences were before adopting you, but I expect by her behavior that she may have had some bad experiences outdoors and does not want to repeat those! Cats can be perfectly happy indoors and it is certainly safer than the dangers that present themselves outdoors. Have fun with her- she sure is cute! Thank you for using Pet Coach!

Indoor cats typically have a safer and longer lifespan than thier outdoor counterparts. If she is happy indoors I would not encourage her to go outside. If you are able to build her a secure small "catio" cat porch outside that might be a way she can safely enjoy the outside. But cats that go outdoors are more at risk from trauma from vehicles or other animals and disease, parasites and viruses. I'd be happy that she is content inside.

It sounds like Licorice is afraid of something outside. Maybe there is a feral cat or other wild animals that are causing her to be fearful of going out. You could try an sit outside with her and see if that helps. You could also try some Solliquin chews to help relieve stress and anxiety. If she doesn't want to go, then you shouldn't force her to go outside.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes dogs can get scared even when there does not appear to be anything scary in sight. Remember that they can hear and sense much better than us so he may be perceiving something that is near which you may not. This can improve but it can certainly become a bit difficult at times. I recommend that you start taking him out for longer periods but very slowly over the next several weeks. Encourage him to stay out with treats and positive words. Also, in the beginning just take him out without walking initially just to get him used to his surroundings. Eventually little by little he will learn that going outside equals getting treats and attention and will improve with time but it does require time and patience. You can consider using the Thunder shirt for him which you may find online and can help a lot in these cases. Good luck and have a great day!