Recall – I will come home when I want!
Your cat may start going out more and staying out longer as they are unhappy that you are not at home the same.
Now is the time to make sure when your cat goes out you call them back in regularly. Calling their name or shaking treats gets them used to a recall system; shake treats and reward them when they come home. Make a fuss of them when they come back and play with them giving them positive reinforcement for good and welcomed behaviour. This will communicate to them that they are loved and will give them confidence to accept that routine has changed for all, and they still have a happy home.
Miaow, please let me out!
If your cat does have a cat flap, however through lockdown you have created a behaviour of providing them access, they will not understand why they are no longer getting out the window or front door!
This may create stress for your cat, they miaow more, scratch at doors, carpets and curtains. They may even start more undesirable behaviours as discussed in earlier posts.
It is now time for you to re-train your cat and get them used to their own door/cat flap. Cut down first and then cut out, responding straight away to what the cat is wanting. Change your behaviour; get them used to the cat flap again. If you refrain from opening windows and doors they may ultimately get bored and if they really want out they will use the cat flap. Give them praise when they go out and come back in. At this point you can reward them. This will show good and desired behaviour. The cat should start looking at you less for a reaction.
When will I get back in?
Perhaps you don’t have a cat flap. While you have been at home you have encouraged letting your cat out as discussed above. You are no longer at home or you are going on holiday. Plan getting your cat used to staying in. Slowly decrease the number of times you let them out.
Instead, introduce more play, puzzles or interactive toys to show them there are alternatives for stimulation. Re-introduce and show them being indoors is fun. Get them used to the litter tray again and give high praise when they use it. Make sure you plan this in advance of going on holiday as you do not want to leave your unhappy, perhaps stressed cat behind.