How to Keep Your Male Cat from Roaming

Co-authored by Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT

Last Updated: March 24, 2023 References

Your male cat may love to roam freely, leaving your home to go exploring. However, your cat also can easily run into trouble or danger while out roaming. The best ways to stop your cat from roaming are to keep it indoors, make an exciting and enticing environment, and to keep your cat happy and healthy. There are also some options that will allow your cat to still enjoy the outdoors and stay safe.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Keeping Your Male Cat Indoors

1
Resist letting your cat outdoors. You may feel that you are depriving a cat of something it enjoys by keeping it indoors. However, letting your male cat roam can actually expose them to risk of injury or death. The simplest way to keep your cat safe and prevent roaming is to always make sure they are kept indoors.^{[1]
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The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
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- Indoor cats live longer on average.
- Indoor cats can still live happy and fulfilling lives.
- You are actually providing a safer life for your cat by keeping them indoors.
2
Create a good environment for your cat. Keeping your male cat indoors will help keep it safe and prevent it from roaming. However, you will still be responsible for making your home a protective and engaging space for your cat. By creating an ideal home for your cat you can rest easy, knowing that it is living a fulfilling and safe indoor life.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
Go to source}
- Consider adding a “cat playground” to offer an engaging environment for your cat.
- Always provide plenty of toys for your cat.
- Offering healthy food, treats, and things like catnip can help keep your cat comfortable and satisfied.
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3
Neuter your cat. Male cats will often seek to venture outside in order to find a mate. Male cats may also contribute to the amount of strays or feral cats in the neighborhood. Neutering your male cat can reduce the desire to search for a mate and will also help prevent overpopulation in your neighborhood.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
Go to source}
- Neutering your male cat will greatly reduce their urge to roam.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Supervising Your Male Cat When Outdoors

1
Take your cat on walks. Although it is more common to walk a dog, walking your cat can be a great way for you both to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. You will be able to find many different styles and models of harnesses and leashes that can securely and safely allow you to walk your cat. Try taking your cat on a walk to allow it supervised and safe outdoor time.
- Look at your local pet store for a properly sized harness and leash for your cat.
- Start slowly to make sure your cat enjoys walking with you.
2
Note the time of day. There are certain hours in the day that are more or less dangerous for your cat to be outdoors. If you must let your cat outdoors to roam on its own, restrict that time to only mid-day hours. Letting your feline friend roam during this time of day will cut down on the risks that other times of day can expose them too.
- Early morning, evening, and night are the most dangerous times for your cat to be outdoors.
- Your male cat may be more likely to fight other cats over their territory while outdoors during these times.
3
Create a secure enclosure for your cat. Your cat can still enjoy time outdoors and be kept close by creating a safe enclosure for it. These enclosures are generally large cages that fully secure your cat in their outdoor environment. Your male cat will still be able to enjoy the fresh-air and sunshine while being kept safe and close to the home.^{[4]
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- There are many different sizes available for you to choose from.
- You can build your own enclosure or buy one that is pre-made.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Keeping Other Cats Away

1
Avoid leaving food sources outside. Leaving out food is a major reason that stray cats will be attracted to your property. Cats may be seeking out garbage that they can access or may find a bird feeder to be an attractive hunting ground. By taking away food sources from stray or feral cats you will prevent them from roaming onto your property.^{[5]
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- Bird feeders might need to be removed if they are attracting other cats to your yard.
- Always secure garbage in a bin that cats cannot access.
- Never leave food out for strays.
2
Take away potential shelters. Outdoor cats will seek shelter and your property may be providing it. Any open spaces that a cat could fit into may be providing them protection from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Take a look around your property and look for any areas where you notice stray cats living in or areas that they may visit in the future.^{[6]
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- Check your house or garage for any holes that a cat could enter through.
- Cats will often hide under open porches. Enclosing these spaces can keep cats away.
3
Make your property unappealing. Cats have definite preferences when it comes to the areas they enjoy roaming in. It may be the case that your property has many elements that are drawing stray cats in. These simple landscaping issues can be an easy and humane way to keep these feral cats away from your property and your male cat. ^{[7]
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- Cover up dirt flower beds with stone to prevent strays from using them as a litter box.
- Remove any plants that might be attracting cats such as catnip or mint.
- Avoid having large bushy plants near your home.
- Cats hate the scent of citrus. Try leaving orange peels in problem areas.