Reply #41: the out/in fear seems common in pets, I'm told patience works. [View All]

[crikkett]

I deal with my adopted dog's in/out neurosis by propping open the door and encouraging her to 'go' when she needs to.

A friend (who I greatly respect) tells me that her adopted cat begs to be on the other side of any door that is closed, so when she's home she is constantly letting the thing in and out of rooms and the house, unless it's nice out, when she just props open all the doors so she can do something besides walk behind a cat. My friend thinks her cat's neurosis is a response to being cooped up by its previous caretakers and thinks that the problem is gradually lessening as the cat becomes more comfortable.

Good luck with your carpets, I really know the feeling. I think my little b. stopped 'going' in unhappy places when she decided to trust us. She always looked so guilty when it happened. I never ever punished her for going, but I did bemoan the situation very loudly (sad, not angry) the whole time I cleaned up, which I did in front of her. I think one of her previous caretakers hit her - poor thing's been bounced around.