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Escape prevention question

SVSLC

Savannah Super Cat
Some of you may have read my first thread regarding my interest in obtaining a Savannah. As I mentioned in my thread, I am a paraplegic who lives alone. I am very concerned about the possibility of the cat getting out,and me not being able to chase it down or locate it. Also , I have people who come and go freely and often,they may unintentionally let the cat put. It would be almost impossible to construct a containment area to prevent the cat getting out when the door is opened.

Given the above information, I had a thought. Would an electronic collar work indoors and safely with a cat? I would never do anything that would harm the cat. I have read that they are safe, but I don't know if it would be effective and cause no harm? Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.

Bill
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
Are you talking about a shock collar? If so- chances are, it will shock your kitty THROUGH your boundaries and he won't come back.

Otherwise, what type of collar are we talking about? As far as visitors- this is up to YOU to stress to them that your companion is IMPORTANT to you and they need to learn to CLOSE THE DOOR.

Trust me, we've all had to teach visitors over the years- DOORS ARE SHUT for a reason!
 

Jacq

Savannah Super Cat
I completely agree with Trish. A shock collar would NOT work on a cat. Put a large sign on the door so your visitors are aware that the cat could escape and are careful.
 

Marissa

Savannah Super Cat
You could possibly consider a scat Mat? I think that's what they are called, i don't have any experience using one but I have heard of them. They give off a static shock kind of and will deter the cat from going near the door.
 

SVSLC

Savannah Super Cat
I just saw a youtube review on the Petsafe wireless system for cats. Yes, it does provide both an audible warning first then a mild shock. The review was by an owner who obviously cares a great deal about her cats, buying the system after a lot of research following the death of one of her cats that went outside their dog door and was killed. I am adding the link to the video. I did find multiple other reviews that were positive about the system.


Once again your feedback is appreciated. I am afraid a sign is not enough to insure safety.
 

Trish Allearz

Moderator
I just saw a youtube review on the Petsafe wireless system for cats. Yes, it does provide both an audible warning first then a mild shock. The review was by an owner who obviously cares a great deal about her cats, buying the system after a lot of research following the death of one of her cats that went outside their dog door and was killed. I am adding the link to the video. I did find multiple other reviews that were positive about the system.


Once again your feedback is appreciated. I am afraid a sign is not enough to insure safety.

I'm not trying to be witchy, so take this with a grain of salt.

But I would NOT place one of my babies in a home that was going to put a shock collar on them- regardless of how mild the shock or how great the home is otherwise. There has to be another option for you because I think most ethical breeders who care for where their little ones go would say the same.
 

Pam Flachs

Savannah Super Cat
I would definitely have serious reservations about using one of these containment devices. For one, the collar looks heavy and bulky (not to mention ugly), and doesn't seem to have a quick release. Cats have strangled to death on collars that did not have a release mechanism, and even with collars that did, if it does not release easily. If this collar does have one, I would imagine it would have to be pretty strong to not break away easily if caught on something, because of the weight of the collar and sensor. Second, the cats portrayed in the video look very sedate, laid back and quiet, unlike the high-energy, curious Savannahs....I can even see a nosy Savannah getting zapped or whatever this device does and running straight through that door or other opening......imagine trying to catch him or her after that....

I would think if this was as successful as the video portrays, EVERYONE with cats would be using it. I'm not saying it wouldn't work for some cats; but not with most. Just a thought, and I commend you for asking about this before you get a Savannah :)

There are plenty of time-tested and safe ideas to use to keep a cat away from the door, and they CAN learn not to dart out the door. A stiff broom kept outside the door, using a leaf-blower to teach the cat not to go outside, a pop can half- filled with pennies as a noise maker.....I hope others will chime in with ideas they have used successfully. For myself, screening in both of our porches was a neccessity, as well as not walking or carrying our cats out the doors we use. And the "Don't let the cat out" sign has indeed worked very well for us :)
 

SVSLC

Savannah Super Cat
I appreciate your comments, I hope I have not left the impression that I am an insensitive pet owner. The point of my question was to find solutions which are "SAFE, DOING NO HARM". The safety and welfare of any pet in my home ,has taken the highest priority. The point of me explaining my situation,was to inform responders that I fully recognize I have some limitations which need to be factored into a responsible decision. Bottom line, if I can't find a solution that insures the safety and wellbeing of a Savannah, my search ends.
 

WitchyWoman

Admin
Staff member
For myself, screening in both of our porches was a neccessity
Bill, I think this is the best solution. Or have small vestibules built with one door on each side. You said you have a fair number of people in and out daily and I personally could not trust each one to remember to be careful. You will be spending a fair amount of money on an SV and I hope you are equally willing to spend money on ensuring the cat stays safe.
 
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