When to allow cat outside?

zzzLazyDaisy

Mine is a hunter, and roams across the fields at the back of my house. But I have trained him to come when I whistle as the sound carries further, and he always turns up. Often with a present for me

rising_from_the_ashes

I wish I'd thought of a whistle! (noted for next addition to the family!)

seafarers_wife

just an update

ive started to let him out gradually but he is doing my head in

when i bring him in after an hour or two he yowl like mad at the doors to get out again.

Do I just bite the bullet and install the cat flap and let him have free reign?

Thanks

eta he hasnt yet been outside this morning but is already crying to get out.

rising_from_the_ashes

Glad to hear it's going to well.

Does he come back fairly well when you yell?

If so, let him out if it wants to be but just give him a yell every so often, reward him with a wee treat when he comes back and then let him wander around again (repeating process).

Both mine are tucked up in bed (big one hasn't even bothered coming out at all to see what's happening) - it's chucking down here.

tanith

Just let him do his thing, he knows how to get home now and he's not going to forget...

mummyroysof3

i found it hard when ours first went out but we just one day opened the door and left it open and off they went lol we had a few problem and 1 of the 3 did get hit by a car after she had been going out a few months and we have only just after 6 years got another one so have 3 again.

our kitten is 5 months and we have taken him out a few times and he looks scared so will leave him now till after he been neutered and then try the leave the door open and let him go approach

Wei-Huang

Just a bit of advice if he doesn't already have one. A reflective (preferably flea) collar is best. It means if he ever does stay out till dark that cars will see him at night.

pigpen

mine went out about a month after we moved house.. I opened the door and let them explore.. they didnt go far and came back every few minutes to check we hadnt left them I think..

I do call for them if they dont come in for dinner though.

rising_from_the_ashes

Wei-Huang wrote: »

A reflective (preferably flea) collar is best. It means if he ever does stay out till dark that cars will see him at night.

If you do use a collar, please check that it's one that will break if he gets stuck on something (eg a branch when climbing).