When to start allowing kittens outside...

Nemo

Hi,

I've got a couple of 7 month old female kittens. They had everything done before I got them from a shelter, aged 3 months. ie. neutering, microchipping, shots etc. I started allowing my previous cats out after they were neutered at 6 months, but this was in April (17 years ago) when the weather was warming up and the nights were getting lighter.

I decided to wait until after winter is over to let these 2 out rather than risking them getting lost while it's cold out and having to go look for them in the dark etc. (The cat flap will be unlocked after they've had breakfast and they'll be locked back in in the evening). I've taken them out into the garden on a harness a few times.

I'm just wondering though if there are any disadvantages to leaving it until they're a year old. Would it be better to allow them some time out on their own earlier while they're younger and able to adjust quicker.

Thanks.

Rainsey

I have a 5 month old Tom who has been neutered and chipped and who sits at the door or on the windowsill howling until I let him out! I started off similar to you with a harness and then whilst we've been at home over Christmas I've left the door open and he just wanders in and out...howling as soon as I shut the door. I live in a quiet area with a field at the back of the house but won't leave him out all day until the summer. I plan to let him out in the morning and when I'm home as he isn't straying too far and comes when called or we shake the dreamies! Could you do something similar and just gradually extend how long you let them out for? If they do get too settled they may decide that they are indoor cats and not venture out at all.

rising_from_the_ashes

Leave it as long as poss - a year is a good age if you're in a safe area

Before that and they've really got very little common sense and often get themselves into situations they just don't know how to deal with - aside from many young cats falling victim to cars, there's often bullying from other cats in the area and if they get chased off they often can't find their way home

Wait ..... they have their entire lives to enjoy going out ...

GwylimT

In the nicest way kittens are complete idiots! When ours are kittens we do let them in the garden when we are home for short periods, however we have a cat proof garden so no ability to roam.

You could take them on daily trips in the garden on a harness until they are adults.

System

You should not allow kittens outside until there are nuns available with baskets to put them in

:rotfl::rotfl:

12_month_challenge

Whenever I got to the point of letting kittens venture outside I always put butter on all four paws (yes butter)

Old trick of my grandmas and I never lost a kitten after doing it.

Apparently they leave a trail and will find their way back if needed.
(If they haven't completely licked it all off)

I have just thought about this and it looks like I am a complete nut job :rotfl: I can assure you I'm not ( well not quite)

Carol369

I work for the Cats Protection so here is the advice we always offer:

You need to wait until your cat is neutered before you let it outside. You can try been with him outside before this but he could run away and if he is not neutered at the correct time and reaches sexual maturity, he will wander off in search of females.

Make sure he has had his full set of vaccinations and that he is microchipped, wormed and flead before letting him outdoors.

On a day with nice weather, where you will be home all day, dont feed him and open your door. You can watch him from a window or sit on the doorstep but don't follow him round, allow him his own space to roam. If you get nervous (it is an awful time!) then start preparing his food and he should come back!

Thankfully some people on here have realised that it is UK common practice to allow cats outdoors and should not be frowned upon.

Oh and your vet can also let you know when your cat is ready for neutering, some will do it at four months, others like to wait until six so get that checked. The sooner he is neutered the sooner he can enjoy the great outdoors!