Mary Allen
Your cat may want to get to know the garden and the surrounding area. At what age can cats go outside? With our advice, your cat can go outside safely for the first time and return home safely. Before letting your cat outside for the first time, you should make sure that she is settled in the house and comfortable around you.
Unsafe cats or cats who have never been outside should gradually increase their time outdoors. Allow your cat to explore the outdoor space at its own pace. We do not recommend using a harness or carrying your cat outside. Both can stress your cat and cause them to associate discomfort with being outdoors.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR CAT INDOORS BEFORE LETTING THEM OUT?
Cats that are at least two years old
The cat’s personality and how long it takes to acclimate will determine how long you should wait before letting your cat outside. Although you may be tempted to let your cat outside immediately upon arrival, you should wait at least 2 to 3 weeks and up to 4 to 6 weeks before doing so. They now have enough time to get used to their new surroundings.
KITTEN
With kittens, the schedule is a little different. Once your kitten is around four months old, has been neutered, and has had all its vaccinations, we recommend letting them outside under supervision. Taking your kitten outside might be intimidating at first, so make sure he’s comfortable inside.
Contact Battersea or your local veterinarian if your new cat or kitten is restless and is constantly sitting or waiting by the back door, pacing, scratching, or fiddling with the door.
HOW TO LET YOUR CAT OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME
A cat flap is a great way to give your cat more freedom if you’re home all day, but if you’re not, letting your cat outside during the day is a good idea.
LET YOUR CAT OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME
- Improve their memory. If she comes to you after hearing your name, give her a treat and a gentle kiss on the head.
- All ponds in your yard should be covered.
- Remove anything that could be dangerous from your garden.
- To help them acclimate, sprinkle some dirty litter around the edges of your yard
ACCESS FOR YOUR CAT
Choose a quiet day, where there are no loud noises and the weather is dry when you first let your cat outside. Also, you must be present at their first foray into the world.
- Before giving your cat breakfast, open the back door first so she can go outside.
- If your cat ventures outside, give her about 30 minutes to roam around at her own pace. It’s best not to pick them up because it can be scary for them.
- Call her up and tell her to pick up her breakfast from you.
- To complete the process, have them do this regularly until they get used to being outside on their own.
Keep in mind that cats are naturally wary and will not step outside lightly. While some people rush the process, most people proceed cautiously. Don’t be alarmed if your cat jumps a fence or walks further than you would like. Most cats will come back within minutes, and you can then reward them with a tasty treat.
WHEN YOU BRING YOUR CAT OR KITTEN OUTSIDE FOR THE FIRST TIME
It’s a good idea to accompany your cat the first few times she’s allowed outside. Go outside and leave the front door open for your cat to join you, but she can quickly come back inside if she wants.
Sit quietly and enjoy a treat or toy you brought with you. While letting your cat roam free, you can use this method to call her back if you see she’s gone too far. You should gradually increase the time your cat spends outside.
Your cat can be trained even when you are not in the house. After calling, let them out of the house for a while. As an alternative to forcing them back inside, reward them and let them roam outside for a while so they don’t associate coming back to you with being forced inside!
Once your cat is comfortable and relaxed outside, you can begin to let her come and go on her own.
Installing a cat flap in a door or window is the best way to ensure your cat always has access outside when they need it.