Can i let my kitten outside

However, if you are out at work during the day you may prefer to install a cat flap. The local environment will dictate what rules you put in place regarding any time limits on access outside. You may wish to confine your kitten or cat at twilight so that it can remain indoors at night, or limit its access outside at times when traffic may be busy locally. Because of potential infection with diseases such as enteritis or cat flu, your kitten should not be allowed outside until at least a week after it has finished its first course of vaccinations at about weeks old depending on the vaccine.

You could then let it explore outside if it is supervised. Once it is fully vaccinated and has become used to living in your house, you can start to let your kitten go outside a bit more. However, before you allow your kitten free access outdoors, make sure it has been neutered at around 4 months.

You should also ensure your garden is safe for your kitten first by covering any ponds, blocking up any holes in the fencing and removing any potentially hazardous garden substances or objects, such as wood preservatives, insecticides, sharp implements etc. You then have a little bit of control when you go outside to call them in. Choose a dry day if possible and a quiet time when you can accompany your kitten outside, allowing it to explore the new environment. Continue to accompany your kitten until it is used to your garden and can find its way back to the house without difficulty.

It is best not to leave your kitten outside alone until it is 6 months old and it is essential that it is neutered from 4 months of age before allowing it unsupervised access. If you have adopted an adult cat you probably will have been advised to keep it in for weeks to settle into its new home. Are there any dogs living next door? What is the family schedule like? Will someone be home to let my cat in if she feels threatened or would she have to remain outside?

These are all important questions to ask yourself if you are considering this important lifestyle change for your cat. If you would like to give your kitten the opportunity to explore the natural world, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. While you may be eager for your adorable companion to get some sunshine and fresh air, there is no need to rush the experience. The outdoor world is indeed very large, very exciting and perhaps even a bit scary to a little kitten, so it is all the more important that you respect certain safety considerations before letting her out of your apartment or house.

Once you have considered the relative pros and cons of an outdoor environment for your cat, you may decide that it is better for her to stay in. This is a perfectly valid decision. Remember, ultimately you are the best judge of what is right for your cat given your particular living environment and her needs.

However, it is best to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of leaving your cat inside. You will feel better about making an informed decision, and you will likely communicate this positive attitude to your cat and any other family members.

There are a number of simple steps you can take to help create a positive, safe, stimulating environment for your cat. Most of these are relatively easy to set up and inexpensive. Now, that you have gotten an overview of the main issues to consider when deciding what is best for your cat, the indoor or outdoor life, you are in a much better position to make a decision that will work in the long run for both your cat and you.

Cats can be happy and healthy whether they live indoors or outdoors as long as you pay close attention to meeting the full range of their physical, psychological and emotional needs, and take the necessary precautionary measures to keep them safe and stimulated throughout the different stages of their life.

Keeping Her Inside. Outdoor cats undoubtedly have more opportunity to get physical activity through climbing, running, or exploring. Free to roam or simply explore a limited outdoor space, your cat has naturally less chance of gaining weight. Outdoors, your cat is totally free to engage in instinctive behavior such as scratching that you may not appreciate indoors on your furniture or brand new curtains.

The outdoor environment offers countless opportunities for your inquisitive cat to explore wider spaces and encounter new sights, smells, tastes, textures and experiences, stimulating her natural curiosity and wellbeing You can create a natural litter for your cat in a protected area of the garden, in addition to her usual indoor litter for rainy days and at night.

She may also enjoy having her own corner of the garden planted with long grass to hide and roll in. Cars are one of the greatest risks to your cat outdoors. Busy roads are especially dangerous but a cat may also be surprised and hurt by a car on a quiet country road. Cats are also at risk of hiding under the bonnet of a car. Your cat may wander too far and get lost. However, avoid putting a collar on her to prevent any risk of strangulation. Depending on where you live, other animals such as foxes, dogs, and especially other potentially aggressive rival cats are also a potential threat to your cat.

Outdoor cats are much more exposed to contracting infectious diseases especially through fighting with other cats. Toxic substances such as slug pellets, anti-freeze or rat poison, are also dangerous. Some common garden plants and flowers such as lilies or poinsettia are toxic for your cat. Outside your cat is more exposed to common parasites such as ticks and worms. Regularly treat your cat with flea, tick and worming medication.

Get your cat micro-chipped. Doing this can also encourage them not to wander too far. In preparation for letting your cat outside, you can try to teach them to come to you when called, using treats.

When your cat comes to you, give them a treat. Repeat this process several times in different locations around the house until your cat always comes and finds you when you call their name.

If your cat is initially reluctant to come when called, try doing this around feeding time when they are expecting to get fed and may be more eager to approach you for food. For more information, have a look at our advice on basic cat training.

Go outside and leave the door to the house open so that your cat is able to join you but can also quickly get back inside if they want. You should build up the length of time your cat is outside over a few sessions. When your cat seems comfortable and relaxed being outside, you can start to let them come and go unaccompanied. The best way to give your cat consistent and predictable access to the outdoors when they need it is to install a cat flap in a door or window.

Take a look at our advice on cat flaps for further information. Cat flap advice Learn more about choosing a cat flap and encouraging your cat to use it.