When to let my 2 rescue cats outside when they want

[Anna93]

Me and my partner adopted 2 rescue cats 3 weeks ago, they've been wormed/deflead/vaccinated/spayed and the rescue centre advised us to allow at least 2 weeks before letting them out.
I've seen lots of useful tips on how to start letting them outside, and we've let them out 3 times before meals for around 5-10 minutes.
We're planning on fitting a cat flap soon. When should we allow them free access to outside? And any tips on making sure they return home?
Thanks

[MrsPnut]

Cats are usually quite lazy and if they know that they are going to be fed then they won't go too far.
I'd start letting them out to begin with before dinner and when you are around in and out of the garden so you can see straight away if they get spooked.

[Ebbenmeowgi]

We let ours out after 4 weeks. He was very reluctant to at first and wouldn't stray too far, but now he's out all the time (and bringing home live mice to play with, grim!)

[Slave2thecat]

I was advised 6 weeks. We usually keep our new cats in fit 8 weeks. They are properly settled by that point. The last couple if weeks they are generally staring to climb the walls though - it's tiugh but worth holding out for that little bit longer!

[Geraniumred]

We trained ours to come running to the sound of cat biscuits being rattled in a metal tin. Works really well as the sound carries a long way.

[Anna93]

Thanks for all the replies! They're still a little nervous when they go out, but they're not very good with their litter tray so I'm keen to get them going out after meals so they can do their business outside! I'm so paranoid if they get spooked outside that they'll run off if they've eaten though!

[MrsPnut]

Our cat comes when you rattle the biscuit box too. Get them trained to have a high value treat when you rattle it and then you have more chance of them coming in when you want.

[Anna93]

That's a good idea, I'll work on that with them! Thanks for the advice!