Letting the cat out for the first time?

[Moln]

He's neutered and microchipped and he's going to be an outdoor cat but how do you handle that first time outside and the fear he'll disappear?

He's 4.5 months

[Anthracite]

Keep in mind that cats have nine lives!

We found that with our cat, he was very tentative about exploring, so would not venture far before coming back. I was worried about other cats but our dog keeps them at bay.

[Moln]

I know - this is my first cat - can you tell!!!

My biggest worry is that he won't be able to get back into the garden if he gets out! I've visions of him stuck unable to get back in (we've a fence on on side and then a high wall on the back and other side.

He's very interested in the birds so I'm sure he'll be off looking for them

[girliefriend]

It is a bit nerve racking! I would choose a time when you can potter in the garden yourself, keep the door open so he can go in when he wants and I would do it in the morning.

He probably won't go far tbh.

[soaccidentprone]

With all of our cats I've carried them outside a few times.

Then go out with them, let them gave a few minutes, then bring them back in. Then just leave the door open so they can venture out by themselves (which generally takes a while).

The first time I let them out all by themselves, I do it before they have been fed, so that they have a major incentive to come straight back (the sound of the fork on the bowl, and the rattle of cat biscuits).

But you never really lose the slight worry, when they don't appear within 5 minutes of calling them. It goes with the territory of being a cat parent

[girliefriend]

Just seen you other post, cats are amazing at jumping, climbing etc so I wouldn't worry too much - if he can get out he will find a way of getting back in!

My guess is though until he has gained confidence he won't venture out of the garden!

[girliefriend]

Oh yes and keep dreamies handy my young girl cat 6 month old can hear the rustle of the dreamie pack opening from the other end of the street!!

[Moln]

Have dreamies!!

Got them to teach him to respond to his name (which worked, admittedly sometimes with a delay if he's got something more interesting to look at)

I think today is the day he's getting out (especially seeing he's spent the last 5 weeks mewing at the door)

[Moln]

• not the entire 5 weeks!!

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

Dreamies... I got mine to come running for them before they first went outside..and now I only have to call and shake a packet and they coming dashing in!

However they haven't ventured far.. mine are only let out into the garden where there is a small hole into next door and they potter about and dash back in at noises.. so you may find he is sensibly cautious!

[Fluffycloudland77]

Am I the only one who thinks 4.5 months is a bit young & naive to be out alone?.

I don't know what the reccomended age is to be out and about alone.

[Moln]

After neutering I was told Fluffycloud.

[girliefriend]

I think it is old enough, esp once microchipped and neutered.

As long as you don't lock him out and bugger off into town or something I think its fine!! My girlcat has been out since that age, when younger with supervision and like I said always came back for dreamies. Now she is bigger 6-7 months ish she is out quite a lot.

How is it going op?

[catsofa]

Let out just before dinner time when he's hungry, then he'll come back just fine!

[Moln]

He went out and ran around the garden, managed to get onto the fence (which caused DS2 to panic!!) walked down the fence and then along the back wall having a good nose into the people behind's garden, came back again. Then he came in due to DS2 calling him and offering a dreamie (also we had to go out)

Second time he went out and went straight onto the fence and after a while jumped into the neighbours garden, after a few mins he jumped back up and then stayed in our garden exploring.

He's conked out on the couch now.

[WalkingThePlank]

We have a 1 year old cat who we have had for a week from the Cats Protection League. I believe she was a stray at some point so I am worried hat she will not have any fears at all and will go wandering off. She doesn't answer to her name either. I'm really scared about letting her out.

She is a very confident little madam. How long do you think we should wait until we let her out?

She's my PFBC - Precious First Born Cat.

[Moln]

I think^ it's four weeks in the house for cat in a new home or property WalkingThePlank