Letting cats out - dealing with The Fear!

[DollyParsnip]

Hi all,

We adopted 2 cats in October and let them out for the first time yesterday. Boy Cat didn't notice yesterday, but today went out then almost immediately ran in.

Girl Cat, however, is looking like a fearless adventurer! Despite being the timid one she was very happy outside yesterday and today disappeared into next door's garden then had a wander along the back alley - only a passing person Sent her running back home .

So, how do I swallow my fear and let her go? She obviously loves being outside - it's just me that's a total bag of nerves!

[PotPlantAddict]

She's gorgeous!

We have two very pampered fat city flat cats who will shortly be moving to the country and having their first taste of the great outdoors, so I understand your fear!

[Kursk]

Ours coped with an international move, and a whole new set of wildlife that would eat her given half a chance.

Cats are pretty able to look after themselves and climb a tree to get safe if they need to

[SpongeBobJudgeyPants]

I used to worry about Spongecat, and keep her in at night. But she just loves being out, or having the option to , and it was sad to see her not having her freedom. I think unless you have an indoor cat, they are better with access to a whole complete life, doing cat things, and going where cats go.... A bit like not keeping children tied to the apron strings I suppose. So I would rather she had a happy life, than a completely risk-free one.

[DollyParsnip]

When we got the cats it was on the understanding we would let them out - the CPL lady advised us to keep them in for 6 months as they'd apparently never been out before. Now the time has come it's a lot more worrying than I thought!

I suppose it's just me learning to trust that they'll come back when they're ready - we've been outside whilst the door's been open so they're used to us being there, but I know at some point they'll need to be left to it and there's lots for them to explore and have Cat fun with.

I'm not even thinking about the road.....

[Teardropexplodes]

Um.... we put netting round the garden fence, so he doesn't go too far. We're scared he'll get run over or stolen because he's such a beautiful boy and worth a few quid

[Teardropexplodes]

Ah, you see the lady we got Ozzy from begged us to not let him roam, as she's had cats stolen before.

Also, there was a spate of bad things happening to cats near us.

I let the kids out though 😂

[loveka]

You do just have to let them go. It's worrying but they are happier.

I am moving next week and although we are still going to be semi rural I am terrified about a new road they might explore.

I am thinking about using those cat scaring things to keep them away from the road. But I can't see anything anywhere about whether this works or not.

[Kokusai]

@DollyParsnip what a beauty!

I got the garden cat proofed. It isn't the best solution as the garden is quite small but much much much better than nothing, and I really don't want Kitten to roam because it is a very urban area.

[littlemissM92]

Dolly I understand how you feel as this was me a month ago.. I can't believe how well he and we have taken to it I was so so stressed the first week or so if he wasn't back within ten minutes or whatever but he didn't leave the gardens for ages and now he still hasn't ventured further than where I can see him through the day. He goes out 10pm until 4am and god knows where he goes then but I worry less as obviously there's barely any cars

[roofio87]

We got our dcat 3 weeks ago and hopefully we'll be letting him out soon. I don't want to do it too soon, but he is also keen to get out I can tell. He is quite a cautious thing so hoping he won't roam too far!!

[roofio87]

We got our dcat 3 weeks ago and hopefully we'll be letting him out soon. I don't want to do it too soon, but he is also keen to get out I can tell. He is quite a cautious thing so hoping he won't roam too far!!

[DollyParsnip]

Thank you for your sensible replies . Girl Cat is already so much more confident so I know we're doing the right thing. Just have to hold my nerve and trust her!

Boy Cat, on the other hand, is taking advantage of Girl Cat's adventures by stealing her favourite spot whilst she's outside - he's not as daft as he looks!

[BonTemps]

I always made sure I didn't feed them before they went out. They'll be fine once the check out their surroundings and they know they'll be fed on returning.

[DollyParsnip]

Well, day 3 was much more relaxed (for all of us!). Didn't feed either of them this morning and let them out at a time when they're usually sleepy.

Boy Cat still didn't fancy it, and secured himself a prime spot indoors by the fan instead . Girl Cat was exploring a bit, but was mostly lazing under my Chair - after about half an hour she yawned and sauntered back indoors and found a Chair to snooze on .

So, going well all in all!

[Want2beme]

I've got 3 cats & one of them goes out everyday, but in all honedty, I wish she wouldn't. I get so anxious when she's not around or is late back. I'm not sure you ever adjust to them going out. My other 2 only go outside with me.