What age can kittens go out in garden by themselves?

[dinny]

We have two female kittens, aged nearly 5 months (have had them since start September).

One of them is DESPERATE to go out - have taken them in the garden when we are out but she just tries to run off under the hedge. We are on a residential street - not a through-road but cars do go up and down and am terrified of them getting running over - what do I do?

Thanks Dinny

I'd have thought they could go out at 5months especially if you've got one that is desperate to go out but try to tempt him/her back in with some smelly food by your back/front door so they get to know what their doorstep looks/smells like etc. One of my cats became so desperate she jumped out the window and little did I know till some time later when I opened the back door and she casually walked in! Have you got them microchipped? It's always a good idea to get them done just in case they do go for a wander.

Unless they are 'fixed' I wouldn't let them out or you will have 2 little kittens having little kittens!! Main concern is that they have had all their innoculaitons and also that a bigger cat doesn't beat them up.

Message withdrawn

We have house cats as we live on a VERY buy road.

We are moving soon to a much more rural area but I'm not sure I'd ever let them out now to be honest.

As we spend much more time with them due to them being in all the time (as opposed to previous moggies who only popped home for food then sodded off out again)I couldn't bear the thought of them being squished. It would feel a bit like sending a toddler out to play on the roads!

Agree with Yorkshirepudding, once they've been jabbed and 'done' they should be fine, but I'd start by just letting them out for a few minutes before a meal is due so they're not likely to go too far and get used to finding the way home.

good advice skibump

thanks for all the advice - we are getting them chipped (on Wed) and then will get them done when they are 5/6 months

so won't let them out till at least then, but I am so scared they will be run over - esp the bold one - she doesn't seem scared of noise of cars (when we have taken them for a look around the garden) whereas the other is a real homebody...

was easy with our old (rescue) cat - he HATED the outdoors.

Message withdrawn

I have 3 and none of mine went out until they had had their jabs, been done and had the follow up appointment to being nuetered/spayed etc

icod....