Help!! What do I do with my indoor cats… do I let them finally venture outside?

[Benji1998]

Had x2 indoor cats now for around two years. They recently started going mad to go outside , we have let them out the last couple of days and so far they have kept to the garden. We live in a rural town, we are by a road but it’s quiet and there seems to be quite a few cats around (next door have 2/3). My anxiety is through the roof whenever they go outside. They seem to be coming back for treats etc whilst they are outside. I am just worried about when they finally leave the garden. Have they been inside too long now to get used to being outdoors? I really don’t know what to do. I’ve never seen them so happy than they have been the past couple of days outside in the sun.

You now have 2 outdoor cats, Op!

Are they microchipped? Do you have a car flap for them?

I've just been through similar, OP. But like many cats, mine is happy to stay in the garden and not wander. He is also very happy. Steel your nerve and let them enjoy the summer.

Could you perhaps get a catio or cat proof your garden to give you some peace of mind?

Our cats only go out when we are at home, and come in at 7pm on the dot because thats when we feed them. They dont really go out of our garden.

They are microchipped and neutered, up to date flea treatment etc. Don’t have a cat flap yet, going to get one put in if we carry on letting them outside. I have been bringing them in around 5pm and they stay in until around mid day. I’m currently on maternity leave so I’m able to watch them in the garden. Just know I’ll be worried sick when they finally gain the confidence to venture off and explore!

We’ve recently let ours out and got them a fully functioning cat flap that they won’t use. They love going out and haven’t ventured further than the garden yet but I’m sure they will. I get what you mean though, I’ve always had dogs before so don’t relish not knowing where they are, but I’m getting more used to it and call them every couple of hours or so for treats so they know to come home!

Cats are much clever than we give them credit for. They’ll work outside of the garden for themselves and I’m sure will keep coming back to a home where they’re happy and well cared for.

You can get your garden catproofed. It's the best of both worlds - outdoor time but safely.

I think they will be fine. They know where home is, especially as they come back for treats! If they're neutered they don't tend to roam far. I have 2 16 week old kittens and they're hankering to get out! Mama is managing to come in and out of the window, which is too high for them at the moment! They're both chipped, vaccines are imminent, then the next step is neutering! Then I'll have the same worry as you! I've actually got them a little harness each, to get them used to the garden without them roaming too far... My friend is staying for the weekend, so we'll be doing that! 🌸

Has it been suggested that you can put a tracker on them? You'll know where they are. Obv you can't not allow them to go certain places because it's what cats do. Unless you get a catio.

I assume you know they'll always come back? I think it's rare that cats wander off to live with another family. Also,if they are neutered they are said to be a bit less adventurous, so less risk for fights etc. the road is obviously a concern.

You are at the point of no return. So they are outdoor cats now. I'd probably get a catio. Make the garden nice for them with things to climb etc.

It can be really stressful when cats go exploring. But it's what they do. I would consider getting a microchip cat flap if you do buy one.

Definitely keep them in at night.

The first time our cat went out of the garden was awful… it was like watching a toddler skipping down the road on its own. We always knew she was going to go outside though so that’s the difference. Now we have a routine so it’s no problem. She comes in at night at about 10pm to sleep and claws the carpet outside our bedroom at about 06.00am to be let out in the morning (but she’s in and out all day for naps)

No. Take them out for walks instead. It’s an unpopular opinion I know but it’s safer

Like the idea of a tracker. We have 2 kittens desperate to get outside, need to wait till microchipped & neutered in Sept. Meantime we have got a harness & lead to take them in garden & let them get used to it - hoping this will.let them see garden is an extension of home. Will see how it goes but may continue taking them for walks as we do like near a fairly busy road.

Our 3 are outdoor cats and disappear for an hour or so before reappearing to top up the tanks. Letting them go was so difficult but after a month of going out with them, we had to trust them, and they're fine. We keep them inside overnight, 9pm ish, till 7am. They're people lovers and we live by a busy cafe, so they enjoy socialising with their customers during the day.

Cats are much happier when they can go outside and please themselves as to their schedule.

Can you cat proof the garden? We did this and it makes it much less stressful – the cats can enjoy being outside and you don’t have to worry about their safety. There are companies that will do it for you, but we did it ourselves and it wasn’t expensive.

We could look into cat proofing the garden. We’ve just spent over 10k on the garden so money is a bit tight at the moment!!

Have they had their vaccines OP?

I wouldn't worry too much about them wandering off, they know where the food is, so they'll come home for that. Teach them to come running to the rustle of a Dreamies packet just in case!

Assuming you have a fence you just need to extend it to the top at an angle. There are companies specialising on cat proofing or you pick a design and a handyman you trust to do it for you.

I recently came across a company that specialised in cat flap installation. Another makes balconies cat proof.

Agree the only thing you need to 'worry' about is any road accidents. You are the judge because only you know your road nearby.

And perhaps them noseying around the neighbours shed and getting locked in. I think once you let them go your anxiety will ease.

Cat flap.one that uses magnets so only your cats come in.

Even better, get one that reads their microchips. No need for them to wear collars or for you to worry about them losing collars and not being able to get back in.

That's a new one I've got experienced! But would be loads better than the buggers losing collars!