How long did it take your cats to get used to being outside??

[Benji1998]

Have x2 cats, they have been indoor for the past two years however we have decided to let them out as they seemed miserable being inside. They have been outside the past week, let them out in the morning then they come in at night. They haven’t ventured outside the garden yet. How long did it take your cats to start getting braver/going further? I know my anxiety will be through the roof when they finally decide to go venture off.

They might not after being in 2 years especially if they are female and or neutered male.

I didn't think you were supposed to do this?

They may be happy to potter around nearby and not venture too far

Boy cat - under 30 seconds. Deliriously happy, went off to terrorise the local neighbourhood.

Girl cat 1 - not long, climbed on top of the garage and started singing to the moon of an evening

Girl cat 2 - 7 years on she only goes as far as the hedge. Will sit on the patio if 1. it is the right time of day and 2. DH is there. Honestly she's been faulty since day 1.

Oh really? I didn’t realise. I’ll have to do some more research. Shame because they’ve been loving it.

Do what you want.

Personally I think it's better to let cats out unless you have no. alternative.

Thanks. I have been thinking this more recently.

Why on Earth not?

I have a picture of my two rescue cats on their first day outside. They’re hanging off the door handle trying to get back in! They spent the first couple of times (hour or so each time) stalking round the garden. Eventually building up to the fields and further afield. Now we barely see them if the weather is good!

My cat was indoor for 8 years as lived in a flat. Let her out last year in rented house. Stayed in back garden during the day. Didn’t climb the fence but went under it. Went exploring green area across the road evening time. But came back when called.

new house managed to get out under fence but only to neighbours. Blocked gaps and she will only stay in the garden. It’s a new build estate still being built, so I really don’t want her exploring. Seems happy munching grass and catching flys

Ours stayed in for several years until we let them out. I used to hate the idea of indoor cats but now mine are thriving outside.

They don't go far though, the oldest and youngest only really go out for an hour or two, but the middle one will happily go out for 3-4 hours. I'm also pretty sure he gets fed at the neighbours as he often comes home smelling of perfume 😂

I have 6 cats and 1 of them is a pedigree and shouldn't go out but after nearly 2 years we couldn't keep him in, he is thriving outside although to look at him he's very scruffy looking now. He doesn't go far and won't let people near him. He's just started staying out although still comes back for litter tray. He can't use cat flap so uses a window. Let them enjoy themselves, once colder they might not want to fo out

It took mine 1 to 2 years

A few weeks. We didn't put them out. Just left the door open, after about a week or two we started leaving the litter tray outside so they had to go out, then got rid of it all together. We live on 5 acres with two other houses on the same land then its just farmers fields. Three of them explore the full 5 acres. One of them stays within 6ft of our house.