Rescue cat (aka Modom) has made a bid for freedom on day 4

[SarfEasticated]

It's a lovely summers afternoon here, and I caught her out of the corner of my eye sauntering down the deck. She then ducked under the fence and sat on next door shed for a while happy as larry. I was really worried as the shelter said to keep her in for up to 8 weeks. I managed to get her in by standing on a chair and lifting her down - she didn't scratch me though.
Can you explain to me what the waiting for 6-8 weeks achieves and how I know she is ready to go out, and also what happens when I let her out for the first time. She didn't freak out or anything - seemed very happy - unlike me!
She was found straying so I worry that she might try to get out and stray some more...

It's so that she comes to see your house as her territory and where she gets food and feels secure. If she sees it as "home" then she is less likely to stray.

When you do let her out do it close to a mealtime so she doesn't go very far.

Ahh I see, I thought it was because she wouldn't have known where she was and I couldn't work out how she would ever learn without going out. All is clear. Thanks.

8 weeks is a long time - 6 should be OK. If you think she is settled before that and she is desperate to get out and about you could try letting her out when she is hungry so that she learns to come back.

If you have some sort of cue she associates with being fed like whistling or tapping a tin, that will help get her back in when you begin to let her out.

Ahh good idea FairPhyllis. I only got her back this time by rustling the Whiskas pouch at her, will definitely go for a cue sound. I will also fill in the gap under our fence to next door's garden. She didn't seem able to get down from the shed roof either...

She'd have got down if needed, she didn't need to because you were there.

Why lift a paw if you don't have to?

I am finding this 'cat' thing rather tricky, I feel the need to please and cosset her, and don't know whether that is a good thing or not! Can they get really dominant like dogs do if they think their in charge. I am also petrified of letting her out in case she doesn't come back. It's like my worst parenting fears take shape in front of me.

No, they don't get dominant.

They manipulate you using plaintive miaows, big-eyed mournful looks & sulking alternated with adoring looks and purring.

Go ahead and cosset her, it'll do you both good.

She knows she's in charge btw, just like all the other cats.

If you are giving her Dreamies treats, then shaking a packet of those is pretty much guaranteed to get any cat's attention. They are crack cocaine for cats.