Can I get my indoor cat to be an outdoor one safely?

[crunchyfrog]

He's about 18 months, lived with us from 8 weeks. In our old house there were bad roads on 3 sides of the house, a very small yard and a lot of feral moggies so I didn't dare let him out.

We've now moved, have a 60' garden. There is a busy road out front but no easy access, he would have to go up and over the garage. I know that's probably no bother though.
When he has accidentally got out in the past, he's gone 6 feet then frozen!
WDYT, would it be sensitible to try and get him to go out?

Does he want to go out?.

Can you cat proof the garden?.

Get cat fencing (I've used Securacat fencing).

Fence off part of the garden with cat fencing.

Get a cat run.

Teach him recall first, i do it with my two by shaking the treat tin and always giving them a couple of cat treats if they come to me when i shake it.

Then, put him on a lead and take him outside with you, sit with him in your lap, take treats, just let him explore with you there. 5 minutes the first day, then slowly increase the time you're outside.

When you go back inside, shake the tin, reward when he steps inside.

Eventually you'll be able to let him off the leash and just shadow him, and again increase the time he's out there.

Not fool proof, but this is how i taught my cat to go out, she's only allowed out during the day, and never for more than an hour or so, she always comes back when called!

My two rescue cats had always been indoor cats as they lived in a flat before.

I kept them in for the required 3/4 weeks and then braved letting them out.

They explored for an hour or so and then came back. They've been happily venturing ever since.