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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Letting cats out - dealing with The Fear!

15 replies

DollyParsnip · 30/05/2017 11:33

Hi all,

We adopted 2 cats in October and let them out for the first time yesterday. Boy Cat didn't notice yesterday, but today went out then almost immediately ran in.

Girl Cat, however, is looking like a fearless adventurer! Despite being the timid one she was very happy outside yesterday and today disappeared into next door's garden then had a wander along the back alley - only a passing person Sent her running back home .

So, how do I swallow my fear and let her go? She obviously loves being outside - it's just me that's a total bag of nerves!

Letting cats out - dealing with The Fear!

OP posts:

PotPlantAddict · 30/05/2017 11:39

She's gorgeous!

We have two very pampered fat city flat cats who will shortly be moving to the country and having their first taste of the great outdoors, so I understand your fear!

Kursk · 30/05/2017 11:42

Ours coped with an international move, and a whole new set of wildlife that would eat her given half a chance.

Cats are pretty able to look after themselves and climb a tree to get safe if they need to

SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 30/05/2017 11:53

I used to worry about Spongecat, and keep her in at night. But she just loves being out, or having the option to , and it was sad to see her not having her freedom. I think unless you have an indoor cat, they are better with access to a whole complete life, doing cat things, and going where cats go.... A bit like not keeping children tied to the apron strings I suppose. So I would rather she had a happy life, than a completely risk-free one.

Original poster

DollyParsnip · 30/05/2017 12:10

When we got the cats it was on the understanding we would let them out - the CPL lady advised us to keep them in for 6 months as they'd apparently never been out before. Now the time has come it's a lot more worrying than I thought!

I suppose it's just me learning to trust that they'll come back when they're ready - we've been outside whilst the door's been open so they're used to us being there, but I know at some point they'll need to be left to it and there's lots for them to explore and have Cat fun with.

I'm not even thinking about the road.....

OP posts:

Teardropexplodes · 30/05/2017 12:13

Um.... we put netting round the garden fence, so he doesn't go too far. We're scared he'll get run over or stolen because he's such a beautiful boy and worth a few quid

Teardropexplodes · 30/05/2017 12:14

Ah, you see the lady we got Ozzy from begged us to not let him roam, as she's had cats stolen before.

Also, there was a spate of bad things happening to cats near us.

I let the kids out though 😂

loveka · 30/05/2017 12:16

You do just have to let them go. It's worrying but they are happier.

I am moving next week and although we are still going to be semi rural I am terrified about a new road they might explore.

I am thinking about using those cat scaring things to keep them away from the road. But I can't see anything anywhere about whether this works or not.

Kokusai · 30/05/2017 12:29

@DollyParsnip what a beauty!

I got the garden cat proofed. It isn't the best solution as the garden is quite small but much much much better than nothing, and I really don't want Kitten to roam because it is a very urban area.

littlemissM92 · 30/05/2017 12:50

Dolly I understand how you feel as this was me a month ago.. I can't believe how well he and we have taken to it I was so so stressed the first week or so if he wasn't back within ten minutes or whatever but he didn't leave the gardens for ages and now he still hasn't ventured further than where I can see him through the day. He goes out 10pm until 4am and god knows where he goes then but I worry less as obviously there's barely any cars

roofio87 · 30/05/2017 19:19

We got our dcat 3 weeks ago and hopefully we'll be letting him out soon. I don't want to do it too soon, but he is also keen to get out I can tell. He is quite a cautious thing so hoping he won't roam too far!!

roofio87 · 30/05/2017 19:19

Original poster

DollyParsnip · 31/05/2017 10:16

Thank you for your sensible replies . Girl Cat is already so much more confident so I know we're doing the right thing. Just have to hold my nerve and trust her!

Boy Cat, on the other hand, is taking advantage of Girl Cat's adventures by stealing her favourite spot whilst she's outside - he's not as daft as he looks!

OP posts:

BonTemps · 31/05/2017 10:23

I always made sure I didn't feed them before they went out. They'll be fine once the check out their surroundings and they know they'll be fed on returning.

Original poster

DollyParsnip · 31/05/2017 12:44

Well, day 3 was much more relaxed (for all of us!). Didn't feed either of them this morning and let them out at a time when they're usually sleepy.

Boy Cat still didn't fancy it, and secured himself a prime spot indoors by the fan instead . Girl Cat was exploring a bit, but was mostly lazing under my Chair - after about half an hour she yawned and sauntered back indoors and found a Chair to snooze on .

So, going well all in all!

OP posts:

Want2beme · 31/05/2017 21:13

I've got 3 cats & one of them goes out everyday, but in all honedty, I wish she wouldn't. I get so anxious when she's not around or is late back. I'm not sure you ever adjust to them going out. My other 2 only go outside with me.

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