I think our boy wants to explore the outdoors.

[McBounty]

Our 5 month old boy is dying to get outside. Everyone the front or back doors open, he desperately tries to bolt.

I really wanted our kitties to be indoor cats but our vet said that they will make that decision themselves.

What age are they allowed to go outdoors? I feel like he's way too young right now. I am also frightened about his safety. Should I consider letting him outdoors when he's a little older? What are your best tips for keeping outdoor cats and making sure they're safe? He is neutered and microchipped.

Well he is old enough to go out in the sense that he big enough for foxes not to try to eat him. But he is still very young and fearless and that isn't good if you have any busy roads nearby.

Why did you want to keep him as an indoor only cat? Do you think your location is unsafe?

You could always cat proof your garden so he is limited to the garden and can't explore further.

I think he's made his decision. I ve not long started letting my 8 month old girl outside (neutered and microchipped) . I have an enclosed garden and lucky she's not brave enough to try to climb the fence but she only goes out when I m home in the morning (I work shifts). Older cat 15 is happy just in house and garden but Ellie the baby would be sad inside all the time. She burns off a lot of energy outside. It's really hard for me too as I lost my Ruby at 8 year old on the road, she was very clever and worked out how to get everywhere. Another one who wouldn't have been happy only inside. Try and cat proof your garden and be around when he's out. We have a cat flap. I do feel for you, it's like the first time you let your kids out to play away from home!

Ernie was desperate to go out so we had him on a harness and extendable lead for a while...he could sniff around the garden and explore while not being able to escape

I would advise starting to let him out during the day, supervised, for and hour or so at a time... And make sure it's the hour before dinnertime so that he's incentivised to come back in!