Last year I adopted two lovely cats (sisters). They have been a fantastic addition to the family and are much loved. They are nine.
When we adopted them we were told they had always been house cats and their owner couldn't look after them any more. They had never been to the vet apart from to be spayed as kittens. I've sorted all that - immunisation plan, checkups, insurance, etc.
One cat was terrified at the vet, and all we've managed is to vaccinate her. The vet deemed giving her a chip was too much stress and I agreed. She has no interest in going outside and is happy licking our arms and sitting on a warm lap. All good.
The other cat has always been calmer and since we've had her she's enjoyed the odd potter in the garden when we've been there. She was chipped by the vet without fuss. Last year she was scared to leave our deck and would not go on the grass. This year she's been a bit bolder and has a sniff about the lawn. She's getting increasingly brave and a couple of times I've had to remove her from tight corners or from jumping over the fence. She's not the best jumper and I don't think would get back over the fence once she'd used a table on our side to get over. She also has a low grade heart murmur. She has never encountered another cat apart from her sister, and they are not that fussed about each other - they have the odd fight. She's taken to sitting at the back door from time to time looking forlorn. I don't always have the time to supervise her out there though...
So, should I:
a) continue letting her out for a potter when we are in the garden.
b) let her wander further afield and hope she comes back!
To add to complication, I don't want to risk the other cat getting out, as she's not chipped. So if option b), I'd have to look into a microchip cat flap for a UPVC door.
I know folk will want a picture, here she is!