How long did you wait to let new cat out?

[ApplestheHare]

Just that really. We've been given advice ranging from 2 weeks (neighbours) to 3 months (vets).

Tia!

We waited until they were neutered.

Sorry, that was for kittens. I've just realised that you said cat. When we moved house, we kept ours in for 10 days.

It depends a lot on the situation. A more confident, sociable cat can probably go out after a month or so and will be fine. A timid one taking longer to settle into the home will need ideally 6-8 weeks at least indoors first to feel comfortable with the family.

It took my shy youngsters a few weeks to even want to go into the (cat proofed, safe!) garden after I started introducing them to it. They used to just stick their heads out and run back inside.

And of course, only after neutering and when they are fully vaccinated.

How old is your cat? If adult, I'd wait at least 3 weeks. Even at 3 weeks I'd go out with him for a week or so or forever

Want2beme

I will definitely be following dcat around the gardens, or at least getting dc and / or very responsible ddog to follow her around! She's so lovely and I worry about her getting lost! She's nearly 2 and came to us 4 weeks ago via RSPCA so has had a pretty up and down year. She's very confident and chilled out though, nothing really phases her and she's desperate to explore. DH is keen to let her out but if it was up to me I'd be keeping her in for about 18 months! She's spayed and all her vaccs are done now, so technically she's good to go...!

We kept our lad in for a couple of months which is longer than intended but he was a little jumpy when we opened the door for a while so decided to leave it. We then had a couple of weeks supervising him. He is a young adult cat handed in as a stray (allegedly) so I wanted to make very sure he knew where home is. We let him out hungry to encourage him to come home too!
He does go a bit further afield than I'd like now but is always happy to be home/get food.