Kitten happy staying in the garden

[neversleepagain]

I have a almost 7 month old kitten who has been let into the garden supervised for a month now. We have a small garden and he seems happy pottering around exploring but does get very scared of loud noises and bolts back inside to hide behind the sofa. He hasn't tried to jump the fence yet and hasn't strayed more than 10 meters from the back door. If he hears a noise he will run inside and is always looking out for me to make sure I am nearby.

Is this normal? Is he gathering up the courage to explore further or are some cats happy staying in their own garden? I am very new to owning a 🐈

He's been with us since he was 3 months old.

Some cats don't go far. My eldest has always been a home lover, rarely crosses the boundary of our property (and it's not that big!) to the extent that if I call him and he doesn't appear I start to panic, whereas youngest is a lot more adventurous and can disappear for hours when the mood takes him.
Be grateful while it lasts!

pics or it didn't happen

Mm what kitten??

This is the scaredy cat!

Oh he is sooooooo cute! He's staying close to home because he knows you might want cuddles at any moment

aw.....I think it's nice if they stay close to home. Totes adorbs.

and there's less risk of some random "adopting" them, which might happen when they are super cute!

I would rather he stays close to home but I am not holding my breath. There are a lot of cats around here which may be why he's so reluctant.

He’s lovely! If he’s the new kid on the block then he might prefer just staying in his own garden. It’s good that he’s spending time in the garden because it’s helping him get acquainted with the sounds and smells around your house. This will help him find his way back if he ventures further out.

I have 3, two stay very close to the house and one goes wandering . I'd be happy if he doesn't wander .

I would be quite happy he doesn't want to wander! Some cats stay close to home, others will travel further. I'm assuming he's neutered-that will stop him going in search of the ladies.

Mine is the same - she is now a year and a half and never goes far beyond the garden. Any loud noise or unexpected people in the neighbours gardens and she's back through the cat flap like a rocket. I also spent a bit of time calling her in through liberal use of dreamies when she was younger, which means I can almost always get her to come when I call. I'm very relieved - I had a roaming cat once and it was always a worry when I called and there was no response!

Some don't go far, especially if you have kept them in the full 6 months.

I have 2 and one roams a couple of gardens away but the other barely moves off our patio or out of the boundary hedge.

She likes being outside but we generally have to carry her outside to remind her of this otherwise she'd spend all day indoors irritating us to death.

Stealth boast or what op??
Possibly the most gorgeous kitten I have ever seen!