Cats going outside

[Lilypad15]

My cats are both 15 months old and have been freely exploring the back garden for about 3 months. Our garden is closed in so they’re only able to stay in there (they’re too lazy to think about jumping walls/fences). We keep the back door open but if they hear any slight movement in the house, they dart back inside. Presumably because the think there may be food available. Is it mean of me to keep the door closed while they’re outside? I want them to be confident in exploring without being spooked by every noise. I’m also considering letting them out the front door too. We live in a small courtyard where there’s not much traffic other than from people who live here. I want to encourage them to go further than the back garden but with our garden being quite closed off, they’ve not bothered to venture any further. They’re my little babies and OH is very protective over them but I don’t want them to be “inside” cats, mostly because the constant litter changing is the worst. He seems to think they’re still too little but they’re over a year old now and they love being in the garden so why not give them a bit more freedom and independence? Is 15 months still too young for them to be left outside/let out into the big wide world?

Don't let them out from the front or encourage them to explore further! You are extremely lucky they stick close to home and don't leave your garden. So many cats sadly get run over, injured, poisoned, stolen or go missing. And your neighbours will be much happier if they don't use other gardens as giant litter trays. As for the front door, a quiet road can be more dangerous than a busy one because the cats won't be deterred by a constant stream of traffic and be caught out by surprise when there is suddenly a speeding car... Depending on where you live, the M25 /UK cat killer is also still active and being at the front of a property is far more dangerous than an enclosed garden.

They should have a way back into the home at all times from the garden; this is why a catflap is ideal so you don't have to keep the door open all the time.

I dont see why you would want to encourage them to wander further than they're inclined to. If they enjoy and are content going around the back garden then I dont see the problem as they are getting access to the outdoors and fresh air but are safe too.

Don’t encourage them out further. You’re in a lucky position in that you’re able to confine your cats to your garden without the worry of them getting run over/ lost/ crapping in neighbours gardens. Why did you get cats if you don’t want to empty the litter tray? Even if they’re just in your garden your going to need to be cleaning it up occasionally or it’ll be everywhere.

Why on earth do you want to encourage them to wander? Be grateful they’re happy in your garden and don’t want to go further. It means they’re safe and you don’t have to worry about them surely? 🤷‍♀️

Don't encourage them to wander. Get a cat flap then they can come and go as they please and if they are spooked or under threat can easily get to safety.