Letting new kitten in garden

[Nutellanjam]

Hi
We have recently (2 weeks) adopted a nearly 6month old kitten, first cat. He’s had all his vaccines, soon to be neutered and the vet said we could start letting him outside. At his foster home he had started going in garden and he’s clearly keen to, he spends hours at window looking out. We are lucky to have a good sized garden but it’s bordered by hedges which are full of holes this time of year. So he could get out onto a ( quiet) road or Neighbours garden. Today we let him out for about 20 mins, staying close to him. He seemed really happy, sniffing, hunting but of course went through hedge to next door so we had to follow ( harder for us to get through hedge) and bring back. Of course I know that he will do this as there’s loads to explore but what’s best way to go from being in garden with him and him finding own way back to house?. I’m so worried he’ll get lost but at same time he seems to love going out! I have a clicker and treats to help him answer to name which has been ok in last few days inside but it didn’t work in garden as he was so enthralled to be out!!Thank you all for all guidance !

The cats protection recommend keeping new cats in for 3-4 weeks to grow accustomed to your /your homes scent before letting them out. I trained mine by shaking a treat bag, she happily comes running for a tasty reward. Until he is neutered I wouldn’t let him outside without a collar and a long string attached. Boys especially are more likely to roam if they are intact and, shall we say, having fun. MN rules - we need a pic! Congratulations on your new fur ball.

www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/keeping-cats-safe-outside

www.yourcat.co.uk/cat-advice/your-kitten/when-can-my-kitten-go-outside/

It’s too soon to let him out and he’s not neutered so he shouldn’t be out at all until two weeks post op to let the testosterone leave his body.

Get a harness on a long lead, they do fine ones for cats

I agree he shouldn't go out until he is neutered and also make sure he is chipped in case he does get lost he can then be traced back to you.

Cats roam and quite a distance, male, female, neutered or not. I'd get him neutered before letting him out on his own as may wander into another male's territory.

Make sure he knows his name - or at least the sound you make when it is food time

When he turns up for the call of his name, at random times - not just normal food times, he's ready - easily achieved if he gets a treat each time.

Then let him out when he isn't hungry to start with. Try not to let him out at night but when he's young be prepared he may have more interesting things to do than come home for dinner sometimes.

Get a cat flap and teach him how to use it. Then he can go out to toilet and back in.

Hello
Thank you all for comments! I think it is probably a bit soon and he is due to be neutered soon. Plus then can concentrate on clicker, treat, name calling. I also think the collar and long string is also a great idea (once we’ve managed to get a collar on him!) as that way he can explore more safely, and explore the bits closest to the house too without us having to dash though the hedge. Here he is asleep after the garden adventure ! Thank you all

He's beautiful.Totally agree with other posters do not let him out on his own until he has been neutered, not only because of producing, kittens but an entire tom roams more.My cat was 18months old when we got him.We had him neutered within days but 4 years later he has a huge territory and constantly goes missing for weeks sometimes.Well 16 days is his record so far.
A little harness is a great idea if he will tolerate one.😃
To be honest I am surprised that the vet suggested letting him out.He should have explained more.

Please don't use a collar Op. So many accidents with cats and collars - I had one of my cats years ago get it caught around his mouth (I think he had been trying to get it off). He was like that all day whilst we were at work and ended up having to go to the vets as he cut his mouth. I never used a collar from then on. If it's just for your garden a harness would be perfect.

Is he a Bengal?

Dont use a collar and string. A harness is much safer and more comfortable. He looks gorgeous.

Yes I would imagine a harness is more comfortable for wearing to roam garden ( with long lead / string). He’s microchipped and will have microchip cat flap. But are the harnesses very tricky to put on? Im
a bit wary of putting something like that on, he can be a bit bitey Altho we are working on not “playing” with hands at all, using toys etc

you can buy extendable leads, might be better than string which could just rip and get eaten.

Not that it’s anything to do with the post but can I ask what breed he is?

We found the old style harness with a collar and a tummy band that are attached and the lead goes between these so no strain on the neck easier to put in and Col knows to sit in his scratch pad

The other type that you have to thread legs threw he didn't like at all though I would prefer that style, and will try at a later stage

I think Leroy has a lovely harness