Letting mother cat outside before kittens

[ivegotdreadfulpmttoday]

I've just adopted a mother cat and one of her kittens. The rescue said it would be cruel to allow one outside before the other but this will mean keeping the mother in for two more months and she is desperate to go out.
I'm thinking it is cruel to make the mother be an indoor cat for so long.
Should I allow her out before her kitten?

They both need to stay in for a few weeks anyway before you start letting them out.

How old is the kitten? She won't be able to go out until about six months or older anyway.

How long have you had them both? How old is the kitten? Is mum spayed now?

If mums spayed I’d let her out she must be fed up of parenting by now.

We've had them a week so was going to keep them both in for another week and then let mum out. Mum is spayed but kitten not yet. Kitten is 13 weeks and showing no interest in the outside. I wouldn't let the kitten out until spayed and older anyway. Mum is just so desperate to get out. I've had to have windows open a crack as it's been so hot and she has her nose pressed into the gap and is sniffing the air. They have both settled in really well to the house.

I wouldn’t let the mother out for at least another week. Then do so for short periods when you are with her. Gradually build up. The kitten shouldn’t be let out till it’s had its vaccinations.

A new cat should be kept in for minimum 4 weeks, ideally more like 6-8. Otherwise you'll risk her going missing. There's a reason experienced cat rescues recommend what they do.

You could consider getting a micro-chip activated cat flap that will let out the mother but not the kitten. Also, discuss the problem with your vet who will be able to advise you as to whether or not the kitten could be spayed a bit earlier than usual, so that it can be let out earlier (obviously not yet though!).

Painful as it is, I would do everything possible to keep the mum cat in for several more weeks. It's just far too soon.

It is incredibly stressful when a cat goes missing. Honestly you will regret letting her out if that happens.

What's mumcat's background? With former strays/semi-ferals you really do need to keep them in longer, I was advised 6-8 weeks with my latest. There is a risk of them 'reverting' if you let them out too soon.

I would keep mum in for at least a month, ideally two. A week is far too soon to be letting her out to roam - she barely knows you, let alone the area around your house.

The kitten won't be able to go out for at least another four months, though I'd probably keep her inside until spring to avoid the dark mornings and evenings, even once she's spayed. Our kitten is four months old now and won't be going out until about March/April time.

Thank you. That seems pretty unanimous. Mum had been brought to the rescue as a pregnant stray so I will definitely keep her in the full 4 weeks and will live with feeling mean knowing that it's in her best interest.