Birman cat desperate to be an outdoor cat

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Hi,

I have a Birman cat just over a year old. Everything I’ve read suggests she should be happy being a house cat, and we have an enclosed yard so she does get outdoor time.

However she is increasingly desperate to get out and roam, and I’m starting to feel that it’s unfair on her to keep her in.

No matter how I try and cat proof the yard, she always manages to get out. She doesn’t roam far and always comes back but I don’t know if it’s safe with this breed or not.

Shes just spent 10 nights at our cat sitters who li es on the next street, and she escaped from there twice - one time she was found back in our garden so I know that it’s not that she hates us!

I’m going to ask my vet for advice but I’m considering putting a collar with contact details on and maybe an AirTag? (I wouldn’t usually bother with a collar due to risks but she ends up on Facebook groups if people spot her out as they understandably think she’s lost).

I already take her out on a lead which she loves but she also wants independent time too.

Has anyone let their pedigree/supposedly less ‘streetwise’ cat out?

I don’t know if it’s relevant but I have this breed because it’s literally the only cat breed my husband isn’t severely allergic to. I know some people have opinions about pedigrees as opposed to rescue moggies etc but this wasn’t an option for us. I don’t want an unhappy puss but want to keep her safe too.

Thanks in advance and pictures for tax obviously

So I’m the only person that keeps reading this thread title as “Binman wants to be an outdoor cat”??!! 😂

Beautiful cat, OP :)

Glad your Dcat is enjoying her freedom.

Our ragdoll loves being outside but generally comes back within 30 minutes at the most so she is easy to keep track of. Generally she will come when called as well, a shake of the biscuits will do it if she is being really stubborn!

You do get used to it and letting them out gets easier😻

I just want to update this thread. Since I’ve been letting her roam she’s been like a different cat at home too. She’s so much calmer, happier and more affectionate. She wasn’t a lap cat before but now often comes up to me for a cuddle, and even when she is out she’s never too far from home. She’s just crawled across my lap for strokes in bed ❤️

Oh what a lovely puss! We have a Birman cross who roams but only in our garden and the neighbours' one. They are wonderful ❤️

What a gorgeous update and photo.
So lovely how much she is enjoying it.

I love these cats I have never heard of them, yours is beautiful too @Sheepareawesome

My cat was born behind my shed!

Loves being out, comes in back cat flap, eats and walks out the front door thinking it's a completely different world!

@Sunshineandrainbow Birman’s are amazing cats and pretty unique. I think they are a little bit dog-like in personality compared to other cats I’ve had. Mine is pretty placid and very happy to be carried round like a baby it’s hilarious.

Very pleased to hear that your Birman is enjoying the outside world. I'm definitely in the camp that if a cat wants to go outside it should be allowed to.
Lovely cat btw 😻.