Kitten recall

[SpikeGilesSandwich]

My kittens went outside for the first time today, they've got the hang of going out of the flap but not going back in. When I called them, shook treats etc. they didn't come back. Luckily, I managed to pick them up and carry them back in as they hadn't got out of our garden yet but it won't be long before they do and I'm terrified they just won't come back

Personally I think six months is too young to start letting them out - they're so small and vulnerable at that age.

We waited until a year and consistently "practised" in the house first. Every time the treat bag was shaken, they got a treat, even if I did it by accident. Every time I called them for something, they got a reward - be it a treat, dinner or bit of chicken etc.

They're now 8, 4 and 1.5 and recall pretty consistently - it's only the middle one who can take a while but he roams the furthest so I don't think he always hears me.

They also get fed at certain times everyday so they know their routine and that if they miss it they may have to wait a while as I'll be out and we don't leave food available for them.

Thanks for the replies and advice, so sorry for not responding sooner too, been busy.

They do come very well when called in the house and we will keep working on it. I like the idea of scattering some litter in the garden, that might help as we like them to learn to pee outside.

I've decided to rope in DH at the weekend and stand on either side of the door and show them how to use the flap in and out.

We have had a cat before (a few years ago in a different house) but she was a very different cat, got the hang of the flap quickly and always came straight back when I called. I think that's what's freaking me out a bit, I expected these kittens to be similar.

To be honest, they are young and I'd prefer to keep them in longer but DH wants them to learn now as we have to do work to the house and it's very difficult to keep them in while doing it. Plus he hates the litter tray in the house.

If you are not having a litter tray are you not going to be locking them in overnight ?

Even cats that have outdoor access should always have a litter tray in the house. It's a safety net for them in case something disturbs them outside, helps establish their secure environment and prevents accidents inside.

I remember this well with our two cats. One got bored in 5 minutes and was back inside looking for food. The other buggered off up a tree and that was it for 2 hours. 🐱 🐈

Even if they go out and come back consistently, they should still have a litter tray indoors that they can use - eg. in bad weather, if they're unwell or if something has happened outside to spook them.

Mine all go outside but still come in to use the litter tray most of the time.

Everytime you feed them or give them a treat, you must make the cat calling noise (sort of a kissing noise?)
I still do it for my 10 year old cat. I doubt she knows her name, but her ears soon prick up of she hears the noise.

Step one : let them out in the morning before they have been fed, make sure they’re was no dried food down for them to snack on overnight so they are very hungry.Tape the cat flap open and let them know breakfast is ready. They will negotiate the cat flap.

Keep the cat flap taped open for a couple of days though obviously locked at night and when you want them kept in so they get used to going in and out through it.

Then repeat step one with the catflap closed. You might need to be there to hold it open a smidgeon, but they need to learn that they need to either come close to open it electronically, or to push if it is an old fashioned flap.

We will still have the litter tray for emergencies but hopefully our kittens would use the garden instead as our old cat did. We will be keeping them in at night and they have bells, I am conscious of local wildlife.

Our previous cat would rather have died than use the litter tray, even in driving rain or snow up to her arm pits. (We always had two just in case.)

Our new boy will be out in the garden on a lovely sunny day, come in to use the tray, then go straight back out. I have given up on the idea he might toilet outside.

Don't fret. It's just way too exciting the first few times. An entire world has opened to their senses.

You must stick with them for these initial journeys. Always give them a treat when they come back into the house.