Can I ask your experiences of letting your cat outside?

[Teenmam]

We have 2 kittens. 6 months old. One is dying to get out. Other a bit scared. We can't open a window or he escapes. Our garden cannot be enclosed. We are letting them out supervised for very short periods but he is crying to get out all the time. Google telling us to go slowly over weeks, and train them to come in by calling their name and rattling their food bowl. He ignores all this. Ignores his favourite treats. We have to lift him in. The girl is more cautious and doesn't veer far from the door. So any advice? Or how did it go with your kitties?

Where do you live where microchipping is not common? All that have been through the rescue centres in the uk are chipped. I have had 8 cats over 38 years, most living until 15 with one until 18 and one 22. All spayed and chipped with access to outdoors. My current two wear Tractive trackers which are amazing and show me exactly where my cat is at any time within a couple of feet. Great for peace of mind and to give reassurance that, they are safe.

I also volunteer at a rescue. Our guidance is, keep cats in at night as dawn and dusk is when most cats wander and are focussed on hunting and therefore most likely to be knocked down. They also won’t go far if they’re hungry so first time out should be before breakfast or dinner.