When Is It Ok To Let My Kitten Outside

The first time you let your cat or kitten outside.

When is it ok to let my kitten outside. Before allowing your new kitten or cat outside ensure it has a means of identification either a securely fitted collar with a tag showing your telephone number or ideally a microchip identification implanted under the skin on the scruff of the neck. You can start to slowly introduce your kitten to the outside once his recall is in place for short supervised sessions always keeping your kitten in sight. It allows them to practice their natural instincts to hunt and explore encourages exercise and mental stimulation and can reduce stress. My cat is safe when he goes outside because he stays close to my home.

On the other hand there are also benefits to letting your kitten outdoors. Prior to any trips outside it is worth considering how you intend to give your cat or kitten access outdoors in the long term. Go outside and leave the door to the house open so that your cat is able to join you but can also quickly get back inside if they want. A study of 10 house cats and seven farm cats published in the european ecology journal ecography found that on average the house cats covered more ground than the farm cats at night the house cats moved within an average area of nearly 20 acres compared to just over 6 acres for the farm cats.

Most kittens are prepared to leave the house and to explore the outside world at six months old. Harnesses some cats will cope with wearing a harness especially if they are used to it from a very early age but most cats are free roaming creatures that prefer to explore the environment at their own pace and choose areas that feel safe and many cats will find wearing a. In fact deciding to let your cat outside or to keep her in the house does not have to be stressful for you or your cat. By this age the kitten is already familiar with your home and will be able to track their way back after their adventure.

A personal carrier if you decide that you want to make your cat a traveling cat we suggest purchasing a personal vest style carrier called pet pocket 2 manufactured by global pet products. Make sure your kitten s access back into the house is easy for the first few trips. The first few times you let your cat outside it s a good idea to go with them. The first time you let your cat out do so before a meal so they will be more likely to return for food when you call.

Slow and easy will result in a cat with a safe and happy indoor outdoor experience. It s best to let him out just before mealtime so you can use your recall to call your kitten indoors and reward with tasty food or playtime. Once your kitten has spent time with you in the garden and seems confident you can leave them outside for 30 60 minutes.