Letting Your Cat Outside: Tips For A Safe Adventure

how to let your cat outside

Cats are naturally curious and will likely want to explore the outdoors. However, letting your cat outside for the first time can be nerve-racking for pet owners. Here are some tips to help you prepare your cat for its first adventure outdoors and ensure it stays safe.

Characteristics Values
Time spent indoors before going outside 2-6 weeks
Identification Microchip, collar with ID tag
Outdoor access On demand, cat flap
Vaccinations Completed first course
Neutering Yes
Garden safety Covered ponds, blocked fencing holes, removed hazards
Recall signals Tapping a tin, whistling, calling their name
First time outside Quiet, dry day, accompanied
Boundaries Small part of the garden initially
Outdoor time Morning, not at night
Collar Quick-release, with bell
Microchip Coded pet tag
Cat flap Microchipped

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Ensure your cat has some form of identification

Before letting your cat outside, it's important to ensure that it has some form of identification. This will help your cat be returned to you if it gets lost or injured.

One way to identify your cat is with a collar and ID tag. The collar should be a quick-release safety collar to prevent the risk of strangulation. The ID tag should include your contact details, such as your telephone number. However, some cats may not tolerate wearing a collar, so it's important to consider your cat's comfort.

Another option for identification is microchipping. Microchipping is a permanent form of identification that can be done cheaply and painlessly at your local veterinary surgery. The microchip will stay with your cat for its entire lifetime and can be scanned to retrieve your contact information. If you have a microchipped cat, you can also install a microchip cat flap to give your cat free access to the house while preventing other cats from entering.

In addition to microchipping, you can also register your contact details with an organization that will provide you with a coded pet tag to place on your cat's collar. This provides a visible means of identification while also protecting your contact details.

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Vaccinate, neuter and microchip your cat

Vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering are some of the most vital aspects of cat care. While adult cats adopted from shelters will likely have had these procedures, you should ensure your cat is up to date with all necessary treatments.

Vaccinations

Kittens should receive their first vaccination at around eight to nine weeks old, with a second dose at 12 weeks. Your cat will also need regular booster vaccinations throughout their life to keep them protected against diseases. Vaccinations are required by most catteries if you plan to leave your cat there while you go on holiday.

Microchipping

Microchipping is the best way to permanently identify your cat and increase the chances of being reunited with them if they go missing. A tiny microchip about the size of a large grain of rice is inserted under your cat's skin, giving them a unique 15-digit code. This can be scanned by a vet or animal welfare officer and matched to your contact details on a national database. Microchipping is safe, quick, and can be done at any age, usually from around 10-12 weeks old.

Neutering

Neutering is a simple operation with many health benefits, including reducing the chance of certain cancers and preventing unplanned pregnancies. It is advised to neuter your cat from four months of age or younger, although it can be done at any age.

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Teach your cat recall signals

Teaching your cat to respond to recall signals is a highly rewarding experience. It can strengthen your bond and keep your cat mentally and physically active. Here are some tips to help you teach your cat to respond to recall signals:

Choose the Right Reward:

Cats are highly motivated by treats, so food rewards are generally the most effective. Choose treats that your cat finds irresistible, such as small pieces of chicken, prawn, or tuna. You can also use non-food rewards like a favourite toy, a satisfying scratch, or cuddle time.

Pick a Recall Signal:

Keep the signal simple and consistent. Avoid using your cat's name as the recall signal, as you want to associate a special word or phrase with the action of coming to you. Common cues include 'here' or 'come', said in a high-pitched voice. You can also use a noise, such as a whistle, click, or squeak.

Create a Positive Association:

Before you begin training, ensure your cat has a positive association with the recall signal. Use the signal and then immediately offer your cat their favourite treat or toy. You can also incorporate their name, such as "Fluffy, come!", to make it more personal and attention-grabbing.

Start Training:

Get down to your cat's level and move a couple of metres away. Call your cat's name to get their attention, show them the reward, and then give the recall signal. As soon as they come to you, reward them! In the beginning, they may need further encouragement, so you can try luring them with the treat.

Increase Distance and Add Distractions:

Once your cat reliably comes to you from a short distance, start increasing the distance and calling them from different areas of the house. You can also try practising during times when they're distracted, such as when the TV is on or kids are playing.

Take it Outdoors:

Once your cat has mastered indoor recall, start practising outdoors in your garden or a secure, enclosed area. Remember to use especially enticing rewards, as there will be more distractions outdoors. Gradually build up the distance as your cat's confidence grows.

Training Tips:

  • Keep training sessions short (around 5 minutes) and consistent. Cats have short attention spans, so frequent, brief sessions are best.
  • Be patient and positive throughout the training process. Avoid punishing your cat if they don't respond as quickly as you'd like.
  • Avoid using the recall signal for negative experiences, such as vet visits or giving medicine. You want your cat to associate the signal with positive experiences only.
  • If your cat isn't responding, take a step back and assess the situation. They may not be hungry enough for treats, or the timing might not be right.

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Plan your cat's outdoor boundaries

Planning your cat's outdoor boundaries is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy. Here are some tips to help you establish those boundaries:

Start Small and Supervised: Begin by allowing your cat access to a small, enclosed part of your garden or outdoor space. Stay with them in this area, gradually increasing their explorable territory over time. This helps them familiarise themselves with their surroundings and reduces the risk of them wandering off or getting lost.

Secure the Perimeter: Ensure your garden or outdoor space is properly fenced or enclosed. Check for any holes or gaps in the fencing that your cat could potentially squeeze through and make any necessary repairs or modifications. This is crucial in keeping your cat within defined boundaries and preventing them from escaping into busier or more dangerous areas.

Cat-Proof Your Garden: Identify and address any potential hazards in your garden or outdoor space. This includes covering or fencing over ponds or other water sources, removing toxic plants or substances (such as slug pellets, antifreeze, or certain garden chemicals), and securing or storing away sharp objects or tools. By eliminating these hazards, you make the outdoor environment safer for your cat to explore.

Consider a Cat Enclosure: If you want to provide a more controlled outdoor experience, you can create a dedicated cat enclosure within your garden. Cat enclosures can be attached to existing fences or used to section off specific areas, providing a safe and secure space for your cat to enjoy the outdoors without the same risks of wandering too far or encountering dangers.

Establish Recall Signals: Teaching your cat recall signals is an essential part of boundary training. Use a distinct sound, like a bell or a specific call, before feeding times to associate the sound with food. When your cat is outdoors, use this signal to call them back inside. Positive reinforcement with treats or praise will help reinforce this behaviour.

Be Mindful of Local Dangers: Assess the surrounding area for potential dangers, such as busy roads or highways, areas with high traffic, or the presence of other animals like dogs or foxes. Use this information to establish boundaries for your cat's outdoor exploration. For example, if there is a busy road nearby, ensure your cat doesn't have unsupervised access to that direction.

By following these steps, you can effectively plan your cat's outdoor boundaries, ensuring their safety and well-being while still providing them with the benefits of fresh air and exploration.

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Make your garden cat-friendly

Making your garden cat-friendly is important for your cat's welfare, and it may also help to stop them from wandering too far from home. Here are some tips to make your garden a safe and enjoyable space for your cat:

Provide Places to Hide

Cats feel safer when they have places to hide, and it can help them feel more comfortable when outside. Dense shrubs, foliage, and old wooden boxes or furniture can create good hiding spots. Old furniture can also provide vantage points for your cat to climb up high and get a good lookout point.

Places to Toilet

Cats are generally very clean animals and prefer to use a safe, suitable area outside to toilet, away from their food and water. You can provide an area with wood chips, sand, or loose earth for this purpose. It's also a good idea to provide some privacy by surrounding the area with plants or shrubs.

Comfortable Sunny Spots

Provide nice spots for your cat to rest and sleep by leaving out old cushions or providing a sheltered 'cat house' with blankets.

Plants and Vegetation

Include plants and vegetation for your cat to explore and sniff. Plants that attract flying insects, such as native breeds with purple flowers, can provide stimulation for your cat. Some good plant options include cat grass, catmint, catnip, honeysuckle, and valerian. However, avoid lilies, bulbs (including alliums, amaryllis, and daffodils), and other plants that are toxic to cats.

Fresh Drinking Water

Ensure your cat has access to fresh drinking water, preferably rainwater. Providing multiple sources of water in different places can help reduce conflict if multiple cats use the space.

Something to Scratch On

Cats like to scratch to keep their claws in good condition and to mark their presence to other cats. Provide them with something suitable to scratch on, such as an old tree stump or large branch.

Frequently asked questions

It's recommended to keep an adult cat indoors for 2-6 weeks after bringing them home, but this can vary depending on the breed and character of the cat. For kittens, it's recommended to wait until they are at least 4 months old and have been neutered, vaccinated, and settled into your home.

Ensure your cat has some form of identification, such as a collar with an ID tag or a microchip. You should also consider teaching your cat recall signals so that they will come to you when called. It's also a good idea to make your garden or outdoor space safe and inviting for your cat.

Choose a quiet, dry day for your cat's first venture outdoors. Accompany your cat outside and leave the door open so they can easily return inside if they want to. You may also want to bring a food or toy reward to encourage them to come back when called. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat spends outside over several sessions.

Yes, there are several risks associated with letting your cat outside, including traffic, encounters with other animals, diseases, parasites, toxic substances or plants, and the possibility of getting lost or trapped. It's important to weigh the benefits and risks before deciding to let your cat outdoors.

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