How should I introduce my cat to the great outdoors?

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willy.widget

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I have a house cat who is now 4. Originally, he wasn't interested in going outside. When he did go out he darted back inside the house. Hense being a house cat. Lately he seems to be very intrigued by open windows and he has got out once. I found him pottering in the garden, scooped him up and brought him back inside. This is my first cat (used to dogs and have a dog).

I daren't let him out! WIll he come back? Anything I should/could do if I were to let him out?

Thanks all!
 
After 4 years - he is going to come back. However, there are some things to consider before encouraging him to go out. Once he starts going out regularly he will get fleas and probably worms too. So at least once every summer you will have to buy special drops to put on the back of his neck. Often best to get these from the vet (supermarket ones are not usually strong enough, and they are poison so you don't want to repeat them too often). Once he starts going further afield he could get run over. Depending on where you live he may be in danger from the wild life. Throughout most of the UK cats can be attacked and killed by foxes. This doesn't mean cats shouldn't be allowed out, just that it is advisable to keep them in over night and to have a cat flap for them during the day. So give some thought first to whether you want him to roam free, or to just go out with you, or to stay indoors. It is difficult to get a cat who has roamed free to understand why he can't go out at all times, so best not to allow this if you are going to change your mind later.
 
Cats panicked by noise run, they won't find their way home quite often.

Given cars, loose dogs, dogs attacking cats in their own backyards, kids that chase and injure cats, people who pick up 'tame' cats to keep or sell or turn over to animal control, people who poison local cats to get rid of them, people who take any animal that's catchable to use as pit bull training fodder, and people who speed up to kill pets on the road.....why subject your pet to this?

I do TNR, the outdoor cats here in our 'safe' area of the city have lifespans of under 2 years. None of mine are allowed out without a leash and harness (not collar, and not a figure 8 harness they can get out of in 4 seconds). The terrier 2 doors down is usually off leash and is a cat killer, we do not take chances with our guys. Why should you?
 
I would encourage him to stay inside. I have cats that were feral and want to go out all the time. They are in and out all day, but I worry about them. They always come home when it's time to eat and to go to bed. Keep him in if you can.
 
He should come back. The way I introduced my cat to the outdoors is by leaving the door open when it was nice weather outside. They would usually lay at the door for awhile and look out, then venture out when they were comfortable, but sometimes they would run back in when scared. I've never had a cat run away & not come back. Although you said "he" which means your cat is a boy & if he hasn't been neutured then he will roam. Tom-cats are notorious for staying gone for weeks & months at a time looking for "lady" cats lol.
 
I would not let him out unless you supervise him outside. Either train to a harness/leash or build/buy an enclosed cat enclosure so he can sit in safety. Keep in mind that when outside he will pick up fleas and ticks.

My cats are 100% inside cats and like sitting in the windows, but I don't ever have to worry about fleas in the house since they do not go outside. And I don't have cats that try to sneak out either because they have never been out.
 
Apparently it is recommended that you keep cats inside for 3 - 4 weeks to make sure that they know where their home is. As you have had yours for four years, he does know where he lives! I can understand your worry, so you could let him out and go in the garden with him just before you are due to feed him. If he is hungry, he won't stray far. Do you feed him treats? If so, does a rattle of a packet get him running? If he hops over the fence for a bit of an explore, try not to worry too much. Let him out at regular times and keep him shut in over night (that way you will be able to sleep without worrying!) This time of year, mine stays out late and much longer than usual, but most of the time, she comes in and demands that I shut the window so that she can go to sleep without worrying about other cats getting in. She is used to being shut in at night and let out again in the morning. Unless it is an accident, she never gets shut outside. I always make sure that she can get in if she needs to.
 
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