What's the best way to introduce a kitten to the outdoors/other cats?

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gerberajam

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We've just moved home & have a private garden & I'm wondering what tips you could give me on making the move to the outside as least stressful as possible for Dex (the kitty). He hasn't been outside before. Plus, we know there are at least two other cats. One lives next door & sometimes sits outside our cat flap growling at Dex!
 
Sit on the door step and keep the door open. If the Kitteh wants to venture outside he will, if he's not ready he'll likely run back inside and do something else. Just remember to be there with him at all times to make him feel safe.

Remember the outside world is a scary place!
 
You don't "introduce" cats to one another. Do that, and the cat will introduce you to his set of claws.

Ok, joking aside, we acclimated our cat to the expansive "world" by keeping him on a leash for a while. He was really young and cute, I remember, with big eyes and a determination to attack and kill anything that moved.

As for other cats... well, he wasn't a kitten. So I guess I don't really know. Our cat is extremely independent and attacked the other cats we had (until they died, probably out of terror).

Cats on a leash may look weird, but it's a great way to introduce them to the outdoors. The introduction to other cats may or may not go well depending on the cats. There's nothing you can do; it's not like they have to find out they have things in common to like each other. They either do or they don't.
 
You could try a harness and leash. Stay out there with him so he won't be alone. I used to do that for one of my cats who really loved being out side. I was able to let her enjoy her self and stay with her to watch her.
 
Dex needs to stay indoors... too much chance for him to get disease from other cats... feline leukemia is one, and even if your pet is vaccinated, they can still get the illness.. it's a very harsh illness and tough death.

Cars and dogs can kill cats.

I'd advise an indoor life. It won't hurt him -- it would be healthier for him in the long run.
 
Keep the cat indoors for about ten days so it knows it now gets fed there. When you do start to let it out place it's used litter tray outside the back door. It will help the cat remember where it lives and put other cats off. You may also want to consider getting it microchipped then if it does go missing it can be returned.
Cats need to establish a territory. He will get a slap off the cat next door just to establish respect. (make sure his vaccinations are up to date. Cat aids is transmitted by bites)
Finally, get him "done" He will grow bigger and be more of a match for the thug next door.
 
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