Tips For Letting Cats Out For The First Time

Letting cats roam around outside on their own? Sounds odd? We’ll let you in on a secret—it really isn’t!

It’s true that our cats like familiar places. However, it’s a fact often unknown that our felines are naturally independent creatures who also love to explore the outside world. Sniffing out the green grass, chasing after birds or butterflies, taking in everything with their big cat eyes, a walk is the perfect time to provide your cat with some exercise, mental stimulation and a much needed break from monotony.

If it’s your indoor cat’s first time outside, we understand that it can be a little scary. Cats have a habit of chasing anything that interests them (a moving prey or a potential mate) and losing their way home. This blog will help you look at some tips that can make your cat’s first adventure safe and memorable. 

Our top 5 tips for letting cats out for the first time: 

1. Ask Yourself: Is My Cat Of The Right Age?

Both cats and kittens need to be ready before they can be taken out for their first time. 

If you have an adult cat, they need at least 2 weeks to settle into a new home environment before being allowed safely outside. Whereas, kittens should be over 5 months old, fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered before being allowed outside. 

2. Ensure Identification 

Make sure your cat is easily identified. Get them a quick release cat collar with an ID tag. You can also get them microchipped. This will be helpful, should they stray a little too far away from home. 

3. Practice Recall 

Practice calling their name at a young age while using their favourite cat treats as a reward. While it will take an enormous amount of practice and patience for your cat to learn a recall cue, don’t give up. Remember, you’re doing this for your cat’s safety and well-being. If you’re facing any trouble, you can also reach out to a feline behaviourist consultant who would be happy to help. 

4. Maintain A Routine 

Before meals, let your cat roam around near your house for a short amount of time. Once they’ve explored the outside, call them in for their lunch or dinner. Repeat the same over for a few days. This will gradually help you build an “outside-in” routine and confidence that your cat will return home. If you’re uncomfortable with letting your cat be alone outside, you can accompany them for a daily evening walk using a cat harness and a cat leash. 

5. Access 

Provide points of access in your house where your cat can regularly come and go from. This can be a cat flap or open access points in different parts of your house. These access points help provide reassurance, security and habit to your cat.