Let cats roam around on their own in the yard? It sounds odd? Let us in on the secret – it’s not!

Our cats love to go back to their familiar surroundings. However, it’s a fact often unknown that our felines are wild animals that also love to explore the world outside. A walk allows your cat to exercise and provides mentally stimulating. They can also enjoy the outdoors, run birds or butterflies, and take in the scenery with their big cat eyes.

If it’s your indoor cat’s first time out, we understand that it can be a little terrifying. It’s common for cats to chase after anything that grabs their interest (whether it’s an animal that is moving perhaps a possible mate or even a brand new companion) and lose their way back home. This blog will guide to provide some suggestions to help ensure that your cat’s first trip is secure and memorable.

Here’s our 5 top suggestions for the first time you let your cat go :

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

Cats and kittens have to be in good health before they can be taken out for their first time.

It is recommended that you allow your adult cat to adjust with you for a minimum of two weeks prior to letting them outside. Kittens need to be at minimum 5 months old and fully vaccinated before being able to safely go outside.

Vet Tip: Consider neutering or spaying your kitten at a young age to avoid having unwanted litter. Discuss with your vet prior to you let out your cat or kitten. They will be able to explain the risks to your health as well as give the best advice on how to prevent them.

2. Be sure to have identification

Make sure that your cat is easily recognized. Purchase a quick-release catcollar that comes with an identification tag. You can also get them microchipped. This will be helpful, in the event that they get too far away from home.

3. Practice Recall

As a reward, use their preferred pet treat to practice calling their name. Although it takes a lot of practice and patience for your cat to master a recall cue do not abandon the effort. This is to ensure your cat’s wellbeing and security. If you’re experiencing any issues it’s also possible to reach out to an expert in feline behavior who would be happy to help.

Read more: Home Training and Communication with Kittens

4. Maintain A Routine

Prior to meals, let your cat roam around your home for a short amount of time. Once they’ve had enough of the outside and returned home, you can call them for lunch or dinner. Repeat this process for a few days. It will help you establish a routine that will allow you to feel comfortable about your cat returning home. If you’re not comfortable having your cat alone outside, you can accompany them for a daily evening stroll with the cat harness and an pet leash.

Tip from HUFT: During summer, remember to keep your cat indoors during peak heat times i.e. Between 10am and 6pm. Utilize cat carriers to shield your cat from sun if you must travel between these times. You should leave in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid pavements as they can damage the paws of your cat. Always carry clean drinking water.

Read more: Help Keep Cats Cool in Summer

5. Access

You should provide access points in your home so that your cat will be able to regularly enter and out. It could be a simple cat flap, or a few open access points around your home. These access points provide your cat with reassurance, security, and habits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is it cruel not to allow your cat to go let your cat out?

There is no definitive answer for this question. Everything depends on your cat’s level. If you’ve adopted a cat from the streets, it’s very natural that they’d want to hunt for their own prey and be free to roam around anywhere they wish to. They might become upset or even anxious, in addition to other behaviour issues. In this case it’s important to maintain a good “indoor-outdoor” routine for your cat.

If you have a cat that lives indoors observe how they behave when they are outside. Talk to a cat behavior expert if they seem nervous or stressed. Always accompany your cat on the very first time they go out.

2. Do cats manage to find their way home?

Cats are able to return to their homes. Cats possess a particular capability known as “homing impulses” that allow them to navigate back home. Some cats have stronger ‘homing instincts’ compared to others. So, each situation will be different. Be sure to continue looking and don’t panic when your cat is lost.

3. What should I do if the cat is missing?

If your cat has gone missing, remember to not panic. Find the most convenient places in your home where they could be able to hide, especially during the quieter hours of the night. Notify your neighbours, friends and the local authorities so that they can assist you in the search. Follow the tracks of your cats ‘ litter from the house out onto the street, and leave the door open. The familiar scent will help your cat find their way back home. Posters that are missing can be very helpful.

4. When is the best time to allow my cat to go outside?

Kittens should be ideally over five months old before they’re permitted to go out in the open. To prevent illness, make sure they are completely vaccinated. It’s an excellent idea to get them spayed or neutered to avoid unwelcome litter.

5. When can cats be let outside?

If you’ve adopted a mature cat, they need at least two weeks to settle into a new home environment before being permitted to be outside in a safe manner. Be sure that they’re fully protected to stay clear of any illnesses. Also, you should get them neutered or spayed to stop unwanted litters.