Let them explore in their own time and don't panic if they hop over a fence, or go further than you feel comfortable, most cats come back after a few minutes, at which point you can give them a tasty treat to encourage their return.
They'll come back out once they feel safe again. familiarising themselves with the garden and establishing their own scent. It might take a few weeks before you feel that your kitten is ready to go outside on their own.
It's not safe to let your kitten go outside until at least a week after their initial vaccinations. That's when they're around 13-14 weeks old. It's unlikely you'll take ownership of your cat much before then anyway, since a kitten should be with its mother until it's at least eight weeks old – ideally 12-13 weeks.
Because of potential infection with diseases such as enteritis or cat flu, your kitten should not be allowed outside until at least a week after it has finished its first course of vaccinations at about 13-14 weeks old (depending on the vaccine). You could then let it explore outside if it is supervised.
If you've just adopted a new cat—or you've just moved to a new home—it's wise to not rush the outside time. Cats may feel skittish or even a bit traumatized upon first arriving in a new home, and if you let them out in this state of mind, they are more likely to try running away.
If possible, leave a way for your cat to return home, such as an open porch, garage or window, preferably near the point where he got out. Many indoor-only cats will attempt to return home within the first week after escaping, and they will most frequently do so in the middle of the night when no one sees them.
Help your cat learn to associate one door with going outside. Pick a door you use the least and put on her cat harness and leash set near that door. Train your cat by only letting her out using this door. Your cat will begin to associate the door with going outside and stop darting for any open door.
For pet parents who do want to provide their indoor cats with some outdoor time, there are harnesses specifically made for cats, like the Red Dingo cat harness and leash. They are designed to fit cats and prevent them from wriggling loose, but they do require training to get your cat comfortable and willing to walk.
Cats can settle well into an indoor lifestyle, but if you find your cat is showing signs of boredom or stress (over-grooming, aggression or being destructive) taking them outside on a leash/harness could be a good solution. If you have a garden, the next best thing would be an outdoor enclosure for your feline friends.
The right time to let your kitten roam free outside. Kittens can be allowed outdoors after six months of age, a few weeks after they received their last vaccination.
Have you ever wondered, "why does my cat want to go outside?” Has your cat's escape attempts ever made you wonder "is my indoor cat happy?" Don't worry. It's completely natural that your indoor cat wants to go outside. However, the outdoors poses a number of risks for cats, including busy streets and wild animals.
Indoor cats often encounter fewer physical risks than those exposed to the outside world and for this reason, many live longer and physically safer lives. They are generally safe from territorial disputes between neighbouring cats that can lead to aggressive feline encounters that may result in injury.
In our experience, it is not unusual for a cat to be MIA for 24 hours at a time. Some cats even disappear for two to three days at a time. But, no matter how often they do it, or how street-smart they are, it can still be a worrying time for you if you think you have a lost cat.
Submit lost reports to your local animal shelters and animal control agency, and ask if there are other local animal welfare organizations that may have your pet. Depending on where you live, the shelter may only be able to hold a lost cat for as little as 72 hours before placing them for adoption, so don't delay.
Cats love to roam, especially at night. This is because they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times of day that a cat is most active.
Cats will sleep wherever they feel safe—and that may be outside in a quiet, dark corner of your house or yard. However, it's essential to remember that cats don't want to be surprised by something (like a loud noise).
It's a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness.
Call your vet's office and tell them your cat is missing so they can keep an eye out for your cat. You should also contact local animal authorities, such as the animal control department and the local shelter.
When an indoor-only cat escapes outdoors, it is “displaced” into unfamiliar territory. Usually they will look for the first place that will offer concealment and protection. Their instinctive response is to hide in silence because that is their primary protection from predators.
It's theorized that they can follow their own scent trails all the way back home. Their powerful sense of smell is also why it's recommended to put a lost cat's litter box or favorite blanket outside. Those familiar scents could help them remember where they live.
There are many reasons why cats run away from home, including fear, searching for a mate, looking for somewhere quiet to give birth, or simple curiosity. “It's unlikely that many cats actually 'run away' in the sense of purposefully leaving their current home,” says Head Veterinarian of Cooper Pet Care, Patrik Holmboe.
Cats can smell over a mile depending on wind conditions. Then make the scent strip and “Cat Chum” (Described below) trails back in the most direct and safe way to your house and/or traps.
The new law means that domestic cats cannot go onto council land unless they are under your control (on a leash or in a carrier). People may choose to keep their cat inside their house 24/7. Cats can also be contained in an outdoor cat enclosure in your backyard.