How to Prepare Indoor Cats for Outdoor Life

Cats are naturally very wild and adventurous, and many cats enjoy being allowed out to roam around the garden and neighborhood. Some people choose to keep their cats indoors, for various personal reasons. These can include health reasons, or to protect the cat from danger such as roads or pregnancy. Introducing an indoor cat to the outdoors should be done carefully to avoid causing the cat too much distress.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Tag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check that your cat is up to date on her vaccinations. Current guidance is that cats should be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, cat flu, feline leukemia virus and feline chlamydophilosis. Kittens should have the initial vaccinations at 9 and 12 weeks, and a yearly booster provided after this.

    • 2

      Purchase a collar and tag. These will help people to return your cat to you should he go missing. It is also advisable to join a micro chipping scheme, which will allow your cat to be identified by vets should he lose his collar.

    • 3

      Allow your cat time to get used to your house. If you have just bought or adopted your cat, it is essential to allow the cat time to settle so that they regard the house as their safe home and will know where to return to. It's advisable to give a minimum of a week to allow the cat to settle. Ideally, try to keep your cat inside for around four weeks.

    • 4

      Purchase a cat lead, and take your cat for a walk in the garden. Clip the lead onto the collar securely, or use a cat harness. If your cat has never been outside, he may be scared or anxious. However, he may also love the garden, and immediately want to explore. Watch your cat for signs of nervousness, and take your cat inside at this point.

    • 5

      Walk your cat as often as possible over a few days. Some cats may resist the idea of being walked initially, but will get used to being on a leash. Allow the cat to explore, sniff and mark her territory. This will make her feel familiar with her surroundings when you finally let her out alone.

    • 6

      Move the litter tray outside, onto the area you wish your cat to use as the toilet, such as grass. Walk the cat to the litter tray to do his business. Leave the litter tray in place for a few weeks to teach your cat where to use the toilet.

    • 7

      Choose a day just before mealtime to let your cat out. This means he should return for feeding. Open the door, and allow your cat to go outside on his own. Leave the door open to allow the cat back inside as he chooses.

    • 8

      Fill the cat's bowl at mealtime, as usual. Put the food down on the floor, as your cat should be able to smell his meal. Your cat should return to eat as usual, however, do not worry if she decides to explore for a little longer.