Exploring the backyard can be beneficial for your kitty as the outside is full of mental and physical stimuli. However, if your cat has always lived indoors, the introduction to the outdoors would require some time.
Always keep an eye on the cat when it’s outside. First, let the kitty out only for 10 minutes and at the same time every day to establish a routine; don’t forget to give the little guy a treat once it comes back home.
How to Make Your Cat an Outdoor Cat?
Make sure that the cat gets used to the indoors first. If you have just adopted the kitty or if you have recently moved to another house, give the cat at least a few weeks to get used to its new home.
To make your kitty an outdoor cat, you should:
- First, let the kitty outside only for around 10 minutes
- Never let the cat roam outside unsupervised during the indoor/outdoor transition
- Give the cat a treat once it comes back inside
- Let the little guy outside at the same time every day (you can do that before feeding time so that the cat remembers to come back home)
How Do I Make My Cat an Outdoor Pet?
There are a few important things to consider before trying to make your cat an outdoor pet:
- Make sure that the kitty has a collar with an ID tag or microchip the fluffy ball (there are also special GPS cat trackers that you can use to find out where your cat is)
- Neuter or spay the cat before allowing it to roam freely
- Ensure that the kitty has all the necessary vaccines
- Reduce the outdoor risks, if possible (check the fence, make sure that there are no toxic plants in your backyard, and so on)
- Build an outdoor cat house
Read: How Long Do Cats Tails Grow?
Can I Take My Indoor Cat Outside on a Leash?
Ideally, if you are planning on letting your cat outside, you should be able to keep an eye on it at all times. And the best way to do that is to put a leash on the little guy.
Bear in mind, however, that you should attach the leash to a harness rather than a collar as cats have thin and fragile necks.
How to Train Your Cat to Go Outside on a Leash?
The first thing that you would have to do is get an appropriate harness and leash. After that, train the cat to wear the harness indoors and, once it feels comfortable, attach the leash.
Be patient and always pay attention to the kitty’s body language.
Read: Does Cat Need Bath After Swimming?
How to Let Your Cat Outside Without It Running Away?
- First things first, you would have to make sure that the cat is spayed or neutered and that it has a microchip or a collar with an ID
- To make your cat feel safer, build an outdoor shelter – otherwise, the kitty might end up seeking security elsewhere
- Stick to a regular feeding schedule – this will keep the cat coming back home for their usual meal
- Install a cat flap on a door or window
What Age Can Cats Go Outside?
You shouldn’t let the cat outside until it has all the necessary vaccinations and until it has been spayed or neutered. Usually, all that should have already been done by the time the kitty turns 6 months.
How to Make a Kitten an Outdoor Cat?
You can let the kitten outside only a week after the little guy had finished its course of vaccinations. Make sure that the kitty is acclimated to the home and, ideally, microchip the fluffy ball.
You might first want to use a leash and a harness to keep the kitten from running away. Establish yard boundaries and use physical and verbal commands.
Give the kitten treats every time it comes back home and be prepared to spend anywhere between a couple of weeks and a few months on daily training.
Read: Why Does My Cat Want So Much Attention in the Morning?
Should I Make My Cat an Outdoor Cat?
The greatest advantage of the great outdoors is the fact that it’s full of mental and physical stimuli. The biggest disadvantage, however, is that your cat is safer indoors.
My Indoor Cat Wants to Go Outside
There are a few safe solutions for the indoor kitties that want to explore the outdoor world:
- Walking the cat on a leash
- Carrying the kitty
- Using a personal carrier
- Using a special cat stroller
Can a House Cat Become an Outdoor Cat?
An adult cat that has spent its whole life inside can become an outdoor cat, but the transition has to be slow.
At first, the little guy will get overwhelmed by the new smells, sounds, and objects, so it is better to let the kitty outside for only a couple of minutes the first few times (always keep an eye on the fluffy explorer).
Can a Domestic Cat Survive Outside?
Cats can survive outside. Even a domestic kitty would be able to find shelter and food.
With that being said, there are just too many things that can injure or kill the poor thing – starting from cars and ending with other animals.
How Long Can an Indoor Cat Survive Outside?
The life expectancy of an outdoor cat is only 2-5 years, while that of an indoor kitty is 15-17 years.
Read: Why Cat Not Gaining Weight but Eating Well?
Is Having an Outdoor Cat Cruel?
If the kitty stays in your backyard, has an outdoor house, and is kept warm during winter, then the chances are high that the fluffy ball will thrive.
However, it is not advised to let your precious cat roam around the neighborhood freely as there are too many dangers (cruel people, other animals, diseases, vehicles…).
Is It Cruel to Turn an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat?
It is not cruel as staying inside would be a lot safer for the cat. The transitioning, however, can take a few months (this will minimize the cat’s stress).
How to Keep an Outdoor Cat Inside at Night?
Make sure that the kitty has enough toys to play with inside. Lock all the doors and windows at night and be persistent – the cat will soon learn that it has to stay at home as night falls.
Will My Cat Be OK Outside All Night?
Even though cats might enjoy exploring at night, it is not advised to leave the kitty outside all night.
How Far Will a Cat Roam from Home?
Most cats won’t roam farther than 650 feet away from the house.
Will a Cat Run Away from a New Home?
If the previous house is somewhere nearby, then the cat might end up wandering back to the residence.
Can Cats Smell Their Way Home?
Kitties leave olfactory traces along the way. In some cases, they will be able to find their way back home thanks to their exceptional sense of smell and the olfactory ‘clues’.
Read: Why Cat Not Feeling Well After Fight?
How Do You Attract a Cat Back Home?
If the cat has been with you for over 3 weeks, then it is already used to your smell and the smell of the house. Try to get as much of the scent outside as you can:
- Place a food dish and the litter box outside
- Start cooking something smelly on the grill
- Open the windows
Put a blanket or a clothing item outside.