Letting your cat outside for the first time ... safely

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Before letting your cat outside, understand how cats navigate

High on the list of your cat’s priorities in its new home is the establishment and protection of its own territory – a survival instinct programmed by Mother Nature.

Part of their equipment is an exceptional sense of smell and the means to mark and identify their territory - using their own unique scent.

In a new home and unfamiliar neighborhood cats do not rely on visual clues as we do – but depend instead on their keen sense of smell, which is far more developed than ours.

Your cat's scent will mark the trail and provide the clues which your cat will follow when roaming and returning home.

Until your cat has sufficiently marked his territory - he is basically blindfolded. If your cat becomes even a little confused, there is a chance he (or she) might not be able to find his way back to you and your new home.

When to let your cat outside

Only after your feline has become very comfortable and identifies with the inside of its new home should you let your cat outside. It is usually wise to wait two or three weeks.

For your cat, stepping outside to explore his new outdoor home can be pretty scary

... a bit like the first day at a new school – but its a tough neighborhood.

Letting your cat outside to explore and claim his new territory as his own is yet one more obstacle for your cat to overcome. Your kitty might need to challenge other animals as he slowly establishes command over his new home.

Stay with your cat

Always go with your cat and stay with him until he comes inside.

Consider yourself to be his personal bodyguard ...

... if other cats are on your property encourage them to leave

... ensure there are no dogs around

... when chatting with your new neighbors ask if any are intolerant or abusive to cats

Your cat could be feeling totally stressed and skittish. As you know, it doesn’t take much to spook a cat – any sudden sound or movement can cause your cat to take off.

You might not see a cat or other animal nearby - but your cat will smell or otherwise sense it.

Using a leash or harness will keep your cat with you and on your property. He should still be wearing identification on his collar, leash or harness.

In the beginning, keep your supervised outings short - leave your door open in case your cat wants to scramble inside. Don't leave him unsupervised - he could wander off or even be chased away by other cats.

Over time, your cat’s explorations will become longer as he embraces and begins to mark his territory with his scent. It can take months for a cat to truly settle in to a new home.

Who knows?
Your kitty might even make some friends.

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