Letting your cat outside for the first time

Letting your cat out for the first time can be daunting, especially when they seem so small compared to the wilderness of the big, wide world. 

You may be wondering how you can support your feline friend as they adjust to the outside world – and how to help them make their way home again, too. So, whether you’ve welcomed a new feline friend to your family or just moved house, here’s all you need to know before letting your cat outside for the first time…

• How long should I wait before letting my cat out?
• What does my cat need before heading out?
• Preparing to let your cat out for the first time.
• The first time you let your cat out.
• How to train your cat to use a cat flap.

How long should I wait before letting my cat out?

The time you wait before letting your cat out will depend on their age and, if they’re an adult, whether they’ve been let outside before. 

Top tip: Allow your feline friend to settle into their new home before letting them out, so they’ll feel more confident and want to return home once they’re allowed to venture outside.

What age can kittens go outside?

If you have a kitten, you should wait until they’re at least 5-6 months old before letting them outside on their own. At this age, your kitten should have the confidence to navigate the world themselves and the maturity to interact with other cats they might meet on their adventures. 

When can older cats go outside?

For cats who are a little older, they’ll need at least 2-3 weeks to settle before heading outside for their first adventure in their new neighbourhood. However, it’s important to remember that every cat is different, so it could take up to 4-6 weeks before your adult cat is ready to go outside. This will give them plenty of time to settle in their new environment.

What does my cat need before heading out? 

There are a few things that can help keep your cat or kitten safe in the big, wide world. Before you let them out and about, you’ll need to get your cat or kitten:

• Microchipped.
• Vaccinated.
• Spayed or neutered.

Even if your cat is microchipped, it’s a good idea for them to wear a quick-release collar that snaps open if it gets caught on something. You can then add an ID tag to their collar that contains your details – that way, it’s more likely you’ll be contacted if your cat becomes injured or goes missing.

Preparing to let your cat out for the first time

To help you prepare for letting your cat outside, here are some top tips that could make the transition to their new routine easier for both of you:

1. Teach your cat or kitten to recognise their name: By training your feline friend to run to you when called, using plenty of praise and treats, it’ll be easier to encourage them to return home.
2. Let your cat or kitten explore the outside world in a harness at first: If they’re happy and comfortable to wear a harness, some cats might benefit from the chance to go for a walk with you before heading outside on their own.
3. Make your garden (or other outside space) safe for your cat: Removing hazards from your garden and checking that ponds are covered could improve your cat’s safety while they’re outdoors.

The first time you let your cat out

Here are some steps you can take to help make your cat’s first taste of the outside world a little less daunting…

Before you get started: Make sure you choose a quiet day when there are no loud noises. So, avoid starting on your street’s bin collection day, for instance. You’ll want to start when it’s dry, too, so your cat gets a positive first experience.

It’s also worth making note of any potential hazards your cat may encounter when outside, such as busy traffic, other pets in the area, and plants toxic to cats.

Step one: Before giving your cat breakfast, open the door to let them venture outside in their own time. Food is a fantastic method of limiting your cat’s outdoor time, since they’re more likely to want to return home if they’re a little hungry.

Step two: When your cat does go outside, let them explore at their own pace for around 10 minutes. Don’t be tempted to force your cat through the door or try picking them up, as this might frighten them.

Step three: Call your cat back to you and put down their breakfast. This way, your cat learns that in order to eat, they must come home.

Step four: Repeat this routine every morning, gradually increasing their time outdoors until they start venturing a little further away from home.

How to train your cat to use a cat flap

Installing a cat flap will allow your cat to come and go as they please, rather than always having to ‘ask’ to be let in or out. 

Having this freedom could help your cat to feel happier at home because they may enjoy the idea of being more in control of their own routine. It can also make life easier for you to set up a cat flap, since you won’t always have to give in to your cat’s demands to be let outside!

Many cats naturally want to explore outside, so you might be surprised at how quickly they can work out the best way to use the cat flap. But, if you find it takes your feline friend longer than anticipated to learn how to use the cat flap, please remember to be patient and continue to reward them.

Step one: Start by holding or wedging the cat flap open, so your cat can see the other side.

Step two: Encourage your cat to use the cat flap by holding a treat or wiggling their favourite toy in front of it. Once you’ve done this a few times, you can then place a few treats or the toy you’ve chosen on the bottom edge of the cat flap itself.

Step three: As soon as your cat is comfortable approaching the cat flap, you can begin encouraging them to find their way through with a treat or the toy. At this point, you’ll still be keeping the cat flap open. 

Remember: Make sure you reward your cat for the smallest things, from poking their head through or putting a paw over to the other side. Over time, rewarding your cat will allow them to develop a positive association with the cat flap.

Step four: When your cat goes through the cat flap for the first time, be sure to give them an extra special treat and lots of praise. Practise this step from both sides of the cat flap while it’s open, to ensure your cat is confident to leave and return through it. 

Step five: After your cat is used to going through an open cat flap, it’s time to reverse the process. Begin by sitting inside and gently calling your cat to come back indoors, tempting them with treats or toys, while teaching them how to push it themselves once it’s closed.

Be patient: Some cats will learn to use a cat flap in no time, whereas others may need extra time to learn that it’s safe and benefits them in the long run.