Being let outside is something your cat dreams about every time they look out a window, or you open a door, but that doesn’t make it any less nerve-racking – for you or your cat – when that day finally arrives.
Below, we’re going to discuss some of the benefits and dangers of letting your cat outside, as well as some useful tips on how to introduce them to the outdoors without the fear of never seeing them again.
Benefits of Letting Your Cat Outside
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), roughly 37% of cats in the United States spend at least part of their day and night outdoors – but that number would be higher if more owners knew the benefits.
For example, it allows your feline friend to fulfill some of their basic, natural instincts – such as hunting, climbing, chasing, exploring, and scratching without damaging or being confined to your home.
That means more physical activity and mental stimulation – which translates to a happier, healthier cat.
And if they end up finding a meal or using the bathroom during their outdoor adventure, you’ll end up saving money (they won’t be eating as often inside) and time (they won’t be using the litter box as much).
Dangers of Letting Your Cat Outside
There are a lot of reasons why you should let your indoor cat explore the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. In fact, letting your cat outside can be just as dangerous as it is beneficial.
For example, it exposes them to a wide range of potential health issues – such as parasites (ear mites, ticks), vehicular trauma, animal attacks, communicable diseases, injuries, and unwanted pregnancies.
That means more trips to the vet, higher medical bills, and – the worst case scenario – even death.
From the owner’s perspective, they’ll have to live with the fear of never seeing their cat again – just on the off chance that something goes wrong, and you’re not around to save them. That fear can be unbearable!
How to Let Your Cat Outside
Giving your feline friend the opportunity to experience life as an outdoor cat has its fair share of pros and cons, but you can help minimize that risk (and maximize their reward) by setting them up for success.
It’ll take some time, energy, and effort by both parties, but I like to think of it as an investment.
With that said, let’s go over some of the most important things we should do before letting a cat outside for the first time – that way, they can enjoy the adventure, but not so much that they never make a return.
Microchip, Collar, & ID Tag
First and foremost, let’s make sure your cat is vaccinated and neutered before letting them roam free. It not only protects them from certain diseases, but it prevents them from welcoming a litter of wild kittens.
Next up, let’s make sure your cat can be identified if they end up running away or getting lost.
The best way to go about this is getting them microchipped, but fitting them with a collar and ID tag – the traditional method – is always a good option, as well. Personally, I recommend doing both, if possible.
For the collar, always go with a quick-release, breakaway collar that snaps free when force is applied. In the off chance they get caught on something (such as a fence or post), they’ll be able to free themselves.
That’s where the microchip comes in handy – even without a collar, they can still be identified.
Train Your Cat to Come When Called
Most experts recommend waiting until your kitten is at least five months old before letting them outside, while adult cats need at least two weeks to settle into their home environment before taking that step.
Either way, use this time to train your cat to come to you on command.
Some cats will respond to their name (especially if you practice enough), while others will respond to certain noises – such as a smooching noise, whistle, or even the sound of their food or treat container.
Believe it or not, most cats can hear sounds anywhere from 2,300 feet to 2,900 feet away.
It won’t happen overnight, but they’ll eventually learn that certain sounds mean it’s time to return home – and when they do, make sure you give them some extra love and attention. They’re going to need it!
Install a Cat Flap Door
There are times when you’ll want to call your cat home, and then there are times when they’ll want to return home on their own. Either way, it’s important that they have a way of getting inside at all times.
That’s where a cat flap door comes in handy.
There are three main types of cat flap doors – traditional doors, magnetized doors, and microchip doors. Traditional doors are the cheapest, but they technically allow any animal/rodent in and out as they wish.
The same can be said about magnet doors, but they at least stay closed enough to keep the weather (snow, rain, etc.) out of the house – perfect for those who live in a climate with harsh weather conditions.
If your cat is microchipped (which I highly recommend), a microchip door will only open for your cat – and your cat only. That means unwanted rodents and random animals won’t be able to enter your home.
Pick the Right Time to Train Your Cat
Making sure your cat has a positive first outdoor experience is very important – otherwise, they might not ever want to do it again. And let’s be honest – the last thing we want is a cat that’s scared to go outside.
That’s why I recommend waiting for the perfect day and right time to introduce your cat to outdoor living.
So, what does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, pick a day where the sun is shining, the wind isn’t overwhelming, and it’s not raining or snowing – especially if you know your cat isn’t a fan of getting wet.
Aside from the weather, try training them on a day where there isn’t a lot of loud noises and commotion happening outside – such as kids playing in your neighbor’s yard or construction happening nearby.
And, of course, always pick a day where you can accompany them – that way, they feel comfortable.
Be Patient & Go at Your Cat’s Pace
Last but not least, be patient and go at your cat’s pace. It’s not going to be easy and it won’t happen overnight, so don’t set your expectations high – especially if you’ve never let your cat outside before.
If that’s the case, try introducing them to the outdoors before giving them their breakfast or dinner. Just open the door and let them slowly assimilate over the next 20 minutes before giving them their food.
The more you do this, the more you can increase the amount of time they’re outside.
Eventually, your cat will know to, at the very least, return for their morning or afternoon meal. As soon as they hear you shaking their food or treat bag, they’ll come running with a big, happy smile on their face.
