Find out why you should introduce your cat to the outside and how to do it safely.
Letting your cat outside for the first time is a big step. You might worry that they’ll wander too far and not come back or get hurt. But most cats want the choice to explore and benefit from going outside.
Benefits of letting your cat outside
When cats are outside they can tap into their natural instincts which is good for their mental and physical health. The outdoors is an exciting landscape for the senses, with changing smells, sounds, and sights. Over 10 thousand years ago, wildcats moved into towns in search of food where they became domesticated living alongside humans. Pet cats have kept many of their ancestors' traits and behaviours. They have evolved with the choice to go outdoors.
By letting them outside, you're increasing the space available to your cat and expanding their world. They can climb, play, scratch and express other biological behaviours. Introducing an outdoor space encourages your cat to engage in natural, healthy activities.
When is the right time to let your cat outside?
Give your cat plenty of time to settle into your home and try to be patient. Your home is their safe space and going outside can be intimidating.
Kittens
Kittens can go outside at around 4 months old.
Adult cats
You can let adult cats outside after at least 4 to 6 weeks after you first take them home. Adult cats can vary more, so if they're nervous or less curious to explore, they may need more time to adjust. If they settle quickly and are growing frustrated indoors, this is a sign they may be ready to go outside earlier.
Before your cat goes outside
- Microchip your cat and keep their details up to date
- Neuter and vaccinate your cat.
- A cat flap allows them to come and go as they please and feel more in control of their environment. There are also cat flaps that only let your cat in using their microchip. Find out more about cat flaps
- Check if your cat is comfortable wearing a collar. This should be a quick-release safety collar with your details on an ID tag.
- If your cat is relaxed while wearing a quick-release collar, you can add a tracker. Make sure your cat is comfortable wearing the tracker, but if they show signs of stress remove it.
- If you have an outside space, make it as safe and cat-friendly as possible. Find out how to create a cat-friendly outdoor space
- Teaching your cat recall means you can safely guide them back inside. To do this, call your cat’s name and shake a packet of treats or use their use their favourite toy. Reward them if they come back to you. Read more on cat training
The first time your cat goes outside
- Start by going outside on your own, leaving the door open for your cat to follow. Take treats or a toy with you and sit quietly. Let them decide whether to come outside and explore on their own.
- If your cat follows you outside, stay with them. Leave the door open so your cat can get back inside if they want.
- If they wander too far, try calling them back by using the treats or a toy as a reward. Remain relaxed and calm and let your cat take its time.
Avoid picking up your cat and bringing them outside as this can frighten them. Let your cat have full control of its time outside by letting them explore without a harness, lead or other restraint.
What to do if your cat wanders too far
Stay calm. Many cats stay close to home while they’re exploring. Try calling them and shaking a packet of treats. Thoroughly search your local area.
Build your cat’s confidence outdoors
Your cat may not want to spend a long time outside straight away. Build up the length of time they’re outside over a few sessions.
Continue to train your cat with recall. Call their name and reward them if they return. Let them wander off again so they don't associate coming back to you with having to come inside.
When your cat seems relaxed outside, start to let them come and go by themselves.
It’s a good idea to give your cat an indoor toileting option. Sometimes your cat might not feel comfortable toileting outside, like when the weather is cold or wet, or there is another cat nearby.
Should you let your cat outside overnight?
Leaving your cat outside at night can feel scary and there is a higher chance of them getting hurt. Keeping them indoors overnight may put your mind at ease and will reduce the chance of them getting into a car accident.
Letting different types of cats outside
All breeds and types of cat benefit from going outside, but some cats might need extra care.
How to introduce your sphynx or pale cat to the outdoors
Sphynx, white and pale cats need pet-safe sunscreen during the sunnier months to protect their skin from the sun. This includes on their ears. Create a positive association with the sunscreen by feeding your cat treats or stroking them when you’re applying it.
We recommend setting up some shade outside so your cat can then lounge outside away from the summer sun.
Sphynx cats get colder than other cat breeds. Make sure to keep them warm during winter and consider getting them a jumper.
Sphynx cats are very smart and social, so letting them outside is great for mental and physical stimulation, but you should keep an eye on if it’s too sunny or too cold.
How to introduce your deaf or wobbly cat to the outdoors
Deaf and wobbly cats, such as those with the medical condition Cerebellar Hypoplasia, need as much stimulation as others. They can thrive outdoors given the right space, especially homes with private gardens. Less busy areas and near quieter roads are better for deaf cats.
Going outside with your wobbly cat for the first time gives you the chance to see how they’re using the garden and how you can adapt the space for them.
A microchip cat flap gives wobbly and deaf cats easy access back inside without the risk of other cats coming into the home. Having access to private indoor space will build their confidence.
For wobbly cats, consider installing your cat flap with a step or ramp as you may need to leave it open on a catch.
How to introduce your three-legged or elderly cat to the outdoors
Tripod and elderly cats may need to build their confidence. Make sure their outside space is comfortable. Spend time outside with them and provide hiding places to help them relax. Adding a cat flap or keeping the door open will also give them more control.
They may be less agile and find it more challenging to climb and jump, so ramps and stairs can support them and help them get up higher.
If they’re able to get into your neighbour’s garden, make sure they can easily get back by checking access back into your garden.
Give your cat a permanent indoor litter tray, even if they’ve has always toileted outside, so they can toilet wherever they’re comfortable.
