How can I stop my kittens from wandering when I eventually let the go outside?

Question

I will be getting them injected at 15 weeks (next week) and 18 weeks. When should they be able to actually go out too?

Answer 1

Leashes and cat proof fences stop wandering very well.

When should they go out?

Only when you're out watching to be sure they're safe from other animals, mean children and cars.

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.

Outdoor cats annoy neighbors by peeing everywhere and pooping in gardens.

Cheers.

Answer 2

Cats and kittens should never be let out into the garden for at least 2 weeks after their last booster vaccinations. But, I do not condone allowing your cat out into your garden alone unless you accompany them on a harness. Here is a site for hand made harnesses for cats specifically. I have two and I highly recommend them -

http://www.norgeskaukatt.co.uk/Harness.h...

The other safe way to make sure that your cat can wander around your garden without your guidance is by putting a secure fence around your garden. Please see link below -

http://www.purrfectfence.co.uk/

Or there are the other options of building an enclosed cat run if you cannot put secure fencing around your garden. Here are some links on various cat runs -

http://www.stusanimalhousing.co.uk/catru...

http://www.happinessragdolls.co.uk/catru...

You could secure some windows and put a cat balcony in them. Here is a link with photos -

http://www.petdoors.com/petsafe_cat_vera...

Or, if you have a patio or veranda, you could secure this for your cat to get some fresh air safely. like some cat owners have (scrolldown page to see enclosed veranda/balcony)-

http://www.sparrowsnightmare.com/allgeme...

Whenever I have someone asking me if they should allow their cats outside, I always recommend that they keep them in, as cats kept indoors with access to secure enclosures only live a much longer, safer and happier life as they are not prone to the threats of busy roads and vehicles, malicious people with cruel intent, other larger predators, toxic substances and poisonous plants, are at much less risk of contracting the major feline diseases such as 'cat flu' and 'cat aids' which are normally transmitted through biting and scratching in cat fights for territory and mating and also bites and scratches, if left unnoticed and treated cat become infected.

For happy indoor cats just make sure they have plenty of things to stimulate them with plenty of toys scratch posts and cat towers and balconies.

This way, you will have provided your cat with all the things a happy and safe cat could need, along with your love of course :)

All the best to you and your new kitten.

Answer 3

i wouldn't let them roam freely outside.  your cats will eventually wander off, even if you do teach them to stay around you home.

there are dangers to cats being outside, from being ran over, or killed by another animal

Answer 4

well, let them out for short periods at a time(this is what i did..)

stay out there with them, show them where their food is when they're out for good.

that age is fine to go out. for all those ppl asking u why u would let them out, cats don't wanna stay cooped up all the time, and sometimes humans are allergic.

just stay out there with them often ,let them know they still live there.

Answer 5

You can't, which is why you should keep them safely indoors where they can't be harmed.

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?ac...

http://www.geocities.com/heartland/point...

http://home.hiwaay.net/~keiper/indoors.h...

http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-worldenc...

http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/catrun...

Answer 6

don't let them outside till they are at least 30 years old human years.  Why do you want them to die an premature, preventable and painful death?

Answer 7

You should let them out after they've had their vaccinations. There's really no way you can stop them from wandering unless you lock them inside and really, that's not fair on them. Even if you put a fence up, they'd most likely climb it...cats are wanderers!

Answer 8

Kittens are babies, they are learning their environment.  You can't stop them from wandering but you can keep them safe.  Kitty proof your house and yard, make both environments safe for them to wander.  Always watch them until they sleep and then watch them again when they wake up.  It won't be long until they get older and recognize you as their master and they will independently take care of themselves most of the time.

Answer 9

Studies have shown that cats live twice as long when they are kept strictly inside and never allowed outdoors then when they are inside/outside cats.

However, you seem to be someone who would prefer to allow your cats to explore outside.  Cats are adventurous, and they will wander away when you let them out.  That's just their nature.  However, you can insure that they don't wander far from the house by keeping  plenty of fresh food and water near your house.   I keep mine by the door.  This will allow the animals access to fresh food and water, and will make them keep coming back to you, even if it is just to eat food.  the major drawback to this is that you will most likely draw other cats to your house.  Which is fine.  We personally have five cats that are wild and hang out on the property due to the fact that we've fed them.  I've rescued a kitten by leading it from across town to my house so that it could eat, and have enjoyed watching it grow into a gorgeous gray stripped tabby.  We also have four inside cats that constantly get outside, and I don't have any problems with them fighting with the wild cats that stay on the property.  

Another good thing to do is to buy them collars, flee collars, and tags identifying them as yours that have an address on them so that other people who find them will know that they are your cats.  I also recommend getting them micro=chipped so that if they get picked up by animal control, they can contact you to let you know they have your cat.

As far as age, I would wait until six months to let them start exploring the outside of your house, or at the very least until they have been vaccinated.  Some cats refuse to stay outside and will immediately try to run back in, and others will instantly dash off to explore.  don't worry if they take off, they will know how to come back and will show back up either later that day or the next one.   Keeping some food and shaking it will usually bring them back to the property if they take off too.

Here is another issue to consider before letting your cats run around outside.  Do you intend to get them fixed? If not, you run the risk of them having their own litters later on.  And if you don't get them fixed, you may have problems with your males spraying in the house to mark their territory.  If you do let them outside, I strongly suggest against declawing them.  If they do get into a fight with another animal, they will be defenseless.  

Answer 10

It is NEVER a good idea to let your cats out!  Many people don't realize the hazards that await them on the outside.  They can get in fights with feral cats, catch diseases, get hit by a car or, God forbid get right in the path of a sadistic animal hater and be tortured to death.  Cats are perfectly content and much safer in the house.  Just give them some time with you for play, get them some kitty toys and a spot of sunlight to lie down in and they will be fine.

Answer 11

Get a tazer.