Is your kitten ready to go outside? Before you let them venture out to explore, you’ll need to make sure of the following:
- have they been neutered? We recommend neutering or spaying your cat before they are four months old, as this is when they can become pregnant
- have they got a microchip? Making sure your cat is microchipped means that if they were to go missing, you’d have more of a chance of a happy reunion
- have they had their vaccinations? Because of potential infection from diseases like cat flu or feline enteritis, your kitten shouldn’t be allowed outside until a week after they have finished their first course of vaccinations – usually around 13-14 weeks old, depending on the vaccine
When letting your kitten out for the first time, you’ll need to keep them company as they explore. Avoid picking them up and placing them outside - it is much better to let them make their own way out.
Planning their first trip out for a quiet period during the day is a good start and should help them to feel confident with the unfamiliar scents, sounds and smells of the outdoors. It is advised not to leave your kitten outside unsupervised until they are six months old. Try letting your kitten out before a meal - inquisitive kittens are much more likely to return if they're expecting food. Remember to keep the door or cat flap open to ensure they have the option to go outside or retreat back inside.
