Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: girlinleeds on February 04, 2013, 21:20:37 PM

Title: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: girlinleeds on February 04, 2013, 21:20:37 PM

Dh is starting to make noises about letting bella out soon, i'm trying to put him of till the begining of march when its getting lighter/warmer but its starting to panic me already. Any tips or hints to make it easier and less stressfull for us both, i can t even remember what we did with barney. im sure she knows how to use a cat flap as she keeps pushing at it (its locked at the moment) i,m more nervous about letting her out as baney only really knew this as home as he was a kitten when we got him but we dont know Bellas history. If it was upto my husband he'd just unlock the flap and let her go for it, am i being a wimp what have you all done??

thanks
x

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on February 04, 2013, 23:23:29 PM

Can you bribe him with something tohelp him decide to keep her in just a teensy bit longer?!  :naughty:

When the times comes I'd let her out first thing but with NO breakfast so she is hungry and will hopefully want to come back in, also means you are able to look for her in daylight should she wander off.

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on February 04, 2013, 23:43:11 PM

I wouldnt let her out yet far too soon.

Whats your OH problem......doesnt he like cats?

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Limarie on February 05, 2013, 14:51:57 PM

Put butter on Bella's paws, she'll remember the way home then! My brother took his kitten out on a harness the first few times so that she got used to being outside and then he gradually let her off, she comes and goes as she pleases through the catflap now   :)

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on February 05, 2013, 16:10:21 PM

TBH I dont think butter will help

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Mymblesdaughter on February 05, 2013, 16:37:53 PM

I personally wouldn't let her out until the spring/warmer weather. Do you have a garden? The ideal time I think is when you can have the door open and be outside with her and keep an eye on her. Do some gardening and she will probably hang around with you and explore a bit at a time. 

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Limarie on February 05, 2013, 16:39:08 PM

I head that they don't like it on their paws so they lick it off, it gives them time to take in their surroundings. However I just went outside with Sherlock to make him feel safe and he eventually got used to it  :)

Title: Re: letting Bella out for the first time help
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on February 05, 2013, 16:41:30 PM

And  Bella may not want to go outside and she has to do it by herself, never force a cat to go outside and never get rid of the indoor litter tray.

I agree you should wait until the spring.