Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Steve1977 on January 03, 2008, 22:01:46 PM
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As our cats are over 5 months old, we'v recently taken them to the vets to be neutered and spayed (we have 2 cats, one male and one female). They'v had their vaccinations, have regular worming and will receive their boosters when they need them.
But when we'v had them back a few days (once they'v healed) should we think about letting them out into the big wide world? We wouldnt mind them being house cats but they love adventure and i reckon they'd love it outside.
When should we decide to let them out?
Also...when installing a cat flap, is the room where this would be prone to being cold? Does having a cat flap create a draft?
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You will know when it is time to let them out because they will tell you. Cat flaps these days have a draft stopper which is quite useful. But you do still get a minor draft. They have a magnetic clip too, which stops them flpping about in the wind like they used to
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I would keep them in unless they show signs of wanting to go out.
My kitchen is like a freezer and the catflap does not help ;D
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I would still keep them in a bit longer, they dont have much 'road sense' at that age, so I would try and keep them in until the spring. Have they been microchipped?
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Not yet, but dont worry, when the time comes we will make sure to do that.
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I'd keep them in at least another month and maybe longer. you could always keep them as indoor only as they are not used to going out. My Binky (RIP) was run over at 12 months old - I think they really are too daft at that age to realise that they can be hurt.
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Have you got a garden you could make cat safe ? There are lots of people on here who could advise you on how to go about this, it's easier than it sounds and could give them the adventure outside you think they need while keeping them much safer than allowing them to free roam.
This is of course if you insist on them going outside ... ;)
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I have to say that if my cats had been happy to stay in doors that I would not have allowed them out. It is actually a lot safer for them and if they are happy with an indoor existence and you can provide them with lots of 'enrichment' activities, then it is more sensible to keep them that way. Apart from anything else it will save you a fortune in vet bills as they will not be exposed to fights, disease, risk of car accident etc. I say this having two indoor-outdoor cats at present, but if you look at the thread that JS has started (somehing along the lines of 'reasons for indoor/outdoor cats') you will see that a lot of cats live rich, fulfilling and long healthy lives when kept indoors. It is a nonsense to believe those who tell you you are thwarting their 'natural instincts' as these can be easily met with the right toys, and interactions with their humans. A similar argument is used to justify keeping cats intact, and you know what a nonsense that idea is!