When Can Kittens Start Going Outside? Helping Your Pet Explore the Great Outdoors
- Abi
- February 16, 2023
- 4:36 pm
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When can kittens start going outside? It’s best to wait until your pet has been vaccinated before allowing your kitten to explore your yard. Let’s look at how to safely let your pet outdoors for the first time!
Kittens can start going outside once they reach the age of about 20 weeks. Kittens need to be given all necessary vaccinations and neutered before letting them go outdoors. A vet should also check kittens before being taken out to ensure that they are healthy and able to handle outdoor activities.
This article will answer the question, ‘when can kittens start going outside?’ We’ll look at what to consider before letting your pet outside.
When can kittens start going outside?
It’s best to wait until your kitten is at least five months old, has had all their vaccinations, and has been neutered or spayed before letting your pet outside alone. This will help prevent any unplanned pregnancy and ensure your pet doesn’t come into contact with any dangers.
It is possible to take younger kittens outside with a harness and leash. Your kitten can go out for supervised play in your yard from about 14 to 16 weeks. A kitten can be brought outside for walks and exploration, but they must remain supervised at all times to prevent them from running away or getting into trouble. It’s also best to wait until the kitten has had their first round of vaccinations before taking them out to avoid exposing your pet to diseases.
Older cats and kittens should be kept indoors for at least three weeks before being let outside. This will allow them to get their bearings and will mean they will be less likely to get lost. This is a good tip if you’ve either moved home or adopted an older kitten.
Before letting your kitten outdoors alone, your pet should be taken on supervised trips into the yard. Your pet should also be:
- Vaccinated
- Neutered or spayed
- Microchipped and wearing an ID collar
Things to consider before letting your kitten outside
When kittens do start going outside, they must always wear a collar with an ID tag containing the owner’s name and contact information in case the kitten gets lost. This will help you get your pet back if they stray too far from home. Quick-release collars are best, as these will come undone if your kitten gets caught on anything. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped as this is a more reliable form of identification for your cat.
Additionally, cats should be trained not to roam beyond their own backyard or neighborhood area so that they don’t come into contact with potentially dangerous stray cats, wild animals, or other hazards such as busy roads. This is often easier said than done, as cats are very independent and will go where they like. Intact males are more likely to roam, so having your pet fixed will mean that he stays closer to home.
You can encourage your pet to stay within your garden by sprinkling some used cat litter along the perimeter fencing. This will help to establish a territory for your kitten. However, you should keep in mind that as your pet gets older, they will probably want to explore further from home.
Before letting your kitten out, ensure that you are well bonded and that your pet recognizes their name. Your kitten should have good recall skills and come back when called before you let your pet go outside alone. You can practice recall indoors and reward your pet with a treat when they come back to you. It’s also a good idea to remove any dangerous items from your yard and cover your pond to prevent accidents.
If you live near a busy road or other hazardous areas, it may be safer to keep your cat indoors. You can train your kitten to walk on a lead if you start at a young age and take your pet out for walks. Alternatively, you can put up fencing or netting to stop your cat from getting out of your yard.
How to safely let your kitten outside
It can be scary letting your young kitten outside alone for the first time, but cats are naturally cautious and are unlikely to run off as soon as you open the door. It’s more likely that your pet will go outside for a few minutes and then come back.
To make the process easier, you can open the door before giving your kitten his breakfast. If your pet is hungry, he likely won’t go far, and when he comes back, you can feed him. This gives your pet the message that he will be fed when he returns home and will encourage him to return.
You can keep doing this each morning, and your kitten will explore a bit further each day. Once you are ready to let your kitten outside for longer periods, you may like to have a cat flap installed to allow your cat to come and go as he pleases.
When can kittens start going outside: Conclusion
By following these guidelines, owners can ensure that their kittens remain safe and healthy while exploring the outdoors. With proper supervision and preventive measures, kittens can begin to explore their surroundings at a young age – as long as it is done responsibly.
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