Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/30/2008

Question
I have recently got a lovely little year old female cat, the only problem is before I
had her she was brought up inside and has never been out. I have a garden and
would love for her to be able to go out, any tips on how to achieve this as at the
moment shes terrified.

Answer
Viv,

Introducing her slowly is the best and safest way if you have the time and the desire to do it correctly.

First I would let the cat sit in a window overlooking the garden area, preferably with the (screened!) window open, for about 2 weeks to learn the smells and sounds of the outside area.

Then, I would hold her and walk around the garden area a few times without letting her down, letting her look around.

Next I would take her out and set her down, but sit with her and let her explore. It will make her feel secure knowing you are there. Do that 2 or 3 times for short periods.

Then I would leave the door cracked open and let her go out on her own as she feels comfortable. Having the door left open allows her to run back in if she gets scared of something. But keep an eye on her the first couple of times.

You shouldn't have any problem after that.

A lot of times a cat is happy going outside for a short time then they are ready to come back in, others enjoy staying out for extended periods. Preferably don't let her go out at night. That is the most dangerous time for an animal to be outside.

Collar train her while she is in the house. Then tape your address or cell number on a break-away collar...just in case before letting her out. If she explores too far, someone my say "oh what a cute stray and keep her" if she doesn't have a collar on. Or, a dog may chase her and she may run without knowing where she is going and get confused where home is. Those are 'worst case scenarios', but it pays to be on the safe side.

A kitty door with an infrared that will only open to the cat wearing the remote would be nice. You can get them at Petco/PetSmart, etc. The infrared helps keep stray cats and 'creatures of the night' out of your house.

Going outside is healthy because cats get Vitamin D from the sun, plus it satisfies the 'hunter instinct' that cats have....even if it's just a leaf they stalk.

My cats wouldn't be happy if they couldn't be indoor/outdoor cats!

I hope this answered your question.

Tabbi