Expert: Jessica - 3/31/2010

Question
Hi, please tell me if i can take my 2 months old kitten "MILO" out with me twice or three times a week... can i take her to other houses with new people? or shall i just leave her home alone knowing that she stays alone about 8 hours while I'm at work.

Answer
Hi Manal.  Taking a cat out and about with you is a great way to keep her flexible and open to new people and ideas!  It’s best to start this routine with them when they are young and are most adaptable.  My friendliest cats have traveled everywhere with me, and I always receive complements on their wonderful personalities.  However, because cats are vulnerable to illness, injury and becoming lost in the wrong situation, you must take some precautions.

One is to use a cat carrier or a harness and a leash whenever you are outdoors or walking from a car into a building.  Sometimes cats can get startled and run away.  If you have the cat secured inside a carrier, or you train her to walk on a leash and harness, this will solve this problem.  When you train them to walk on a leash at this young age, they learn very quickly.  I start mine wearing a harness around the house at first, and then attach the leash.  Warning: cats can get out of harnesses that SEEM to fit – the harness needs to be nice and snug, especially around the shoulders!

Also, I don’t recommend taking the kitty into any homes where there are other animals unless there is a full history known.  Other cats can carry deadly viruses called feline leukemia and feline AIDS.  Leukemia can be spread by licking each other and sharing water and food, and also fighting.  AIDS is spread through bite wounds and could be passed if the kitties got into a fight.  If you visit friends that have cats, be sure all the cats have tested negative for these diseases, and that those cats don’t go outside, where they could become infected at any time (also, be sure Milo has been tested so she is not a threat to their cats!).

Dogs are also a threat to Milo, especially if their history is not known.  Many breeds, such as those of the terrier family, have a strong predatory drive and see cats as prey.  I would leave Milo at home if you will be visiting a friend who has dogs, unless the dog has a very reliable history with cats.  

Finally, be sure Milo is vaccinated against panleukopenia, calici virus and rhinotracheitis.  These are common viruses that can make her very sick, and she is sure to come in contact with them in her travels.

If you decide not to take Milo around with you, you may want to consider getting her a play mate to keep her company while you are away from home.

Congratulations on your kitten!

Jessica