I've just let my cats out and my heart is in my mouth...

[Lynds]

Funny you should say that Sam as I have been giving them treats and picking them up for lots of kisses when they come back. I think I've just been so grateful they HAVE come back lol

Kirst - the wet weather doesn't impress Nobo. It's so funny as he looks at me with utter disgust when I open the door if it's raining    Izzy on the other hand if off; she's a trouper lol

[Kirst]

i was TERRIFIED about letting Jerry and Gizzy out - in fact if it wasnt for the fact Id promised Sharon they could well have benn indoor boys.

After a week of freedom they have ALWAYS come back when called , and in fact are nearly always inside all afternoon and wont venture out if its wet. And of course the promise of food always has them trottin in as they always get a treat when they come when called!

[Sam (Fussy_Furball)]

Thanks everyone. I've been ensuring they go out hungry and call them every 30 mins or so. They keep coming back so I'm pleased. They don't seem that interested in going that far, but that's probably as they are hungry lol

Calling them back every 30 mins is exactly what I do with my lot .... just so I can see them.  Sometimes I give them a little treat as well just so they know that it is actually worthwhile coming when they are called.  Cats are quick learners and if they realise there is no advantage to coming back they will soon start to ignore you 

[Lynds]

Thanks everyone. I've been ensuring they go out hungry and call them every 30 mins or so. They keep coming back so I'm pleased. They don't seem that interested in going that far, but that's probably as they are hungry lol

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

DEfinately do not shut them out unless they have access back into the house some other way.

Just a word of warning that was passed to me by CP when I got my cats, if you have double glazed windows that are the push open type on a hinge that open from top to bottom rather than from the side, be very careful cos cats have been seriously hurt using these windows as access points cos they can slam shut and are often very heavy.

[bunglycat]

I leave my back door open all day when i am in ( they dont go outside if i amnot at home - they are locked in !)
Then they com and go as they please ( garden is catproofed) they are all in when its dusk.
When i first let FiFi out it was 10 mins at a time fully supervised for about 5 days - nows she stays with the others.

[karenjet]

I was the same letting mine out at first. I did it gradually, like letting them out 10 mins the first day and building it up. Do you give yours Whiskas Temptations? Shaking the box and calling my cats names always brings them straight back in.

I started by leaving the dining room window open for them so they could come in and out as they pleased, but after they brought birds in and carried them all round the house, I closed the window. They weren't impressed and still want the window left open but they don't get it. They'll always come to the window when they want back in, which with my 4 is usually about 20 mins after being let out.

Good luck, Lynds 

[Lynds]

Thanks Michelle.

It's quite interesting as Izzy has gone for a big exploration but Nobo doesn't seem to stray too far away, infact he keeps coming back every 10 mins or so. I think his belly is bringing him back. Should I feed him or wait until tea time? I can't stand the thought he's hungry. She must be too, but clearly being out is much more fun than eating.

I've kept my back door open so they can wander back in. Do you think that's good idea or should I just shut the door?

Lynds x

[Michelle (furbabystar)]

We have all been there, everything you let a cat out for the 1st time your heart is in your mouth.

It will ok.......try not to worry 

[Lynds]

I've had Nobo for about 8 weeks and Izzy for 7. I wanted to let them out but after the four weeks had passed I was scared to let them out, mainly as he's not taken to her coming into his space - even after only one week! I wanted to see if this would calm down a little as I figured she may not come back if he's bullying her. Things have calmed down a little (not that much) but I've just bitten the bullet and they're off!

I'm so scared they won't come back or that something will happen to them. I did the whole not feeding them for 12 hours and butter on the paws. I pray they will be ok and come home.

Any comfort or pearls of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.