Going from indoor to outdoor

[Emma2Cats]

Thats really good actually 
Thats my mind made up then, I mean they dont know any different anyway - itll be exciting enough just being able to go outdoors - as by the time we get a house they will have been in doors for 3-4 years.

Although Tansy does make a run for it occassionally they are both happy cats, very playful and loving and dont show signs of distress or boredom (Until I stop Tansy doing something she wants to do anyway lol)

So I think thats what Ill do, Id never forgive myself if something happened to them!

Thatll be an interesting convo with the neighbours like you say 

[Tiggy's Mum]

We did say if we were going to let them out with no restrictions the cat flap would be locked at night... but I am still worried about them getting run over / eating poisonous things / being hurt by people / or actually just upping and leaving and moving out 

So I would love to cat proof ... but I know Ill have my work cut out with my partner if its really intrusive.. If you could dig out some pics that would be great!!

That's exactly how I felt, my two boys were very happy as indoor cats but when I moved to a place with a garden I wanted them to experience the nice side of being able to go outside but I just couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to them. It really is a cruel world out there and if I can help it I didn't want to expose my precious boys to it 

It's actually much less obtrusive than you might think, before I put it up I found a few pics from on the internet and went round to the neighbours (I had only just moved in) and showed them the pics to see if they had any objections, they were all fine about it though I'm sure they probably think I'm a crazy cat lady 

The system is called 'Secur-a-cat'  and quite a few Purrs members have it, don't think I've heard a bad word said about it. It relies on sound, preferably 6ft, existing fencing.

























Plus here's some I found on the internet before I had it to show the neighbours.

[Emma2Cats]

Hi There - Thanks for the post
That is really helpful and to be honest it sounds like you were in the same situation as me!

We did say if we were going to let them out with no restrictions the cat flap would be locked at night... but I am still worried about them getting run over / eating poisonous things / being hurt by people / or actually just upping and leaving and moving out 

So I would love to cat proof ... but I know Ill have my work cut out with my partner if its really intrusive.. If you could dig out some pics that would be great!!

[Tiggy's Mum]

Hi Emma &  to Purrs

The vast majority of cats that go outside do so freely albeit with restricted times ie many people don't agree with letting cats out at night. That said if you are able to catproof your garden then in my opinion that is the safest and best option for the cats, especially if they are not used to going out so won't miss what they haven't had.

My garden is catproofed and has been for 2 years, my cats are now 3 years old and for the first year of their lives they were indoor only so have never experienced 'free reign' of the outdoors. I've never had a problem with cats/foxes getting in and my two have never managed to get out, in fact they don't even try apart from the odd time Riley has tried to get to teh top of the fence.

I'll try and dig out some pics for you 

[Emma2Cats]

I had a brief look just but most posts seem to be questions etc rather than pics - is it the general concencus to cat proof gardens then to let them outdoors?

People look at me like im a mad when I suggest it?

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Do a search on Purrs for catproofing there are loads of pics and threads................just make sure you on the home page when you do it so it searches the whole forum.

[Emma2Cats]

Hi There, thanks for the replies,
we are allowed cats, we own half the falt on a part buy part rent so thats not a problem. 

Cat proofing - this is something ive not heard of - I mentioned it to my partner lastnight and he is not keen - he said what if other cats get in our garden - they wont be able to get out? Or fox's?
Do you know anyone with a cat proofed garden? Just wondered how they dealt with those kinds of things.

In regards to toys... well.. my kitties have millions of them.... they have a ceiling cat tree in the living room, 2 cat trees in the bedroom, rattles balls, da bird which I play with them with various attachements, cat activity board, 2 play tunnels, various toys lying around ( although they ignore them and just play with cable ties and rolled up paper balls!) ... laser pen and laser machine on the side... 4 cat cubes which they love and much more... we have things ALL over the place!

Tansy still makes her break for freedom and often gets out the door and runs downstairs.... we then have to go and get her quickly -(we are first floor)...

And yes your right about it being their choice... im pretty sure Tansy will love going out but not so sure on Mitzi - shes happy being indoors!

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

When the time comes you will need to let the cats decide, it took my two adult cats a while before the would voluntarily walk through the open door, Misa used to run to the other end of the house but now they wont stay in unless the weather is horrendous LOL

The basis thing is, it needs to be the cats decision not yours and let them do things at their own speed, which may be slowly 

[Fire Fox]

  Have you thought about catproofing your new garden so they can have freedom within a safe environment? Do be careful about letting your neighbours see your kittens if you don't have the written consent of the freeholder and/ or your landlord. Some long leases have clauses prohibiting pets. Have you seen the Purrs shop? My indoor cat loves his Bergan Turbo Track and Da Bird sparkler attachment - might help reduce breaks for freedom!

[Emma2Cats]

Hi Guys,
I currently have 2 kittens and they both are kept indoors as I live in a flat with no garden although they have been outdoors on their leashes occassionally.
However we are looking to buy a house within 2 years with a nice garden in a quiet area if possible so a close away from main roads and thinking of letting them outdoors.
The reason being is I didnt plan on getting cats - my sister bought Tansy back at 5 weeks old  (she had found her in a bush worse for wear with 2 siblings who died hours later... the farmer put them in a box in a stable and got them no vet care and so rather than wait fir Tansy to die she took her as the farmer was not interested in caring for her. The farmer just thought she had gone missing and didnt mentioned it)
Anyway my sister couldnt keep her as she had 2 dogs, but we fell in love with her
After a few weeks it was apparent she needed a friend so now we have 2.
My partners mom has 2 kittens and they lobe going in the garden and I just know Tansy would love this aswell - she tries to escape frequently despite having never been outdoors freely!
Is it a bad idea or can the transition be done easily after 3 years of being indoors from a kitten?
Thanks