the great outdoors!

[Christina]

Hey guys,
               By the sound of it everyone is pretty much unanimous on this one -  i should keep her in till she is at least six months and spayed. The cat harness is great really, as it allows me to take her out and get some fresh air whilst being in complete controll of her.
It would be quite difficult for me to cat proof the garden, as its got two gates and three fences, with lots of gaps etc. Im now thinking about building a little cat run outside for her.
Its so different for her compared to my big boy, and i agree with all of you that the world is a pretty dangerous place for a little one like her. Youve just confirmed what ive been thinking really, i just wanted to know i was doing the right thing.
Like i said before, my boy is able to look after himself and is very aware of his surroundings. He can certainly stick up for himself!
Dont worry, i wont be letting her out to roam unsupervised!
Thank you for all your advice.

[Desley (booktigger)]

I really can't believe some vets!!! You can let them out supervised after their jabs, but I wouldn't recommend it for a female, they can be incredibly quick when they want something, and unless you have a very secure garden, a male could come in while you are there.

[Ela]

If i saw a 12 week old out, i would remove it and then make enquiries

If I had a £1 for everyone who thinks the same as you I would be very rich. It is such a worry when you see little ones out isn't it? I appreciate this little one was only taken in the garden but many are just left to roam.

[Team Svartalfheims]

As others have said PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep her inside until she's been spayed. Would it be possible for you to have a cat run or cat proof your garden so the ctas could get fresh air but still be safe?

[Susanne (urbantigers)]

I agree that it would be a good idea to keep her in until after she's been spayed, esp as it gets dark so early now.  By the time she's 6 months spring will be almost here and the evenings will be lighter which will be safer for her as she gets used to the outdoors.  If you let her out now there's always a risk that she will go into heat early and get pregnant before you get her spayed.

[Millys Mum]

I did ask the vet and they said she can go out whenever as she has been fully vacinated now.

It makes you wonder that if vets cant be educated about neutering what chance do we have to teach the general public!   

If i saw a 12 week old out, i would remove it and then make enquiries, although others would just take it so waiting until she is alot bigger is safest.

[Ela]

I did ask the vet and they said she can go out whenever as she has been fully vacinated now.

 I know many vets say that but they don't have all the phone calls rescues so about the implications of letting the cats out, please also remember in the UK there is no injection against FIV

[Christina]

Ok, thanks guys. I know that some people have 'indoor' cats that never go out. I guess i was just going by my older boy, who would go insane if we never let him out. He is a real outdoorsy cat, but i guess all cats are different. She might not really want to go out, though she does try and dash for the front doof when it opens.
I do want her to go out eventually, as her and my boy do not get on, so are separate most of the time, so she doesnt have any other furry friends to interact with.
I did ask the vet and they said she can go out whenever as she has been fully vacinated now.
I think i will carry on keeping her in for the while then, at least intill she gets done in three months time. Ill keep letting her have an explore on her lead every now and then though.
Thanks for the advice!

[Sam (Fussy_Furball)]

Hi and Welcome.

To be honest I would keep your little one in at least until she has been spayed (6 mkonths).  Even then I wouldn't be in a hurry to let her out.  My little one is now 6 month old and is showing no interest in going outside and I am definately not forcing the issue. 

[Ela]

Personally I would not dream of letting her our until she has been spayed. Then again I would not dream of letting my cats out ever but that is a different story.

[Christina]

Hello everyone,
                     I have a three month old female kitten, and im not really sure how to go about letting her outside. We also have an 8 yr old boy since he was a kitten, but there was never really a problem letting him out as he was always a big independant boy.
Our girl though is still so tiny, she only looks 8 weeks old, and shes not really independant, shes quite clingy. Ive taken her out in the garden afew times on a cat harness, and at first she was terrified and ran back in, but last time she had a good little explore rounf the garden. I want to let her out proply (i.e not on a lead) but im scard that she will run off and get lost, as she could easily fit under the fences as shes so little. She doesnt seam very wise either, wheras my other cat was always wise and aware.
Does anyone have any ides about the best way to go about letting her out?  do you just go for it and let her in the garden on her own, or if she goes under the fence do you wait and expect here  to come back?
Its all a bit worrying really! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. How has everyone else gone about letting their babys outdoors?
Thanks guys,
                    Christina.