Rescue Cat

[lindylou16]

Having recently asked, asked the question of how and when I could introduce her to the outdoors. Well last night she escaped to the outdoors and we've gone all night but this morning when I was having my breakfast and left the door open I she came having been Lord knows where,my question is, is it now safe to let her roam in and out whenever she pleases.

[JJ109]

It is never safe if you do not know where she goes!

She may confront vicious dogs

She may cross busy roads or railways

She may go into the garden of someone that doesn't like cats. She may approach somebody that is particularly cruel to cats.

Just remember thecat-owner is responsable for the cat's safety.

[Hopkirk]

It's good news that she came back - she must now see your place as home. 

It's probably safe to let her roam now, but it's probably wise to introduce some recognisable noise to help her find home if she gets lost.

[Redhelen72]

Is she chipped and is it up to date?

Train her to return to a rattle of her biscuits or keep some special treats in a jar - go out with her in the garden and when she moves away from you, rattle the jar (it needs to be noisy) so she comes back and give her a treat.

Repeat every time she moves a little further and reward when she returns. when she comes back after being out of site, will make you feel more confident.

TBH I let my cats out in the garden when I am there but keep them in otherwise - I had a roamer and I lost him on a road.

I am surprised that the rescue did not specify that you need to keep the wee cat in as most insist on it now.

[lindylou16]

Thank you all for replies,it was a great relief to see her this morning asi was trying For a six week period of keeping her indoors, but she crept out. I think the tin rattle idea is what I will try.  Just  one thing my garden is large so does a cat roam far away from home.

[Redhelen72]

My girls never do but by boy was a complete hooligan and wandered far and wide.

You could make your garden a fun centre for her so she doesn't feel the need to wander.

[roopower]

All cats are different, like humans, and it's difficult to answer your question about whether they roam far if they have a big garden. A male cat roams less if neutered as they don't feel the need for female 'companionship' but female cats are a law unto themselves. I don't remember if your puss is spayed and chipped. In my view, both are vital. You will end up with litters of unwanted kittens and there are quite enough around as it is. Chipping would help get puss home if she wandered or, heaven forbid, met with an accident. If you are a little cash strapped PDSA or RSPCA will help towards cost of spaying, we've had help in the past when taking on a stray. Training to the sound of treats being rattled works very well.

[pastafreak]

You've still not said if she is chipped and neutered.

From Cats Protection...

//While microchipping your cat isn’t compulsory at the moment, the Government’s announcement on 13 March 2023 means that all pet cats in England must be microchipped by 10 June 2024 and you will be given 21 days to get your cat chipped or face a fine of up to £500 if you don’t comply.//

[Khandro]

Once we took a rescue cat & the cattery told us to release him when it was raining, cats don't like the rain and wont go far.

Jerry went on to be a marvelous pet.

[Patsy33]

That's a good idea Khandro. My cat's a bit different. He used to go out in the rain for a little while then come back in crying, as if to say, "Look at me Mummy, I'm all wet, poor me" I would get an old towel and rub him down making a fuss of him. He loved the attention! 😆

[smurfchops]

Cats are sent to worry you.  She will gradually find her way round outside, if you tap a plate before you giver her dinner, she will start to recognise it, if you keep tapping a plate when she is out, she will probably come running back.  If she is out for say 12 hours, then ask neighbours to look in garages, sheds etc.  make sure she is neutered and has a collar with your phone number and address on, and is chipped.