Letting out a cat for the 1st time

[christabelle]

Hi, I am just about to start letting my 7 month old cat out during the day whilst I am at work. I live in a f1st floo flat so there is no direct access to my garden. Does any one have any advise as I feel anxioius about letting her out & her wandering off, but also feel the time is right to let her start exploring or am i just being over protective!!! Thanks :-)

[CheekyChops]

Do you have a cat flap so she can come back in if she feels threatened or scared, or will she be out all day?

[burnhal]

Cats dont neccesarily have to be out all day- or night for that matter! If there is some way the cat can access the garden- cat flaps- then no problem. Our cat (lazy sod!) is content to stay in most of the day- only going out when someone comes home. Does your mog go outside when you are at home at the weekends?
Is there anywhere dry outside where the cat can go if the weather is rotten? Certainly our cat hates both cold and rain!

[christabelle]

Thankyou for your replys, I live in a 1st floor flat I can't fit a cat flap without upsetting the neighbours. However I was planning on putting a cat flap in my shed so she had somewhere to go if it was cold or she was scared, but she would be out all day. She has been out a couple of times at the weekend when I've been there but she kept trying to get out :-)

[LottieAnne]

A cat flap in the shed would be fine but I would not advise leaving any food there otherwise you will get other cats in there. Do make sure that she has fresh water there. Also provide her with a warm bed, something like a large cardboard box with a warm blanket or cushion inside. This will prevent her sleeping in a draught. I presume she is already spayed. If not get it done as soon as possible.
Good luck.

[christabelle]

Thankyou i feel a bit more reassured. I'm sure it will all be fine. I'm just being over protective She is getting spayed in May so will let her out then - thank you :-)