Letting out cats

[catkingirl]

I got 2 beautiful young cats from a rescue centre about a 6 weeks ago. They have had all their jabs and have been 'done' and now are ready to go outside. I'm terrified! Will they come back in? What is the best way to approach it? I think they were outdoor cats before I had them but I'm a nervous new mum - any advice?

[andy hughes]

Cats will always respond to food, so build a routine around going out at feeding time. Spend a few days feeding your cats at the same time each day, and before you put the bowl down, tap it with a spoon so the cats can hear it, and associate the sound with their food. Once they are used to this, leave your door open about half an hour before feeding time, and when it's feeding time, stand at the doorway and tap the dish as usual - you will find your cats are within earshot, and will come in. Do this for a few days, and they will learn feeding time, and return to eat. Don'rt worry if they are a bit late - if your cats find alternative food on their wanderings, they may not come back at the usual time, but they will have learned that your house is home, and their food and beds are there, so that is where they will return. Good luck, and enjoy your new friends.

[WendyW]

Andy .. what a good sensible answer. Catkingirl .. hope the cats are enjoying the great outdoors. Cats are such beautiful creatures!!

[rekstout]

I remember an old tale about buttering their paws so they could follow the trail home - someone I know did it and they still have their cat - sounds messy though!

[catkingirl]

Thank you all for the advice - they came back! They DO love me afterall! The three of us are gradually gaining more confidence about going outside and I find that they come back when I call them individually (up til now they did a good job a pretending they didn't know what their names were). I guess the next step is a catflap.... anyone handy with a saw? x

[ravenhair]

This is so sweet . . . what are their names?

[catkingirl]

Aw ravenhair! You don't want to get me started! They are Jasper and Willow - about a year old and were found abandoned before they went to the rescue centre (how can people do that? and to such sweet kitties!). Jasper is very outgoing and a bit of a rogue - he's ginger with a white front and terribly precocious and talkative. Willow is a petite and very pretty long haired tabby with the furriest paws I have ever seen (it all stickes out between her toes!). She is a bit like a rag doll as you can pick her up and cuddle her and she is all floppy. We make a very happy little family indeed. Gush over - thanks so much for asking!

[DavidUK]

I used to have two cats that I had from kittens and they were used to coming and going as they pleased through the catflap. Every so often I would take them to stay at my parent's house, sometimes leaving them when I went on holiday. Even there they would go out exploring but always came back - eventually! Cat's are very astute: If they are fed regularly and well looked after, they will come back. If not, they will go and live with a neighbour! And thanks catkingirl for the lovely description.