I have three cats. One is 11 and has always had access to the great oudoors but never seems to stray beyond the garden. The other is 2 and also has access to outside and will wander slightly further afield. We had a 5 year old who was poisoned and so our new kitten (and any cat we will have from now on) is going to be a house cat. I don't feel it fair to change the way things have been for the older two but worry about them. But then I worry that it's not fair on the little one never to let him out! The compromise is that we'll have to build him a big run in the garden as soon as we can!

I have one Persian house cat and 2 moggies with free access to the great outdoors. I worry about both situations and would like to think of a way of creating outdoor access in a restricted way.

Are there any articles, web-sites or similar that can give advice as to how this can be set up? You have obviously done this very successfully.

Hi,

You have a dual concern here.

At this house I couldn't enclose the kitchen patio giving my cats safe and easy outside access, so bought a cat house with attached run. The run consists of at one end a cat house off the floor, with room underneath for a litter tray, a purpose built ladder leading up to a cat door, and on the other side an opening door which can be left open on warm days so the cats can watch the world go by or sleep. The cat house is enclosed in a run which is made of wire with wood supports, with a door at one end. All this is is felt roofed so if it does rain the cats are dry. The whole structure measures 8' x 4'.

Initially I put the cats in the enclosure for a couple of hours a day to get them used to it, they now love it.

The company who make them will deliver and erect free of charge. They are a small family firm and I would recommend them. The product and service are both excellent.

There are 'systems' for making your garden safe, but these are more expensive and the size of the garden dictates the cost.

I hope this has helped, if you would like more information please p.m. or email me, as I don't know if I'm allowed to post specific names, telephone numbers on the forum.

Shelleybee

We have 2 cats, they're nearly 6 months old now and from having their vaccinations we have let them outside, we live in a quiet area with traffic calming and very few cars come down our road. They rarely stray beyond the neighbours garden tho anyway. So long as the cat lives a happy life thats all that matters.For some cats this means going outside while others are happy indoors. Ours wanted to get out and explore after a few days of us getting them and we had all on trying to keep them in. I think it depends on the cat and the location.

I have a NFC so he likes to be out and we live miles from anywhere in open countryside (4 miles to nearest shop) he is out in the daytime and in at night or we would'nt see him at all. since letting him out in the day hes been a happier cat. We are down a track no road for a mile and that is a queit lane.

Hi. I found this forum while searching the Internet about this very subject.

I have 2 cats. A moggy which I got from a rescue centre just over a year ago. I think he's about 3 now. This was my first cat and I allowed him to go outside. I didn't even consider keeping him inside to be honest. Fortunately so far so good.

I now have a 4 month old Siamese cross kitten. I had no intention of letting her out until after she was neutered. However now I am not sure about letting her out at all. She is into everything and is fearless. I honestly feel like the big outside would be far too dangerous for her. As I have no experience with cats really I decided to check out the opinions of cat owners who have shared their lives with cats far longer than I have.

Also if I do keep her in how do I air the house without her getting out the windows?

couldnt keep mine in if i wanted too.

__________________
Stryder the Utonagan


www.carolscaninecare.co.uk

http://www.nuadalseurope.co.uk/

Nina,
I emailed you earlier. I think you might like to see this website.

Cat Fence - Purrfect Cat Fence and Cat Fencing

Letting cats outdoors is always a risk!

I am very fortunate as my 7 month old cat is scared of outside! When you open the door she shoots back into the house away fro itjust in case you might suggest she went out there! I have not personally had a cat run over but one of my Mums lived the age of 21 only to be run over just outside her house so I am firmly in the 'keep them in' camp. I think as long as they have plenty to do, and other animals or people around to interact with they should be fine. I also think it makes a big difference where you live, if you live out in the sticks with no traffic then your cat will probably be safe out, however i live on a main road where people speed along, not paying attention. Does anyone else have a cat that is 'scared' of outside?

i'm having my garden cat proof fenced as i'm typing this so if you do want information or pictures just PM me and i'll be happy to answer them x