Hello everyone!

Okay, we've got 2 gorgeous Black cats (Kittens? 8½ months old) who have been spayed/neutered, chipped and now manage to successfully keep their collars on most of the time.

At present, we don't have a catflap as we've got UPVC French doors, but luckily our Landlord has agreed to let us have a flap fitted in them as long as we replace the panel afterwards. Good times!

So far, we've been letting the cats out supervised and there have been a couple of times when they've scampered over the fence. The last time our neighbour chased them out of his garden and they came running back in scared and when we let them out today they were rather nervous.

Now, the reason I'm posting is that I get really, really worried when they're out. So much so that I get them back in as soon as they've had a little run around in the garden with biscuits or a treat.

Basically, I'm just looking for some advice on how I can be better about them going out, and not worry so much about them getting hurt or trapped in someone's garden.

Cheers all!





Sam

I think that you will be fine once they've been going out successfully for a month or two. We've had our oldest cat for two years and we still like to slightly supervise her when she goes out. Better to be safe than sorry!!!! Your nerves should calm once that you know they will come back safely after going out on their own.

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We've got 2 5 month old kittens which we got two weeks ago - wasn't planning on letting them out until they're bigger, but the more I think about it, the less I want to! Don't live on a very busy road, but there are cars, lots of other cats and dodgy looking teens who I don't trust. Will be looking at how to get a cat run I stalled so they still have access to our back door.

I would try to accompany them as much as possible when they are out and about. It will make them feel more confident if you're with them, less likely to be spooked and to run off and possibly get lost, etc. You might even find that they don't like going out much without you! My two do go out but don't travel far without me - but this morning I was out with them for an hour or so while they travelled up to the end of the road, checking out all the front gardens and generally exploring. Without me there, they don't go much further than four or five houses away.