My husband and i have recently obtained a cat from Animal Services. She's a lovely shorthair tortoiseshell. She seems happy indoors, but curious about the outdoors. I've never had an indoor cat before, and the worry of her getting out is getting to me! How do you introduce the outdoors to a cat. We live in an apartment that is in the mountains, no fenced yard, but lots of open space, with, and this scares me, coyotes that roam around. Any suggestions?

I suggest keep her in otherwise she will end up at the coyotes dinner.

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I would get local advice about letting her out - maybe contact the Animal Shelter. It may be that it is too dangerous - are coyotes nocturnal? If so, maybe let out during daylight hours only????

If you are in an apartment, how will she gain access to outdoors? And, more importantly, how will she be able to get back in?

Is it at all possible to build a secure cat run? I have seen on the web tunnels from first floor apartments to the garden run.

Hi!
I would worry about the coyotes getting your cat as she is not used to the outdoors. I have a rescue cat which has to stay indoors as she is totally blind. My cat Sylvie would love to go outside and goes near any door or window where she can feel the breeze.

My suggestion is to keep her as an indoor cat but buy a cat lead and when the weather is okay take her out on the lead so she can explore the outside but with you by her side. I take my Sylvie out for walks on a cat lead and she adores it. Due to her being blind she cannot go out otherwise.

Hope this was helpful and let me know how you get on.
xxx

I totally agree with the lead and harness and keeping her indoors - and only walking her, when you can be with her...

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Rest in peace, Sammy. My thought are with your family. Lots of love xxxxx

Thank you everyone. I'm feeling much better about following my intuition in keeping the lovely Serafina Pekkala inside. Now..to battle the harness and leash!

Oh, whew! I was hoping that you weren't going to do that, yeah!