Have you decided to let your kitten go outside? It is important that you take a good look around where you live. Is the area suitable for a cat to roam free? Although cats in the wild quickly learn about dangers to avoid, a busy road always carries a risk. Cats love nature, so if you live near a forest or have access to a lush ranch, your cat will do well. Only release your kitten when he/she is really ready. Here are some tips to keep in mind when letting your cat outside.
A chip means you're more likely to get your kitten back if it runs away. You identify a cat by means of a microchip in the neck or a tattoo in the ear. If the cat has a chip, it must be registered. If you let the cat outside, don't forget to neuter it! This applies to both women and men. Kittens born in the wild are one of the reasons why we have so many stray cats in the Netherlands. It is important to avoid unwanted litters with kittens.
By the time a cat is 3 months old, usually all vaccinations are in place, and if he is between 4-6 months old, hopefully he will be neutered. Then he is ready to look around. However, it is important that your cat is mature before you let him go. Many cats take up to a year at home before they are ready to face the big world. A small cat runs the risk of being chased away by larger cats defending their territory.
Once the cat needs to be released, let it explore little by little. Start walking the cat near the house. A small lawn in front of the door where you can sit at the beginning is the best! If you have the chance, you can also make a small fence near the house where the cat can sniff around for a while. Over time you can let the cat explore larger areas until it is finally allowed to walk completely free.
Reward the cat with food when it returns home. In this way he learns where he lives.
Tell your neighbors that your cat is on an adventure. It is always good for the cat to have a lot of people to make sure it goes well.
