When Can I Let My Kitten Outside?

Letting your tiny feline friend into the big bad world for the first time is certainly nerve-wracking! There is a lot to consider, from when you allow your kitty more freedom to how best to introduce them to the outside.

What Age Can My Kitten Go Outside?

It is important to ensure your kitten is fully vaccinated and neutered or spayed before you allow them to explore outside. Remember from June 2024 they legally must be microchipped.

The general advice is that kittens should be at least 4 months old before you introduce them to the great outdoors, but cats shouldn’t be allowed to explore independently until at least 5 months old.

However, it is worth keeping in mind that young cats in general can be reckless and are more likely to get themselves into trouble. The longer you can wait to let your feline friend out, the better!

It is also certainly worthwhile limiting the times you allow them outside. Locking your kitty in at night reduces the risk of them predating on wild animals and keeps them safer. Watch our Guide to Reducing Cat Hunting.

How to Introduce Your Kitten to Outside

Our cats are typically nervous and uncertain in new environments. Before allowing your cat freedom, introduce them to the outside environment.

Over a few days or weeks, securely carry them outside and show them the sights, sounds and scents of the garden. When your feline friend is eventually allowed to explore, they will already be familiar with the garden.

If you are using a cat flap, read our Guide to Introducing Cat Flaps.

Once your cat is ready to explore the outdoors, choose a quiet and, ideally, dry day. You will need to supervise your kitty for at least their first few trips outside.

It is best to begin this training before your cat has had a chance to eat breakfast. This way your cat wishes to return inside for something to eat.

Ensure your garden has plenty of items, e.g. plant pots for your kitty to hide behind, should they start to feel anxious. The big wide world can be very scary, and this will help them feel more secure.

Frequently call your kitty back to you and offer them tasty natural treats to help encourage this return. After your kitty has been outside for around half an hour or so encourage them back in and feed them their well-deserved breakfast. This will help set a routine which your cat will continue to follow when allowed to explore freely.

Repeat the above steps every day and you will see your cat’s confidence grow!

How to Cat Proof Your Garden

Our moggies are known for getting into mischief, so before you let your tabby terrorise your garden it is worth making it safer.

• Cover over ponds or deep-water sources
• Be aware of potentially harmful plants and flowers- Read our Poisonous Plants Guide.
• Sprinkle their used litter around the perimeter of your garden- this will smell like them and help them find their way home easier.
• Keep sheds and greenhouses locked.
• Read our Guide to Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden

Can I Keep My Cat Indoors?

This is a completely valid choice!

For some owners, allowing their cats outside is impractical or too dangerous.

There are various reasons why owners will keep their cats safely locked indoors. From being located next to busy roads or railway tracks to owning a breed likely to be stolen.

Whatever the reason, cats CAN be perfectly contented indoors. The key is ensuring your cat’s needs are met.

Indoor kitties need the ability to roam freely across the house, plenty of scratching opportunities and daily playtime and attention from their owners. For help watch our 5 Tips for Happy Cats video.

I hope your cat enjoys their time exploring the wide world and always comes home for a cuddle.