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Should I let my cat go outside?

If you’ve chosen to let your cat or kitten go outside, letting them out might initially feel daunting. Some owners worry their cat might not come back in. The good news is that cats are brilliantly adaptable and, with some preparation, your cat will be enjoying their new environment in no time. 

Before you release your cat into the garden, make sure they are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped (now a legal requirement for cats in England). Vaccinating and neutering them will protect them from illnesses and having them microchipped will reduce the risk of them getting lost. 

Find out more about neutering, vaccinations and microchipping

Is my cat an indoor cat or outdoor cat?

Most cats love having space outside to explore and should have the freedom to do so. However, some cats will prefer to stay indoors and others will need to remain indoor cats because of health conditions. This could include conditions like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Indoor cats can live happily and healthily too. 

Find out more about indoor cats

When should I let my cat outside?

If you've recently adopted your cat or kitten, or have moved to a new home, it's important not to let your cat out until they have adjusted to their new surroundings. This gives them a chance to spread their scent and find their own way home, and can take three to four weeks. 

If you’re letting a kitten out for the first time, we’d recommend not letting them out until at least a week after they’ve completed their primary vaccinations, at around 14 weeks old.  

When you do decide to let your cat out for the first time, try to time it just before a meal. That way, they’re more likely to return to eat. 

You’ll also need to have a think about how your cat can gain access outside in the long term. A cat flap can be a great addition and allows them the freedom to roam as they please. Even if a cat hasn’t previously used one, it’s easy to train your cat to use a cat flap.

Find out more about training your cat to use a cat flap

How can I create a cat-friendly garden?

  • Provide an inviting, safe and private toilet area. Newly-dug soil or gravel is perfect. You could even add some cat litter to encourage them to toilet in their new space. Make sure it is dug over regularly, so it remains hygienic
  • Add fencing. Cats can climb most fences, but a two-metre high, close-boarded fence, together with a hedge running parallel to it, will encourage them to stay within the garden
  • Add cat-friendly plants. Cat-safe plants to grow include catnip, cat thyme, nasturtiums, calendula, lavatera, cosmos, gerbera
  •  A patch of longer grass provides a soft bed and nibbling it can help your cat cough up hairballs. Plants without thorns are ideal for creating shady spots for naps, and logs make great natural scratching posts
  • Hiding places. Cats might feel threatened in an open space, so make sure your garden has plenty of places to hide
  • Try scattering dry food in the safe areas of your garden to encourage them to search it out.

Create a cat-friendly garden

Find out how to make your garden cat-friendly with the help of our behaviourist Daniel in our video

How can I keep my cat safe outside in the garden?

Even if you’re keeping your cat in the garden and surrounding areas, you’ll still need to be aware of potential dangers. Busy roads, especially at rush hour, can be a hazard for cats and it may be a good idea to keep your cat in at night and during busier times on the roads. 

Sheds and outbuildings can be tricky places for cats, especially if they like to snuggle up and hide in them. Often these can contain chemicals and poisons that can harm your cat, so you’ll need to keep them locked away safely and securely. 

Find out more about keeping your cat safe outside

How can I keep my cat safe from poisonous plants?

Cats are usually careful about what they eat and will stay away from anything that might be poisonous. However, young and curious cats might be inclined to eat something they shouldn’t or even eat pollen or plant matter when grooming themselves. 

If you want to create a cat-friendly garden, be aware of plants that are dangerous to cats. Common blooms like poppies and lilies can be harmful, as can many others. 

Find out more about dangerous plants for cats

How can I reduce hunting behaviour in my cat?

Hunting is an instinct for cats, releasing endorphins when they stalk their pray, so you won’t be able to stop your cat from hunting altogether. However, there are a few ways you can direct your cat into more playtime and fewer ‘gifts’ landing on your patio. 

Cats don’t hunt because they are hungry and some cats are more likely to hunt than others. If you have a bold, confident cat that loves roaming around outdoors, for example, they might be more likely to hunt than a quieter cat that loves to settle indoors.  

If you want to deter your cat from hunting, try the following: 

  • use interactive methods of giving food. Puzzle feeders are great for cats with endless energy
  • play with your cat every day. Toys don’t have to be expensive; a cardboard box with holes cut into it makes a great hiding place while a ball of tin foil makes for a great toy to catch!
  • fishing rod toys are great for cats and mimic prey so they can catch and ‘kill’ the toy  

If you’re looking to deter cats from wildlife hunting, there are a few things you can do to make your garden more cat friendly.

11 tips for creating a cat-friendly garden

What can I do if my cat goes missing?

Cats are inclined to wander and if they’re enjoying the outside, you might be worried if they don’t come home. Before you panic that your cat has gone missing, there are a few things you can try. 

  • Check small spaces around your home and garden. Cupboards, garden sheds, even underneath the bed. Cats love small spaces to cosy into!
  • Call your cat’s name early in the morning or at night, when it is likely to be quieter and your cat is more likely to be active (cats are more active at dawn and dusk)
  • Entice them with treats. Try shaking a box of your cat’s favourite treats or leave out one of their favourite toys in case the scent persuades them to come home. 

If there is still no sign of your cat, take a look at our top tips on what to do if you think your cat is missing. 

Free guide

Download our free guide packed full of all the information you need to keep your cat safe in the garden.

Keeping your cat safe guide
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Indoor cats

Is your cat an indoor cat or outdoor cat? Find out in our guide.

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Dangerous plants

Find out how to keep your cat safe from dangerous plants

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Create a cat-friendly garden

Creating a cat-friendly garden? Easy with our top tips.

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