Is it ok to put my kittens out during the day?

Question

I have two kittens that are 5 months old. A boy and a girl, best friends.

Since about a month ago they have been sitting at the doors waiting for a chance to get outside. I have been scared to let them out considering that they might get hit by a car or run off.

But I finally gave in and let them out yesterday. And they loved it, I mean loved it!!! They stayed in the yard played the whole day. I even left for about an hour and when I came back still there on the front porch playing.

But my concern is at night, leaving them out.
Is that going to be ok?
Where would they sleep at?
Will they get into trouble?
Or will they run off?

Please help me with my concerns, they didn't want to come back into the house so I am considering letting them stay out more and possibly at night, considering this seems like that is what they are wanting. And the main concern of mine is there age, 5 months.

Thank you.

I am not asking about if they are up to date on shots, etc... I know how to take care of them. And as well as having them fixed.

THOSE ARE NOT WHAT I AM ASKING AT ALL.

Please read my question carefully and fully before answering, please!

This is if the outdoors would be safe or not, that simple!

Answer 1

From personal experience, it really is up to you, I don't believe the outdoor cat stat of them living only 2 and a half years. I have known many outdoor cats who live way longer. Outdoor cats are happier and healthier. However, there is the risk of cars, and even bratty kids and wild animals. Usually, if you trust your cats, they will come back, they are eventually going to wander further from home though, and be gone longer periods. As long as its not freezing out, cats love it outside in the night but be aware, thats when they get in the most trouble. Other nocturnal animals and cats will also be around. I hope this helps, in the end, its up to you. And yes I have outdoor cats.....One is 6 yrs old, also, be a good judge, if they seem really scared of cars when they pass, thats a good sign.
*Also, how mentally sound would you be never getting out in the fresh air once in a while??

Answer 2

That's a hard question because as you know every kitty is different. Make sure that they have everything they need so they don't wonder( you don't have to spend a ton of money, even simple things they love)looking for what they don't have. Like the basics, watter, beds, food, and toys. It's best that the toys won't roll allot because then they can roll in the road. And Yes most likely they will run off, but if like I said they have everything they need they most likely will always come home. And collar are always a really good idea. My cat ran away 3 years ago and I keep telling myself that if she had a collar someone could have called me or the vet. It's sweet that you are concerned. And if your still nervous then let them play outside during the day then sleep inside.Keep in-mind how close you are to the road and the chance of dare I say getting hit by a car. No matter what everyone tells you use your gut feeling.

Answer 3

Outside cats face may more dangers and diseases than do indoor cats. That decision is definitely yours. All the possibilities your mentioned and more are all definite possibilities.

As a pet owner, if you want to ensure your pets safety - which IS your responsibility -- you have to do what's best for them. Many cats are fine as indoor/outdoor, and some insist on being outdoor kitties. However, if they don't know what outdoors IS, they're fine with that, too!

Me personally, I have indoor kitties. If I had a secure yard away from traffic, I might allow in/out during daytime, but I would never leave my cats out all night. That's just me. They like to roam at night if they're outdoors, so I would never sleep from worrying.

Answer 4

It's your choice, but being outside they obviously have a greater risk of getting fleas, ticks, diseases, injuries, getting in fights and needing medical care, getting hit by a car, etc...
If they will be indoor/outdoor cats they are certainly old enough to be outside. Make sure they have all of their shots and are fixed. Think about stray cats who do not have homes. They are on their own as of 2 1/2-3 months old, sometimes younger. They will be fine. I'd probably bring them at night if possible, at least until they get a bit older. I have had cats for many, many years, both inside and outside cats. Have fun with them!

Answer 5

Why do you want to leave them out at night anyways? Kittens would rather be inside during the night where it is warm and more comfortable. If you really want to let them out at night. Let them out from like 7-10pm or something & keep an eye out for them. If you live in the country, then don't worry about them...they are wild animals and they can take of themselves. If they are fine outside during the day then they should be fine at night. But this advice is just from. You do what you think is right...there your kittens & you know them better then I do! Good Luck! I hope I gave you some thought of what you should do!

Answer 6

I would NEVER allow my cat outside; there are too many things that would hurt him.

Other cats will beat up kittens, dogs will kill kittens, cars run over kittens. Not to mention putting them outside leaves them wide open to contracting diseases such as rabies or distemper that will kill them.

Just because they stayed in the yard the first day doesn't mean they will stay there forever. Cats are very curious creatures and they like to explore. Eventually, the kittens will wander away which will put them in even a more dangerous situation, such as being unable to find their way home.

Answer 7

It's best to bring them in at night, that's when they face the larger risk of cat fights. Make sure they are up to date on their shots and that they are spayed and neutered. Cats that are not fixed have higher risks of danger, as male cats will be very territorial and females will go in heat attracting stray tomcats. Your vet should have a pamphlet about outdoor and indoor cats so you can decide. Outdoor cats have an average of a 5 year life span while indoor cats can live quite a bit longer (up to 18 years) as they are not introduced to outdoor dangers.

Answer 8

Absolutely not! They can easily get hit by a car, run away, get bit by another cat, another wild animal, get attacked by a dog, get caught in something, get taken by another family thinking they are strays and that they are cute, and there are so many other diseases and things that you can't vaccinate against. My cat tries to get out the front door every day. It doesn't mean he's going to. He's been playing the same game every day for 5 years. It doesn't mean he's not happy. He's curious. Curiousity killed the cat.

Bottom line: Nip this behavior in the bud NOW!

Answer 9

No, you should get them used to only being allowed out for a few hours a day and get them to recognize their names. That way it'll be easier to get them to come when they're called.

They shouldn't stay out all night at their ages. Birds of prey or coyotes could snag them off in the night. They're still really small.

ALWAYS SPAY AND NEUTER any cat that goes outside!!!

Keep them up to date on their shots.
Get them regular vet visits.
And make sure they're treated for Fleas, ticks and any other outdoor nasties.

If your county offers "chipping" have it done so you can identify your kitties if they ever get lost.
If not, get them collars and tags!!

Answer 10

If they are comfortable outside I would think in the daytime it would be okay, but leaving them out at night would scare me. I would be afraid another bigger animal would get them or they would get scared. I guess you'll just have to play it by ear and see what happens. Maybe get them a small shelter outside and keep fresh food and water in it so they have a safe place to go in case something does scare them. Good luck!