How old should a cat be before it is allowed outdoors?

Answer 1

Not unless and until it's spayed. Then take the cat out and show him the boundaries of your property. Walk him around the whole perimeter a few times, talking to him the whole while about inside being good, and outside being bad. He'll understand after awhile, but it won't guarantee that he stays home.

You should also have him microchipped, so that if he does become lost you can get him back.

My two cats are only allowed outside on their harnesses. They each get walked on nice days just like a dog. (Separately because they fight and try to go in two different directions, if they're taken out together.) And in the summer they each get staked out in the yard in well shaded areas (with water and a bolt hole close by) for a couple of hours. They enjoy being outside, but are just as glad to get indoors as well.

Answer 2

There are a host of things that could go wrong by letting a cat go outside. It could pick up a disease, get hurt in a fight or even get hit by a vehicle. if the cat's friendly, there's also a good chance that it might become someone else's pet.

That beig said, do not let the cat out before it has been neutered/spayed. I'm sure you understand why.

Rabies shots are a good idea if you plan to let your cat out. Rabies is onthe rise in wild animals, especially raccoons. Rabies shots are also required in many states. The initial rabies shot can be given at age 16 weeks.

Many people also vaccinate their cats against Feline Leukemia. This vaccine is expensive, but it is recommended if your cat goes outdoors.

Answer 3

A cat at one year of age is about equivalent to a sixteen year old. Would you let your sixteen year old child have the car keys before then. If you would, would you let him drive at night?

So the one year old cat is at the peck of his youthful health and vigor and is ready to meet the outdoors. However he will never be safe outside and if you really love that cat you have raised since kittenhood are you willing to risk his life?

If you want your cat outside during the day, that is the safest time for him. Nighttime brings dangers from predators and cars with less visibility than in the daytime - drivers will also drive faster at night. If the weather is rainy and cold that makes the situation worse.

So if you let him out be sure that he knows his dinner is ready for him at dusk and he will learn too that is time to stay in for the night.

Answer 4

Unless you live in the country and need a barn cat you shouldn't allow it outside. It is negligent and harmful to the cat and the neighborhood in general.

Answer 5

never let cats outdoors! They are more susceptible to infectious diseases, predators, cars, mean kids that hurt cats...the list goes on. Keep your cat indoors! It'll live a lot longer!

Answer 6

it should be fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered - but even then there is a risk from angry neighbours, dogs, other cats, cars, disease...

best to build a cat run otu of 2x4's and chicken wire or keep the cat inside only

Answer 7

Never... letting a cat outside is a bad idea

Answer 8

maybe like two years old. my cat is outside almost 24/7 and he just comes in when its raining or when he wants to eat or sleep, because he is very smart and knows where my house is.

Answer 9

The only time you should have your poor cat outside is when you are giving it to someone who knows how to properly care for animals....unlike you.

Answer 10

No animal should be outside unsupervised. It is dangerous for the pet (even a cat).