10 Tips for Letting an Indoor Cat Outside

Many indoor cats enjoy exploring the outdoors. However, allowing your indoor cat to go outside comes with risks. These tips can help you keep your cat safe while allowing him to enjoy the outside world.

1. Establish a Regular Indoor Feeding Schedule

Feeding your cat outside can attract wildlife, stray dogs and other cats which could pose a risk to your pet. It may also make your cat less likely to want to come back inside. A regular indoor feeding routine will get your cat used to coming back home after being outside.

2. Get Your Cat Vaccinated and Spayed or Neutered

Kittens or adult cats should not go outside where they may encounter other cats until they have been fully vaccinated. Otherwise, they run the risk of contracting an infectious disease, such as distemper, rabies or feline HIV.

It is also a good idea to have your pet spayed or neutered before allowing him outside. Male cats who are not neutered may wander and get in fights with other cats. Bite wounds from cat fights can turn into abscesses or be a vector for your cat to catch a disease. Additionally, allowing cats who are not spayed or neutered outdoors runs the risk of unintended litters of kittens.

3. Start by Carrying Your Cat

It is best to slowly acclimate your cat to the outdoors rather than just toss him out the door. You can start by carrying your cat outdoors for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This will allow your cat to sniff the environment and get used to the sights and sounds. Because your cat may attempt to jump down, you may want to place him in a carrier, travel bag or cat stroller.

4. Train Your Cat

Some people may think it isn't possible to train cats, but this isn't true. Train your cat to respond to his name before allowing him to explore outside. If your cat gets lost, calling his name may help him find his way home. To train your cat to respond to his name, say your cat's name. When your cat looks at you, give him a treat. You can progress to rewarding your cat for coming to you when called.

5. Make Sure Your Cat Has ID

Identification is important for multiple reasons. First, you don't want the neighbors or animal control mistaking your cat for a stray and taking him to the animal shelter. Second, if your cat becomes lost, ID can help anyone who finds him bring him back home or contact you to come get him. Your cat should always wear a collar with an ID tag that has your pet's name, your name and address and your phone number on it.

It is a good idea to get your cat microchipped at the vet. This provides a way to ID your cat if his collar comes off. You may also want to consider purchasing a collar with a GPS tracker.

6. Protect Your Pet From Fleas and Ticks

Cats who go outdoors are more likely to come in contact with fleas and ticks. In addition to causing itching, which can be irritating to your pet, fleas and ticks can spread diseases, such as Lyme disease, infect your cat with other parasites, such as tapeworms, and cause anemia or allergic reactions. Additionally, your pet can bring fleas and ticks into your home where they pose a risk to you and your family. Protect your pet by using a flea and tick preventative.

7. Ease Your Cat Into Going Outside Alone

Make your cat's first few solo trips outside short ones. Allow him into the yard for about 10 minutes and then bring him back inside. Supervise your cat while he is outside. Offer your cat a treat when he comes back into the house. This will incentivize your cat to keep coming back home. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat spends outside.

8. Let Your Cat Out in the Morning

Mornings are the safest time to let your cat out because visibility is better and your cat is less likely to be hit by a car. Let your cat out close to feeding time. Hunger will encourage your cat to return home to eat. Consider training your cat to respond to the sound of a clicker, bell or jangling keys to make it easier to call him back home. Shaking a bag of food or treats may also encourage your cat to return.

9. Walk Your Cat on a Leash

If you want your cat to be able to experience the outdoors without allowing him to roam freely, consider training him to walk on a leash. Start by practicing indoors for short sessions. However, be aware that not all cats will tolerate a harness and leash. Some cats who won't walk on a leash may be ok with lying around outside with the leash attached. Never tie your cat up outside and leave him. Your cat could become tangled in the leash or escape.

10. Stick To a Routine

Let your cat out at the same time every day and then call him back home at the same time every day. This will get your cat used to coming back home at a certain time and reduce the risk of him wandering for long periods.

It is not possible to make allowing your indoor cat to go outside completely risk-free. However, following these tips can reduce the risk while allowing your pet to enjoy exploring the world outside.