My cat has never been outside. Is it safe to let him out?

by Christopher
(Lacey,Wa USA)

This is right after surgery, I had to put a collar on him so he wouldn't bite at his stitches

This is right after surgery, I had to put a collar on him so he wouldn't bite at his stitches

Hi there. I have a male who is bout 1 year 8 months. He had never wanted to go outside until we moved into another apartment. The new place is just a few doors down. However in the new place there is a slider with woods outside. He sees all the things cats love plus he sees me going outside to smoke. He has a strong desire now with the new attraction of the slider. He meows when I am out there. I feel SO bad for him. I am so afraid of him leaving because of him thinking that he will never have a chance to go out again if he comes back in. Also there are a bunch of racoons and a very busy street with woods across the way. When he was a kitten we were in the first place that is much closer to the road. So there was no way I was going to let him out. Will he learn about cars? Will he be okay with creaters not ever knowing them or what they can do? Will he come back if he decides he likes the outdoors better than me? Please help I love him so much. He cuddles, he's sweet, and he loves to stay by my side and keep me company.

Thanks

Answer by Kate
Unfortunately I can't tell you that he will definately be Ok, it's just not possible.. But what I can say is that cats have very strong instincts and should be very weary naturally of things they have not experienced before, so he will have a healthy weariness for traffic and other animals etc. But accidents do happen, thats life i'm afraid.

as for whether or not he will come back, well i always say that cats are smart and if they know they have a home where they can get comfort and food then they will always come back. So if your cat has lived in this new home for at least four weeks and has a happy home life with you then I cannot see any reason why he would not want to come back.

he may disappear for a few days while he explores but this is normal.

At the end of the day it is your decision but there are never any guarantees. If you do let him out make sure he is neutered and up to date with his vaccinations.

best wishes Kate

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Noo!
by: Anonymous

I don't want to tell you what to do but I have the same issue and I can't let her out because I'm too scared. I just try to make the house more exciting and adventurous for her so she doesn't yearn to go out as much. Mind you she has never tried and if I open the front door she runs the opposite direction. But I would never forgive myself if I let her out and something happened to her only because she has such an amazing life full of fun and love already that just for an added bonus of being on concrete with more trees doesn't seem worth it.

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