When can my kitten go outside?

[Saddlebred girl]

Hi i have a new kitten.I dont know exactly how old he is because i bought him at a petshop.I just want to know at what age is it safe to let him go outside?He has never been outside.I have had him for nearly 2weeks now.Thanks

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Please don't let him out without having him neutered. You would have to check when that can be done with your vet

[Taz_Zoee]

Why do you have to let him outside? Why can't he be an inside kitty?
Just curious. Welcome to PT, btw. And we love to see pictures around here.

[shais_mom]

this forum is a large advocate for indoor only kitties.
but I see you live in South Africa so it might be out of norm there. Not sure so I don't have any advice b/c my advice is keep him inside even after he's neutered.

[kb2yjx]

Welcome to Pet Talk!!! What is the name and colour of your little boy??? I have to agree, it may not be the norm in South Africa, but please keep him inside even after his is neutered. Then he will not be exposed to all the dangers that are out there!!! I have " only " 8 cats and not one of them go outside. EXCEPT with me on a harness and leash!! Indoor is the best place for your boy to be!!!

[Laura's Babies]

I join the group to welcome you here! WELCOME TP PT!!

My 4 are in my siggy, all girls and they are all indoor only..If your boy is happy inside, why let him go out? He is safer inside although where you live it may be just as safe outside..? I like the attention of mine being inside only, I am selfish and love one in my lap as much as often, which they are and sleeping with me at night.. Love it! Love it! Love it!

[kittycats_delight]

Welcome to PT! I agree with everyone else as to keeping kitty inside. I have 5 cats and a dog. All the cats are indoor only kitties and the dog doesn't go out alone...not even in our locked garden. I live in Italy and it is completely normal here and even expected for cats to go outside and for dogs to live outside all the time. I am not one of those that believes this though. My kitties are my responsibility. When I took them on I took on the responsibility of their lives. And to me that means keeping them as safe as I possibly can therefore they stay inside where there are not people or other animals to harm them. Where they are safe from cars, poisonous products (plants included) and disease. That's just the way I feel.


If you do decide to let you kitty out (and I don't think you should as he is too young to even know the difference of being outside and inside to want one over the other) then do not let him out before he is neutered and vaccinated in full. The vet will tell you when he should be neutered. (That usually happens around 6 months of age.)

Again welcome to PT. We would love to see pics of the little guy. We are all picture crazy here.

Michelle

[MoonandBean]

Hi and Welcome to PT. As the mother of one indoor only and one indoor/outdoor cat, I can tell you that it is better to keep them indoors only. My Bean who goes outside isn't as much of a "pet" as Moon (the indoor only cat). He pretty much just uses me to eat, sleep and cuddle when he feels like it . Don't get me wrong, I love him sooo much but I can't pet him when I want to or cuddle with him because he's always outside! He is obsessed with the outdoors and I could never change him but I wish I never let him out. I also can attest to the sleepness nights when he's not home and it's been longer than usual and I'm WORRIED that I'll never see him again and WORST is that I'll never know what happened to him and my mind goes to all sorts of horrible scenarios. Thank God he has come home everyday and he just came home now as I'm writing this but...everyday I pray when I let him out. Also, he has needed antibiotics a couple of times for bites and has to be treated for tapeworm on occasion (yuck). Anyway, hope this helps and enjoy your new kitten! Pictures please

[Saddlebred girl]

Thanks everybody for your replies and advice.Im defenitly going to make him a indoor cat now.His name is whiskars and he is grey with dark stripes.I am struggeling to upload pics here.It just says invalid file.But i will keep on trying.

[Saddlebred girl]

Hi here is a picture of my kitten he is so cute.

[Freedom]

Hi baby, and welcome to PT! You have it made, ya know? Your mom is a part of the extended world wide family so you get all sorts of aunties and unkies to share in your life and send you love and good wishes!

You really are adorable, and your mom and going to have to post lots of photos of you and start threads all for you! Luv ya, sweet one!

[Medusa]

Whiskers is a cutie pie alright! You're going to have lots of fun and lovin' together.

[Moesha]

What a cute picture of a cute kitty! What a good idea to keep her inside!