Kittens - what age they can go out?

[MrsMozart]

Well the kittens are getting bigger indeed.

Their ages are approximate - one is about 6 months and the other is 2 weeks younger, we think. They were ex-feral kits and their early histories are unknown.

Both are fully vaccinated, chipped, and neutered.

One especially needs to be out and about, though does like a cuddle, and the other is happy to have a mooch inbetween cuddles.

We don't have an enclosed yard so when they go out they have acres and acres of ours and the forest, and that worries me both from a getting lost and a predator pov - birds of prey spring to mind - so how best to let them out? Just open the door and let them go? Open the door and put down some Dreamies (they do like their Dreamies) then stand well back? Scoop them up after a few minutes and take back inside?

Been too long since had kittens this young and comparatively inexperienced...

As an aside, we're miles and miles from where they came from so I don't think any they'll be tempted to go looking for their old spots.

 

[AmyMay]

6 months is fine to start letting them out, supervised.

 

[ycbm]

All my kittens up at the farm, similar environment to yours, went out as soon as they were strong enough to push the cat flap open. Probably 12 -14 weeks? They've been so small we've always had to build them a step on the outside. Never lost one!
.

 

[dogatemysalad]

My two farm kittens went out at 7 weeks in the hopes of teaching them that soil is a perfect place for doing their business.
Our dogs thought I was incredibly irresponsible and literally shadowed every step they took while giving me disgusted glances.
They were about 12 weeks when they jointly killed their first mouse. They were pretty amazed with themselves, although their adoptive father, the Border Terrier, protects the bodies from further desecration and brings them gently to his bed to mourn for a respectful period. ( This is the dog that nurses poorly guinea pigs and allows injured baby doves to use his water bowl as a bath.)

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

Mine have always gone out once they're recovered from having their crown jewels removed so probably similar to ycbm, 12-14 weeks ish?

 

[Shady]

More than ready to be going out, but i'd leave the door open just incase they panic, and id personally supervise their first outings and get them back in after a while, letting them out longer each time.
I like mine to come back when I call so I shake a treats box to start with and then I don't really need to after a few months. I like mine in at night too. Much safer that way
Similar set up to you Mrs M and i've not lost one yet to predators .

 

[Hobo2]

Mine were out in the day from 8 weeks, shut in cage outside at night til about 14 weeks. I can not be show but either the one year old or the 5 month old had a stoat this morning. Though no proof that something else helped them?

 

[Equi]

My kittens (mostly feral litters) are always free to roam when they can get over a stable door. It’s locked until they get jabs and bits off and after that it’s up to them. I keep a strict feeding routine so they generally always know when to be home for.

 

[MrsMozart]

Thank you all folks. You've put my mind at rest.

I can't believe how stressed and wittery I've been about letting them out.

Will do it at the weekend and report back!

 

[Bluewaves]

I kept mine in for a year lol. They are all still here 15 years later.

 

[MrsMozart]

Just realised I didn't update, sorry!

Well. We took them out for about five minutes. They took a few steps around, but spent most of the time staring wide-eyed at everything. I'd taken their favourite treat out (Dreamies!) and they took one bite each before getting back to the important job of staring . They were easily scooped up and taken back inside.

We've been having some work done and I was away for a weekend so they've not been out again. Aiming to do it again at the weekend. Build it up slowly.

In the meantime I've been teaching them to come to call (for treats but hey, whatever works) and I'm hoping that helps when they're outside.

 

[D66]

Our cat’s recall is better than the dog’s (deaf terrier) atm.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve been wondering this. Ava hasn’t had any jabs or been chipped/neutered yet.
Some people may remember Arlo our older cat going missing for a few months at first so I too am now really worried!

 

[Rosemary28]

Ahem. You can't post a thread about kittens and not post any photos of said kittens.

Just saying.

 

[MrsMozart]

One of the wee beasties wees on all the soft stuff - I'm running out of dog beds!

So, they went out a bit sooner than planned and for a bit longer than planned. They don't go far and come when I call. I'm wittering less.

 

[MrsMozart]

Ahem. You can't post a thread about kittens and not post any photos of said kittens.

Just saying.

Will do!