Cats first time!

[Donner Kebab]

Having moved from a first floor flat to a house in December we decided to convert our indoor cat into to an outdoor cat today! We have let him outside with us in the garden over the last couple of weekends and having installed a cat flap yesterday this is the first day our cat has been allowed loose whilst both of us at work (and the first time he has used a cat flap although he went through ok this morning). Now we are both being very pathetic and worrying that he won't come back. My main worry is that he tries and use the catflap (it's magnetic) and it does not open or he can't work it out and just runs away! What was it like for you guys and girls when you first let your cat out?

[missjef]

we just started letting our 2 kittens out a month or so ago, and they are just starting to get used to it. we only just have a normal cat flap but they are small so cant open it too well. at first they weren't that bothered by going out, but now its getting warmer they are going out more. the best thing to do might be to let your cat out when you are at home and let it go out the flap - maybe places pegs on either side so it can get in & out this is what we did. Then when its out you can go to your garden and try play with it with some cat toys or something, then when it comes back in you can remove the pegs, so then maybe it wont go out again till you peg the flap up again.
hope this helps.
i wouldnt worry about it running away most cats jsut come home when they get hungry!!

[Bohne]

Cats are quite smart, more than we usually give them credit for.

I left one of my cats with a friend once, and she found the way out of a not quite closed window.
She also found her way back...

I had a friend's cat once who was not allowed outside at her home.
My husband did not close the balcony door properly one night and in the morning the cat had disappeared.
For a day and a half I looked everywhere and worried myself half to death.
Then she simply turned up outside the window!

My own cats grew up in London and never went outside until they were 2 and 4.
There was never a problem with them coming back right from the start, though!
When they can't get in for some reason, they sit outside and meow until I hear them.

So don't worry, and let your cat enjoy her new freedom!

[SCHUMI]

I got an agraphobic cat from a refuge 4 years ago.At the time I lived in a dingy flat.I moved to the country 6 months later and my cat Gobbbolino sat at the window for two days.I opened the window so she had the option to sample life outdoors.She had never been outside due to her fear and two hours after the window was opened she stepped outside.The look of triumph on her face said it all.She now goes out at every oppertunity and loves it.Don't worry about your cat he will have the time of his life.One thing though I

[SCHUMI]

(pressed submit at wrong time) One thing I wanted to add lock your flap at night and keep him in there is a greater risk of innocent cats being hurt at night with traffic strays etc.I live in the middle of nowhere and my cats are not allowed out after dark.Good luck you'll be the proudest "parents" when he brings his first kill to your feet! Disgusted but proud.