Do I let my cat explore?

[shaking]

I know its a cats nature, but this kitten/cat I rescued from the RSPA is so timid it is unbelievable, she jumps at her own shadow. The back garden has a six foot fence round it but now she has learned to climb is always trying to escape. It is impossible to watch her every moveand as there is a busy road am worried she will soon be squashed. Do I let her take a chance to get street wise or keep her in? She did escape once but found her way home. Advice would be welcome please.

[jules77]

everyone will have different views on this, as most cats are let out...........if it were me in your situation though with a timid cat and a busy road, I would keep her in as I would worry myself to death while she were out, and couldnt live with myself if anything happened.

My fathers cat hasnt been out of the house on his own for 6 years, it started when he kept fighting with the cats over the road, and as an OAP he came off worse. He goes for a walk around the garden on a flexi lead and a cat harness which some would think is cruel, but at least he is safe, and even if the door is open for a moment, he shows no inclination to escape on his own anymore.

[shaking]

thanks jules 77 for your response, When she asks to go out on a morning I sit in the conservatory and watch her and as soon as she starts climbing the fence I fly out and drag her off. I have tried her on a pet lead but she won't have it. Would be nice if I could sit in the conservatory all day and look after her!! Think it is like having a child and not wanting them to fly the nest.

[Panic Button]

Relax. Let it explore.

However try to get it used to a particular sound, such as a wooden spoon on a saucepan, that it can identify with home. Then if it gets lost and you rattle it, it might come home.

Busy roads are not the danger, for a timid cat. It's quiet roads that are the danger!

[shaking]

Thanks panic button, that's a relief.

[ruthann58]

i agree with panic we live on a quiet road in a village but i have had 2 cats killed right outside the house. with busy roads hopefully they keep away from the road as they are frightened by the noise. the last one was a few weeks ago coming home from his morning hunt around the fields i would not do it different if i could go back as he loved being outside and hunting this is the time of year he would start bringing me baby rabbits home more often then not still alive for me to rescue from him and let back in the field. my sons used to stay it was daft he would just go back and catch another one. good luck ruth

[shaking]

thanks ruthann58 . I have decided to let her wander otherwise she is not going to be a happy cat, would rather she had quality of life than quantity. Thank you all, I appreciate your help.

[Cheekystar]

Our rescused cat Molly was very timid when we first had her and I would worry if she went out, I'm now more relaxed and let her explore, once she's had a nose around she'll come back in all happy, I've got them used to the sound of treats being rattled in the tub which encourages them to come back