Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors

Sometimes it is hard to let your kitten venture into the unknown world of the outdoors. If you are a person that is terrified just of the idea of your kitten either being threatened or injured by another animal, getting hit by a car or running away. Here is a step by step guide just for you, so you can let go of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive!

Steps

 * 1) Wait until your kitten is enthusiastic and curious about the outdoors. Don't force them to go outside if they're not ready. Slowly ease into it. Once you see that your kitten is ready for the outdoors keep the back door open a smidge and let him wander over to it. Once he gets outside he'll probably already be sniffing and adjusting to the new location and smells.[[Image:Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Create sections of the day where he gets to go outside and slowly get more used to it. Keep the sections from 5-10 minutes. Make it part of his routine so he becomes more eager to go outside by himself.[[Image:Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) Once he is familiar with the backyard, let him go outside by himself, but keep an eye on him. Eventually, after he has had several sessions with being outside "by himself", he should be able to go in and out whenever he wants.[[Image:Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) The hardest part of letting your kitten go outside is letting them be exposed to the road. If you live on a very busy road, start by putting him on a leash. He will be able to become familiar with the new smells but not be vulnerable enough to get hit by a car. Then let him explore without the leash, while continuing to keep an eye on him. Then let him explore by himself. It will take a while to get used to. But eventually your kitten will be able to go outside whenever he wants.[[Image:Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) If you live on a less busy road skip leashing him. Still keep a close eye on him, especially when cars go past, but let him explore on his own. Eventually let him go outside whenever he wishes. When he's ready to come back he will. It may seem like hes gone for awhile, but he will come back. Some cats disappear for days at a time, but they have to come back at some point, becuase YOU FEED HIM!! :)  [[Image:Safely Introduce Your Kitten to the Outdoors Step 5.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * When he goes outside remember to regularly delouse him, so he doesn't infect your house with pests.
 * If he regularly fights with other cats, talk to your neighbors so you can develop an outside schedule that works with both cats
 * If you do not want to keep the door open all day, install a pet door.
 * If you have any objects in your garden that could injure your kitten, either block off the area or remove the object from your garden to lower the risk of injury.

Warnings

 * Be aware if your kitten is allergic to any plants in your garden.

Related wikiHows

 * Train a Cat to Be Outdoor Safe and a Good Rodent Catcher
 * Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats
 * Train Your Cat to Go Inside and Out