Letting your cat outside for the first time

Letting your cat out for the first time can be daunting, especially when they seem so small compared to the wilderness of the big, wide world. 

Therefore, you may be wondering how you can support your feline friend as they adjust to the outside world – and how to help them make their way home again, too. 

Whether you’re letting a kitten out for the first time, introducing an older cat to your garden, or letting cats out for the first time after moving, this guide covers everything you need to know to help them enjoy the outdoors safely and confidently.

In this article:

• Should I let my cat outside?
• How long should I wait before letting my cat out?
• What does my cat need before heading out?
• Preparing to let your cat out for the first time
• How to let your cat or kitten outside safely
• How to train your cat to use a cat flap
• How long do cats go out for?
• Should I let my cat outside at night?

Should I let my cat outside?

Deciding whether to let your cat roam outdoors is a personal choice, and it’s normal to feel unsure the first time. Recent research shows that people often base the decision on how they view their cat’s needs – some prioritise safety, while others feel outdoor freedom is important for natural behaviour.

However, there’s no single “right” answer for whether or not you should let your cat outside. What matters most is choosing the option that suits your cat’s personality and environment. Whether you offer supervised outdoor time, a secure garden, a catio, or free roaming, your feline friend can enjoy an enriched, happy life with the right preparation. 

If you decide to keep your cat indoors, that’s completely okay too. Many cats thrive inside when their home is stimulating and full of opportunities to explore.

How long should I wait before letting my cat out?

If you’re wondering when to let your cat or kitten outside, we’ve given some general guidelines below. The exact timelines can depend on their age and, if they’re an adult, whether they’ve been let outside before. 

Top tip: Allow your feline friend to settle into their new home before letting them out, so they’ll feel more confident and want to return home once they’re allowed to venture outside.

What age can kittens go outside?

If you have a kitten, you should wait until they’re at least 4-5 months old before letting them outside on their own. At this age, your kitten should have the confidence to navigate the world themselves and the maturity to interact with other cats they might meet on their adventures. 

When can older cats go outside?

For cats who are a little older, they’ll need at least 2-3 weeks to settle before heading outside for their first adventure in their new neighbourhood.

However, it’s important to remember that every cat is different, so it could take up to 4-6 weeks before your adult cat is ready to go outside. This will give them plenty of time to settle in their new environment.

This settling-in time is especially important for owners letting cats out for the first time after moving, as cats navigate territory by scent, and need a chance to scent-mark the new home first.

Can you let an indoor cat outside?

Yes, you can let an indoor cat outside, even if they’ve never been out before. However, it’s important to do it slowly and safely, and with the right preparation. 

Indoor-only cats often have reduced navigation skills, so supervision is especially important. They may not understand traffic or territorial boundaries.

For this reason, indoor cats often need extra time to adjust, so start with short, supervised sessions once they’ve settled into your home for at least a few weeks. 

What does my cat need before heading out? 

There are a few things that can help keep your cat or kitten safe in the big, wide world. Before you let them out and about, you’ll need to get your cat or kitten:

• Microchipped (now a legal requirement for all cats in England)
• Vaccinated
• Spayed or neutered

Even if your cat is microchipped, it’s a good idea for them to wear a quick-release safety collar (not a stretch/elastic collar), which reduces the risk of snags.

You can then add an ID tag to their collar that contains your details – that way, it’s more likely you’ll be contacted if your cat becomes injured or goes missing. 

Preparing to let your cat out for the first time

To help you prepare for letting your cat or kitten outside, here are some top tips that could make the transition to their new routine easier for both of you:

1. Teach your cat or kitten to recognise their name: By training your feline friend to run to you when called, using plenty of praise and treats, it’ll be easier to encourage them to return home.
2. Let your cat or kitten explore the outside world in a harness at first: If they’re happy and comfortable to wear a harness, some cats might benefit from the chance to go for a walk with you before heading outside on their own.
3. Make your garden (or other outside space) safe for your cat: Removing hazards from your garden and checking that ponds are covered could improve your cat’s safety while they’re outdoors.

How to let your cat or kitten outside safely

Here are some steps you can take to help make your cat’s first taste of the outside world a little less daunting.

Before you get started: Make sure you choose a quiet, well-lit time of day when there are no loud noises. So, avoid starting on your street’s bin collection day, for instance. You’ll want to start when it’s dry, too, so your cat gets a positive first experience.

It’s also worth making note of any potential hazards your cat may encounter when outside, such as busy traffic, other pets in the area, and plants toxic to cats.

1. Step one: Before giving your cat breakfast, open the door to let them venture outside in their own time. Food is a fantastic method of limiting your cat’s outdoor time, since they’re more likely to want to return home if they’re a little hungry.
2. Step two: When your cat does go outside, let them explore at their own pace for around 10 minutes. Don’t be tempted to force your cat through the door or try picking them up, as this might frighten them.
3. Step three: Call your cat back to you and put down their breakfast. This way, your cat learns that in order to eat, they must come home.
4. Step four: Repeat this routine every morning, gradually increasing their time outdoors until they start venturing a little further away from home.

Following these steps will help you to train your cat to go outside and come back again safely, so it’s important to be consistent with the routine. 

How to train your cat to use a cat flap

Installing a cat flap will allow your cat to come and go as they please, rather than always having to ‘ask’ to be let in or out. 

Having this freedom could help your cat to feel happier at home because they may enjoy the idea of being more in control of their own routine. It can also make life easier for you to set up a cat flap, since you won’t always have to give in to your cat’s demands to be let outside!

Many cats naturally want to explore outside, so you might be surprised at how quickly they can work out the best way to use the cat flap. But, if you find it takes your feline friend longer than anticipated to learn how to use the cat flap, please remember to be patient and continue to reward them.

1. Step one: Start by holding or wedging the cat flap open, so your cat can see the other side.
2. Step two: Encourage your cat to use the cat flap by holding a treat or wiggling their favourite toy in front of it. Once you’ve done this a few times, you can then place a few treats or the toy you’ve chosen on the bottom edge of the cat flap itself.
3. Step three: As soon as your cat is comfortable approaching the cat flap, you can begin encouraging them to find their way through with a treat or the toy. At this point, you’ll still be keeping the cat flap open. 
   Remember: Make sure you reward your cat for the smallest things, from poking their head through or putting a paw over to the other side. Over time, rewarding your cat will allow them to develop a positive association with the cat flap.
4. Step four: When your cat goes through the cat flap for the first time, be sure to give them an extra special treat and lots of praise. Practise this step from both sides of the cat flap while it’s open, to ensure your cat is confident to leave and return through it.
5. Step five: After your cat is used to going through an open cat flap, it’s time to reverse the process. Begin by sitting inside and gently calling your cat to come back indoors, tempting them with treats or toys, while teaching them how to push it themselves once it’s closed.

Be patient: Some cats will learn to use a cat flap in no time, whereas others may need extra time to learn that it’s safe and benefits them in the long run.

How long do cats go out for?

There’s no fixed rule for how long cats stay outside – it depends on their age, confidence, and personality. Kittens and younger cats usually keep trips short (around 5 minutes to half an hour) as they learn the area, though some adventurous kitties may do more exploring. 

Adult cats often develop their own routine over time, with confident explorers staying out for a few hours at a time, and more cautious cats sticking close to home. Senior cats typically prefer shorter, familiar outdoor wanders.

Every cat is different though, so this is just a general guideline. However, if your cat is suddenly staying out much longer than usual, seems reluctant to come home, or disappears for over 12 hours when that’s not normal for them, it’s worth checking for stressors, territory changes, or potential hazards nearby.

Should I let my cat outside at night?

It’s generally safest to keep cats inside at night because of reduced visibility. The chance of your feline friend encountering risks like cars, foxes, territorial cats, and other wildlife all increase. 

However, cats are crepuscular, which means they typically prefer being more active at dawn and dusk. 

This, combined with shorter days in the winter can make this more difficult to manage. If you know that your cat is going to be exploring in the dark, it may be worth investing in a hi-vis collar to help make them easier to spot.

You may also prefer supervising your cat when letting them outside, or using a lead to let them explore safely. 

Conclusion

Letting your cat outside for the first time is a big moment, whether you’re supporting a confident kitten or helping an older cat settle after moving. With the right preparation – including microchipping, vaccinations, a safe routine, and gentle training – most cats can enjoy the outdoors happily and find their way home with ease.

Remember to take things at their pace and choose the type of outdoor access that suits their personality and environment. 

If you’d like extra peace of mind while they explore, having cat or kitten insurance can help protect them throughout their adventures, wherever their paws may take them.

Related resources:

• How to tell if your cat is happy
• Tackling winter weather with your cat
• Cat behaviour explained