how do i introduce my cat into the backyard?

[Needfulthings]

shes around 5-6 months old, had all her vaccinations and has been desexed, recently figured out how to use the doggie door so if its open she can get out and back in but im worried about her running away, we feed her at around the same times every day so she knows when is dinner time and we'll bring her in at night, but im just wondering if i should wait til shes older or put her out for an hr and then 2 the next dayy etc?

 

[DarkLight]

outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats, if you love your cat you'll keep her inside. There are many hazards out there that will hurt or kill her. If you care for her at all you'll keep her as an indoor cat

 

[aliminxxx]

I would suggest not letting her out at all. There are so many opportunities for her to get hurt or taken by someone else. Beyond that, a cat's health is seriously compromised as soon as they become indoor/outdoor cats. She might know to come home for food, she might find her way back, but there are so many outdoor ticks/fleas/bugs/parasites that she can easily pick up that it's not worth it. Plus, if she's always been an indoor cat, she may become somewhat or totally feral, which will mean she will become more aggressive indoors and decide to take on the same outdoor tendencies, like peeing/pooping everywhere like she does outside. Keep her indoors!

 

[Vaughn.student]

never cats catches diseases and get all kind of flea and cat worms and dirty hair and might eat anything from the ground when they go outside indoor cats are the best never let ur cat get used to be and outdoor cat i have 22 cats and they are all indoor cats. trust me its the best way to keep her in plus sometimes when cats go out its very common that they get lost or some one might just take her/him as well so keep it safe at home.

 

[donna tennessee]

indoor cats live longer /outdoor cats get hit by cars left on the road to die /get ate by dogs /get fleas /get ticks/get worms/ get lost/get stolen/get torturded by mean people/get traped under someones house and starve to death/catch kitty dieases/ I could go on and on but you get the idea/its best to keep kitty in if you love it!!!!!!

 

[daffodil]

If you've never had her out before just go out with her-holding her and first and walking around with her. The person that said she would become aggressive inside and start peeng and pooping inside is mistaken. You will have the flea and parasite issues to deal with. Talk to your vet. They're are products made to deal with that including a pill that takes care of the problem for a good period of time before you have to re-dose.
Cats need to be outside some. The grass is good for their digestive health. I can't imagine trapping a cat-an animal that is meant to be outdoors-indoors. Cruel. Let her have fun. She's fixed so you won't have the males chasing her around. Good luck and remember to check with your vet.

 

[Jane]

It's not in your cat's best interest to go outside. Despite what many people believe, cats do not need to be outdoors. If they're given enough toys that they can play with and chase by themselves they'll get plenty of exercise on their own.

Outdoor cats, even those that have had all their vaccinations, can catch any number of diseases that indoor cats will never encounter not to mention parasites such as fleas and worms. They can also get into fights with other cats or animals and be seriously injured. Injuries sustained from a fight with another animal become infected, causing health problems that are not only costly but pose a serious threat to your cat's well being.

The safest thing you can do for your cat is to keep her indoors. She doesn't need to go outside, and she'll be much safer in your home.