Encouraging Cats Out

4 weeks ago I adopted two three year old cats from my brother. I like cats to go outside, but these cats seem not to want to go out. When they do go out, thet don't go beyond the garden and have been scratching the back door to come back in. They are very nervous One is a male, the other a female. Will they get used to being outside and settle down, or can anyone suggest anything to help settle them in?

If they don't want to go outside, keep them in. If they haven't been with you long enough you shouldn't be letting them out at all. Sounds to me like they want to be inside only cats, they will live longer inside as well-trust me I know what I am talking about.

I would never try to make a cat go outside. There are just too many things out there that could hurt them. I don't think they are going to adjust, and they might get scared and run off.

I wish I could keep one of mine in! I only let them out when I am at home-the three older ones just mooch outside in the garden before i go to work then come in, no bother. The little one is off and running! I would prefer it if they did not go out at all, less dangerous but i dont think it very fair as they have been in and out all their lives
It sounds to me like your new kits dont want to go outside at all! Let them be indoor cats, it seems thats what they would prefer. Dont you have bad winters up there - i think i'd prefer to be indoors!

dont let your kitties out, especially if they dont want to. they seem to know better than you that bad things are out there. please, please dont feel that all cats should be outside cats, that they deserve to go roaming and be free. they can be just as happy indoors.

there is disease outside, predatory dogs, fast cars, other mean old cats that would scratch and bite your babies just as soon as look at them. not to mention how cruel people can be. if your kitty is friendly, there is no telling what someone would do to a cat.

please think about it.

Thanks for the advice. Of course I will never let anything happen to my new cats-I love them too much. I only asked as I was brought up with a beautiful cat that lived to the ripe old age of 19 who went outside a lot! She used to love it. I have bought a nice house for my cats and put a blanket in it so they can be inside outside if you see what I mean. They are happier to go out now and stay in the garden so they should be safe.

Incidentally, we don't have bad winters up here-just mediocre summers!

I realize that in England it is perfectly normal to allow kitties access to the outdoors, but if they fear it, then keep them in. They may, at some point, feel safe enough to venture outside and enjoy it. But they will not suffer from a totally indoor life. Many, Many people here in America keep their cats 100% indoors and they live wonderful lives. If these kitties are shy, they might panic outside if forced out before they are ready. You may be able to help them like the outdoors but putting them on a harness and leash and staying with them while they explore. They might feel better that way.

patches is an indoor cat and i would never make her
go outside

Originally posted by Jayne
4 weeks ago I adopted two three year old cats from my brother. I like cats to go outside, but these cats seem not to want to go out. When they do go out, thet don't go beyond the garden and have been scratching the back door to come back in. They are very nervous One is a male, the other a female. Will they get used to being outside and settle down, or can anyone suggest anything to help settle them in?

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Like you, I believe it is natural for cats to want to go outdoors. But, it's also true that a cat can have a perfectly happy life without that experience -- so, if your cats don't want it, why force the issue? By all means, leave the option available to them -- though, not unsupervised, until you know they know where home is. If they exhibit a curiosity, watch them until you are confident of that. If they don't, then just top up the litter box and install a cat tree. They'll tell you what they want.

Originally posted by Jayne
Thanks for the advice. Of course I will never let anything happen to my new cats-I love them too much. I only asked as I was brought up with a beautiful cat that lived to the ripe old age of 19 who went outside a lot! She used to love it. I have bought a nice house for my cats and put a blanket in it so they can be inside outside if you see what I mean. They are happier to go out now and stay in the garden so they should be safe.

Incidentally, we don't have bad winters up here-just mediocre summers!

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Like people, no two cats are the same. If your kitties don't want to be outside, keep them inside. My two are indoor only. Occasionally they do go outdoors in the backyard but only on a lead.