Have you just adopted a cat or kitten? There are then several steps to follow so that everything goes well if you want him to be able to walk around outside. In addition to the various recommendations before welcoming him into your home, here is how to proceed so that he can go out in complete peace of mind.
1/ Essential advice before going out
Before any outdoor walk, it is important to have a protected cat possible illnesses (vaccinations up to date) and identified. Moreover, sterilization is very strongly recommended for the well-being of your cat, but also so that he does not try to venture too far from your home.
And regular appointment with the veterinarian is essential to ensure the good health of your little companion. In addition, be sure to treat it against worms each season when it is adult and to protect it against parasites externally every month (except special pipettes/tablets prescribed by a specialist which may last longer).
2/ Adaptation time inside
If you didn’t already know, it’s important to proceed in stages so as not to rush your new resident. Indeed, before the cat can taste the outside air, it is essential that it has all its marks in the home. This may take several months.
When your cat is well established and feels perfectly at home in your home, you can gradually get him used to the harness. This is more recommended than the collar for reasons of comfort and safety. It is in fact preferable to maintain your pet well by his whole body, rather than just by his neck, because there is then a risk that he will hurt himself by pulling or that he will cough. To familiarize him with the harness, introduce it to him graduallythen put it on him from time to time so that he learns to tolerate it. It is important not to leave it for too long at the beginning and to always make sure reward your cat when it reacts correctly.
3/ Gently present the exterior
The ideal is to have a well fenced garden so that he cannot suddenly leave your home. However, once you have properly accustomed your cat in harnessyou can start the exterior stage. If you have already walked your furball around the house on the leash, he will be more reassured to venture outside with you. Then start with tie up your little feline. Then open the door so he can get out even if he wants while tied up.
If he decides to point his nose outside, follow him gently and at his own pace so that he can analyze all the important information. Don’t make a big outing straight away and repeat this operation often. In addition, systematically reward him when he returns to the house. He must assimilate the fact that the home is a comforting placebenevolent and beneficial to him.
Your cat may not tolerate being on a leash at all. If this is the case despite several attempts, try working on recall. This step will develop the bond with your cat, but also his confidence in you. So make sure he listens to you carefully so that he doesn’t get overwhelmed by his emotions when he decides to go out for the first time. To gently accustom him to outside noise, you can install a closed park to let your cat roam around inside. Then call him and make sure always reward him when he listens to you and comes home.
4/ Let him venture out little by little
Once you have mastered the previous steps, you can let your cat out little by little, at their own pace. It is essential to show him the different places around the house so that he can establish his bearings beforehand. These habits take timethis is why it is important to don’t skip steps and to be patient. When he comes home, praise him every time. Thanks to this, he will assimilate that coming back is a good thing for him.
In summary, what you need to remember to be able to let your cat go out peacefully is to proceed in stages. In addition, in order to protect your furball as much as possible, make sure to have it microchipped, vaccinated, sterilized and protected against all internal/external parasites.
