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I have a 1-year old male kitty who has been recently castrated and he has been an indoor cat in his whole life.
About a month ago we decided that it could be very nice for him to go out for a walk (with a harness) because the weather was fantastic and we live in a very nice area full of nature. Also, there are many other cats outside that belong to other neightboors and they seem very content. After these two-three walks, the kitty has not stopped crying and howling day and night because he wants to go out there again. We now castrated him and he is still crying about that, sitting on the window and watching the other cats that are outside. We decided then that since he is now castrated we could just turn him in to an outdoor-indoor cat. The summer is close, the area is really good and he would not be bored out of his life in the apartment. My only concern is, how will he know how to come back? He has never been outside for more than 3 times (and that is always with us). Do we have to take him for a walk a couple of more times so that he learns the way from and to home? Or do we just leave him outside and then wait for him? Any advice for this will be highly appreciated!!

Hi There,

Unfortunately, once some cats get a taste of the outdoors, they really crave it. I strongly advise against letting a cat outside, though.

There are just too many dangers. Even in a quiet neighborhood, with light traffic, getting hit by a car is a possibility. Outdoor cats also face the dangers of wildlife, off-leash dogs, poisoning, getting lost, and being exposed to diseases, some of which are fatal. And no vaccine gives all the protection that you would expect.

I am owned by 9 totally indoor cats. They get lots of attention, have plenty of toys, and are happy and healthy. I know where they are at all times and I know when one isn't feeling well.

I think that the majority of replies to your post will advise keeping your baby indoors.

Take Care,
PHKitkat

I also recommend keeping him indoors. Especially if you live in an apartment. That just increases the dangers that KitKat mentioned. Not to mention that all those cats he sees, are probably not going to be real happy to see him. They will most likely fight and he could get ill or badly hurt. Also he knows nothing about the dangers out there. He has been inside his whole life, he has no idea what a car is or even that not all people out there are nice to kitties. I have 21 cats, 16 live in the house and 5 have their own enclosed porch that they reside on. All are safe and sound and very happy!!!
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 16 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Tabitha, in my heart forever.... earned her wings 6/26/05, Samantha, the bestest whineameezer...earned her wings 4/7/06.
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
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A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Yes I understand all about the outside dangers. I have thought a lot about that to be honest. At the beginning I didn't want to let him out but now he sounds really sad. The only thing that he is doing is sleep, wake up and start howling in front of the door and windows. I try to play with him, but he pays little attention. He has been like that every day for 2-3 weeks now. I really think that he is not very happy, although I try to be with him and play with him and cuddle and take care of him quite a lot.

Maybe an indoor only friend would be nice for him. Sometimes another cat to play with will help distract. I would never take him out again. He will eventually stop the howling. I know how annoying the howling can be. But the stress of having an outdoor cat is worse. You will always worry about him. Do you live in a place you could build an outdoor enclosure? Maybe being able to be outside in an enclosure will cure the howling. Good luck with what ever you decide.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

Could you get him a playmate? Perhaps a kitten of his own would make him happy and give him someone to play with!!
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 21 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Tabitha, in my heart forever.... earned her wings 6/26/05, Samantha, the bestest whineameezer...earned her wings 4/7/06.
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers