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My indoor cats want to go outside. How do I start letting them out?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Hello, we have 2 female cats both age 2 - 3, both are sterilized. They have always been indoor cats but we want to start letting them out at summer. They are chipped and we will get GPS collars. How do we start to let them out? Do we just open doors and let them explore? We live in small village with no big roads close by. We also have big back yard but no fence. Thanks!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 12th, 2018

I would start out slowly so they can get used to the outside and learn where your home is located. I would bring them out supervised in the yard starting at 10-15 minutes at a time, monitoring them the entire time. Gradually increase the amount of time they are outside until you feel they know their area and how to come home. At that point, I would let them outside unsupervised. I would only let them out during the day, and make sure they are inside at night. I hope this helps!

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