We were very anxious about having her put under but the surgery went well and she's acting like her usual self! The vet said she would be very sleepy but oh no she is leaping and bounding all over the place there's just no stopping our little one!!

Not long now and she can go out which is exciting but at the same time I'm a bit nervous about it
She is still very inquisitive and dopey but she can't wait to brave the outdoors!

What's the best way of letting them go out for the first time?

Unless you have an outdoor area where your cat cannot escape, your kitty will find freedom wonderful and will want to be outdoors ALL the time. Having lost several outdoor cats over the decades, my Bengal is not allowed to roam outdoors by himself. He has a large, covered cat enclosure on our deck and I take him for walks (he's waiting for his walk right now) with a harness and leash. Right now, there is a Bengal missing on this forum. I can't imagine how worried the owners feel. Letting your cat outdoors is really a personal choice, but I know from experience, it doesn't always end well. I'd much rather know what happened to my cat instead of still wondering and looking for him eight months later because I don't know. I let him outside one early morning and he's never returned! I'm still heartsick over it even though I have the Bengal now. But, I learned my lesson and I literally get sick to my stomach when I see kitty cats who are missing and the owners who are desperately trying to find them. Glad your little one recovered easily from surgery. Personally, if you really want your little one to go outside, please train her to walk with a harness and leash and take her for her walks.

Hi,

First off its good to hear that she has been okay after surgery and is obviously feeling okay, you must be so relieved!

I'm going to have to agree with the outdoor enclosure in regards to letting your girl out. I have lost a cat before to the outdoors, she ran into a backyard and was attacked by two dogs. We had to have her put to sleep as a result of her injuries. This was back in 2008, but i still miss her every day. After this experience i decided that if and when i got another cat, it would be kept indoors only. Roughly 3 months ago i adopted a retired queen, who is a Bengal and is 2 1/2 years old. When visiting the breeder i noticed the outdoor enclosures and once i bought her home, we decided to make one. We now also have a 12 week old Bengal boy who will be using this for outdoor time as well as being leash trained.

They are actually not that expensive when put into perspective. The average price for a good quality Bengal is in the thousands, and the enclosure that we have created cost us roughly $700. I know prices of materials differ within different countries, as do the costs of a Bengal, but after losing a cat to the outdoors i could not bear to let any of mine out without supervision in an enclosed area.

In saying that though, i know of many people who let their cats roam free and they do live happy healthy lives. Please don't feel like anyone here is saying all cats need to be enclosed, as this is a matter of opinion, and everybody feels differently towards this subject. This is just a way to ensure your fur baby is safe and that you will always know where she is

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The little monsters 3

I do reside in Australia so things may be different here, as i am aware. Like i said, personally i would never let my cats free roam, though a few people i know do have free roaming cats that are 8-10+ years that are still alive and healthy. The people i know are just the exception to that though haha and yes, living in a suburban area does increase the risk.

I must be the exception here my cats have always been outdoor (in at night) cats. My last cat lived to 17 and died from a tumour. If you decide to let them out start of with short supervised outings in the garden. Make sure she knows her name and will come when you call or whistle. Gradually over a long period of time let her stay out without you but make sure you call her back every now and then to check her returns. I always made sure mine went out on an empty tummy to begin with so you can use food to call them in. Now they come and go as they please.

Personally I have always got my current two to come indoors in the evening as I think the chances of fighting, drivers not being able to see them etc then become much higher. My other cat went out whenever he liked but never went far. I had a female years ago who did wander quite far.

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Lily

Thank you for all your advice
I have to really think about this!
It won't be soon as fireworks night isn't far away and I would hate for her to be scared stiff and not come home!