We have a big garden, and we often have a few of the neighbours' cats wandering around in it at any one time. My kitten is 10 weeks old and he's had his shot for cat flu, but not for cat AIDS or leukaemia (gets those in a couple of weeks). Is he old enough to be introduced to the garden? And if so, would it be safer to wait until he's vaccinated against AIDS, or doesn't it matter- I can't see how a kitten could get AIDS, to be honest. The vet said there was a lot of cases in our area though. Also, my mum's worried that if we let him out in the garden, the older cats from the local neigbourhood might think he's invading their territory and attack him. Would they do that?I'd like him to be a mostly outdoor cat, as we have a lovely garden but a very small house (and he's trashing it :P) He's very strong and vivacious so I'm not worried about him being afraid of the grass or anything (like my dog is lol)Thanks for your help! :D
Feline Leukemia is highly contagious, always get vaccines before exposing kitten to the elements. Aids can be transfered in as little as a scratch from another cat, so I would definitely get kitten vaccinated before letting it out. I used to work for a veterinarian, and it is very important to shelter the little ones until they have what they need to keep from getting sick.
I think it should be fine, although it would probably be wise to go out there with him for the first while. Also, if you know the plants you have in your garden, to check online as to which ones might be poisonous to cats. If you're in the clear there, it should be fine with shots just a couple of weeks away, especially if you're hanging out with him there anyways. Hope that helps!
ughhhh just another cat thats going to get mauled by dogs and other cats, ran over by a car, infested with numorous diseases and live a horrible life. Cats especially kittens! do NOT belong outside! If you want him to be an outdoor cat, then why did you even get him? Irresponsible cat owners let their cats live outdoors... cat lovers and the ones who actually care about their cats only have their cats indoors. Oh, and I should also add, my cousins cat got her eat, and half of her face ripped off outside by other cats attacking her. So, the choice is yours.
Wait until kitty gets all his shots. Better safe than sorry and he'll be better prepared. Also, lots of toys. My cat loves the birds that make noise. I tie them to the string hanging from the scratching post. Keeps her busy forever.
Cats that live indoors live longer, healthier lives. Statistically, the life span of an indoor cat averages 12 to 14 years, whereas it is only about four years for the outdoor cat. More than 1 million outdoor cats are killed each year by dogs, traffic, and exposure to disease. In the long run, keeping your cat indoors will also save you money in vet bills. There are many risks that come with letting your cats roam free outside: - They have a much higher chance of catching diseases and other illnesses such as: Feline Leukemia (FeLV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), Feline Herpes Virus (Rhinotracheitis), Feline Distemper, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), rabies, tapeworm, ringworm, heart worm, hypothermia and urinary tract infection - Ingesting chemicals or poisons such as pesticides, home garden products and car/motor products - Getting fleas or ticks - Injury/death due to dangerous traffic - Eating poisonous spiders, insects or plants - Injury/death due to cruel humans, hunters or neighbors - Attacks from dogs, other cats or wild animals - Other accidental injuries - Getting lost or stolen
