Is it safe to release a healthy, formerly stray kitten outdoors?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it depends on what the kittens illness was. We know that outdoor cats have a shorter life span that those kept indoors. Outdoor cats are more likely to get hit by cars, attached by other animals or fall ill from contagious diseases. I think the odds are fair that she would live to middle age. I hope this helps!

Possibly - especially if she is now pretty tame. If she is easily spooked or still not particularly attached to you it might not be a good idea. I recommend starting with short supervised trips outside. You should only feed your cat indoors and offer food during specific meal times to make sure you get her to come back in at night. You can also practice calling to her and giving a treat. Keep in mind that living indoors is much safer for cats and there are risks in going outdoors: infectious diseases, fights with other cats, and cars and dogs are a few of the threats. If she has not been vaccinated for the Feline Leukemia virus I would recommend completing that vaccine series before letting her outdoors where she could contact other cats.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sorry to hear that Oliver was sick but I am glad he is feeling better now. Your vet probably told you to keep Oliver inside for a week so that he is not spreading disease to other cats outside. Either that or your vet did not want his immune system stressed with all the potential pathogens that he could encounter outside. Even when they are better after a few days they could still be contagious to other animals. I would wait the entire week before you let him outside like your vet recommended. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

I would have to say that preferably and in an ideal world they would be kept inside to keep them safe from predators and also from getting into fights with other stray cats. But if they must go outside they are safe after they are fully vaccinated which is around 4 months of age. And ideally having them all spayed and neutered before going outside will reduce the chances of injury and also increase their lifespan. Look into a low-cost spay and neuter facility in your area that may be able to assist you with these kitties. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so glad you chose to send him to your gramma. Statistically, a 5YO cat doesn’t have great odds of adoption at a shelter. So that right there should make you feel good that you gave him the best chance possible. While you can never say for sure what will happen outside, many cats transition great to being indoor/outdoor. The fact that he comes in at night will help keep him a bit safer than if he were out all the time. Of course, if he is declawed, I STRONGLY encourage he be indoor only as he’s lost his main defense mechanism. I hope this helps you rest easier about your tough decision. Best of luck to you all.

There is no fail safe way to make sure he will be completely safe as accidents can always happen, but personally I believe cats should be able to go out as it allows them to exhibit natural behaviour. Because he is an older neutered cat he is unlikely to stray too far, but obviously he hasnt had the experience of outdoors since he was young. I would start by taking him out on a harness, let him get used to your garden and outdoor sounds such as engines etc. When you come to let him off for the first time don't feed him before so he has a good reason to come home if he does venture off. Make sure he is microchipped and has an id on his collar just in case. To an extent you will just have to leave him to it, but he should be fine. Investing in a cat flap is a good idea too and make sure he is vaccinated. Good luck!

If she grew up as a stray, then I think she'll have a good chance of surviving. Cats do have a good sense of direction, so she might return. It's not uncommon that cats go for a walkabout for a day or two, then return. However, she also may be trying to get back to her alley home. If that is somewhat nearby, then I'd check for her there. It's also good to start hanging flyers in the neighborhood and check with local shelters. People tend to pick these kittens up when they see them. I hope that helps and your kitty returns soon.