Most cats love being outside. The problem is that outside isn’t always safe for your cat. First of all, you don’t want your cat to run away. Beyond that, outside has plenty of risks from busy streets to wild animals to parasites and more.
Of course, some time outdoors is healthy for your cat, and it is okay to let your cat outside for fresh air, stimulation, and exercise. As long as you keep an eye on your kitten and limit how far she can roam, outside time can be wonderful for both pets and humans. If you are wondering how to let your cat outside without it running away, we have some ideas.
Do Let Your Kitten Acclimate To A New Home
If you’ve just adopted a new cat—or you’ve just moved to a new home—it’s wise to not rush the outside time. Cats may feel skittish or even a bit traumatized upon first arriving in a new home, and if you let them out in this state of mind, they are more likely to try running away.
Some experts recommend that cats should stay indoors for at least two weeks in a new home, but every cat is different. When your cat shows signs of comfort—like finding her food dish without you leading her there, napping while you’re in the room without sitting up tense and alert, or easily enjoying playtime in all areas of the home—these are signals that she feels safe enough to venture outdoors without wanting to bolt.
Don’t Let Your Cat Out Unattended
It’s okay to let your cat outside, but make sure that you go with him the first few times. This is not just to keep him from running away—you can also make sure he’s not getting into anything in your yard that he shouldn’t.
Make sure you put away all potentially harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Don’t be surprised if your cat wants to climb a tree or wander through your flower bed. These are instinctual behaviors. If you have an area of the yard you don’t want your cat to visit, a cat-proof fence is the only way to keep them out.
Do Try a Leash
Leashes aren’t just for dogs! If you're wondering how to let your cat outside without it running away, leash training them may be a good fit. If your cat is young or still a kitten, introducing them to a leash can be beneficial.
With a leash, you can go anywhere with your cat, but—as you may guess—not all cats will cooperate with this idea. There are also some limitations. You have to be present at all times when your cat is leashed, and it's also harder for your cat to roam around when they are attached to you. Still, it’s worth giving this method a try if you have an agreeable cat.
Don’t Forget to Identify Them
If you’re wondering if it is okay to let your cat outside without a leash on, the answer is yes, but remember to attach the proper identification. No matter how many steps you take to keep your outdoor cat from running away, there’s always the possibility that he may escape your yard.
For your peace of mind, make sure your cat wears a collar with your contact information. Many companies sell GPS cat collars that you can track on your phone if you ever needed to. Alternatively, you may consider getting your cat microchipped. This process is quick and painless for your cat, and your vet should be able to insert the chip in just a few minutes.
Do Consider Outdoor Cat Enclosures
No matter what brand of cat collar you buy, the best way to let your cat outside without it running away is to install an outdoor cat enclosure. There are many different kinds of outdoor cat enclosures to consider, and they are a great way to keep your cat safe while they roam outside.
Some outdoor cat enclosures are permanent structures that sit on your property, while others are portable. It is okay to let your cat outside in one of these enclosures as they still provide ample space for your adventurous kitten to explore. Not only do they prevent your cat from escaping, but they also keep outdoor hazards away from your cat.
A fully enclosed outdoor cat enclosure is a fantastic option if you have enough room for one. If you are looking for something smaller, a catio will fit on your patio or in a smaller yard.
Outdoor cat enclosures are a fantastic way for your cat to get outdoor time from the safety of your property. You can just place them in one of these enclosures and let them play while you keep a watchful eye on them from inside your home.
Even if you travel a lot, you can still let your cat outside without it running away when you're on the go. A portable outdoor cat tent allows you to let your cat enjoy outdoor time from nearly anywhere.
Do Look Into Cat Fence Conversion Systems
Another option if you are looking for how to let your cat outside without it running away is to convert your current fence. It’s okay to let your cat outside in your yard as long as your fencing keeps them inside. The problem is most cats can easily scale a standard fence.
Cat fence conversion systems work with your existing fence to prevent your cat from escaping. It’s okay to let your cat outside when you have a conversion system on your fence that prevents them from jumping over it.
A cat fence conversion system works with almost any type of fence and nearly any fence height. These systems usually use arms that attach to the top of the fence and mesh in between those arms to prevent your cat from jumping over. A cat fence conversion system extends your existing fence vertically and inward to keep your cat from jumping over.
Many cat tent conversion systems are DIY-friendly and are a great way to let your cat outside without it running away. Just make sure to use a kit that works for your fence.
Do Consider Freestanding Cat Fence Enclosure Systems
If your cat likes to roam, but you're looking for ways to let your cat outside without it running away, you may want to consider a free-standing cat enclosure system. Cat fence enclosure systems are an excellent fit for those who don't have fencing already in place. Your cat can roam over a larger area than it would be able to with a free-standing enclosure.
It’s okay to let your cat outside when you have a cat fence enclosure in place. Cat fences are incredibly convenient. You can open your door and let your cat outside without having to worry. Unlike portable cat tents, you don't have to worry about setting it up and taking it down all the time. And unlike leashes, you don't have to monitor your cat at all times either.
How do you let your cat outside without it running away with a cat fence? First, look for a cat fence system that uses overhanging arms to prevent your cat from jumping over. Chew guards and other safety measures also come in handy. You can even get bottom barriers for your fence for cats that want to dig their way out. Even if your cat is an escape artist, a cat fence can keep them from running away.
More From Purrfect Fence
Most importantly, do remember to have fun! If your kitty is itching to get outside, Purrfect Fence’s outdoor cat enclosures and fence systems are just what you need to both keep your cat safe and promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Contact us to consult with a planning engineer to come up with the perfect setup for your cat.
I modified the freestanding purrfect fence for the deck off my townhouse. The deck is one story above ground so I used flagpole holders to hold the posts. This made the catio taller so I put the plastic mesh at the top and “sewed” it to the wire mesh. I threaded bamboo rods through the wire to make it harder for the cats to lift up. Then I secured the bottom and the poles to the deck railings. It is great so far! My old ladies were indoor-outdoor at their previous home, so they are loving this secure patch of the outdoor life.
My cat was a stray and got a foxtail lodged in her eye. After an emergency vet visit and her eye is now healed, I couldn't let her keep going in the field next to my yard with the foxtails. So, I installed Purrfect Fence and she's been protected and happy in my yard as an indoor/outdoor kitty!
Having a large, safe area for our 6 cats to enjoy has brought so much peace & joy to our home. Our 2 alpha females have finally called a truce after a year of trying to integrate. All six now sleep through the night after playing outside most of the day. Happy happy happy!
My cats now have an enclosure large enough all four of them can lounge around outdoors and be cats. No more fighting over indoor space, and the heavy duty gate gives me access to the rest of the garden. I have been proudly showing off the fence to anyone polite enough to listen, especially since I installed it myself (and I'm a 60 year old woman), with help from a tall person so I spent less time on the ladder. This is the second time I've purchased this fencing and I would never use anything else to keep my cats safe outdoors.
I had built and enclosure at our old house. It took 3 months to build all the frames, the gate, put a roof on it, and frankly I was ugly. Our escape artist found a way out in about 30 minutes. Purrfect Fence went up in one day and none of our cats have made it more than about 4 feet up the fence before jumping back down. They also have twice as much space as before and it feels like more because there is no screen above them. We even have trees for them to climb inside the enclosure that don't come near the fence where they might jump out. When we decided to change the design, we ordered a few more posts and it was done in a couple of hours. Customer service has also been great in advising us what problems to avoid. I could not have asked for a better solution!
