Is it too late to let my cat outside?

[ButterflyXkisses]

My cat has ALWAYS been an indoor cat. He's about a year old now, and he's never been outside, except a few times I'd let him out back to walk the yard for about maybe 5 minutes. He's recently neutered, and afraid of cars, but my mom wants me to make him an indoor/outdoor cat. Is it too late to let him go outside?

[ivarei]

it's not too late, but it's a bad idea. why does your mum want to make him an outdoor cat? the cat is safer indoors. also, all cats are afraid of cars, it doesn't mean they won't get hit by one. cats don't understand how cars move, my cat got hit by a car when the car was turning, she thought she was avoiding the car. also, a cat that's been raised indoors is less likely to know how to react to predators, like if you cat came in contact with a raccoon, or even simple squirrel. you cat would not know how to properly size up the enemy. another good thing about indoor cats is that they're not bringing in dead shrews, birds, and chipmunks all the time.

i know that having an outdoor cat has its perks, (less cleaning the litter box =]) but it's better for your cat to live indoors, no ticks, no skunks, no flees, no heartworms, fights with other cats, etc.

[RubyRose]

i have four cats and have had three of them for a few years now [and one about 3/4's of my life].

my mom just let's them into the backyard and they don't go beyond the fences [like they don't jump over] and one of them has been an indoor cat for like 13-some odd years and she's been going outside a little bit and hasn't had a problem. I think if you watch the cat it could be okay.

but the older cat did bring home a lot of "presents".

but if he'll just hang out in the backyard don't see a problem, and if someone is around keeping an eye on him.

[ButterflyXkisses]

Thank you. Because I actually WANT him outside. I don't like seeing him so cooped up. He just stares out the window and the doors. He's the first indoor cat we've ever had, so I'm just at a loss for what to do.

[RubyRose]

No problem. just watch him and let him out for a little.. my cats only go out when someone is outside with them. they just eat grass and sniff around..sit. cat things..

and my indoor cat she never really goes beyond a few steps from the door anyway..

[philosophersdilemma]

It's never too late, but I wouldn't recommend it. Especially not if your cat is afraid of cars. I think it's a lot more safe for them to be inside than outside. Also, indoor cats statistically have longer lives than outdoor cats.I have two cats, and they're both indoor. And they seem fairly content with this, so it's all good :)

[incubuslives9]

DO NOT LET YOUR CAT OUTSIDE! Your cat is already an indoor cat so having it become an outdoor cat would make it hard for them to adapt to outside life!