Cat wanting to go outside and getting neutered soon

K
Kakouandco Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

My 5-month-old kitten is due to be neutered in a couple of months.

However, I’ve got a bit of a problem: we live in a house and I have a dog that lives outdoors (no comments on that please, it’s not the point). My cat lives indoors. To get them used to each other from the start, I’ve often taken the cat outside on a lead so they could get to know one another. The problem is that now he meows constantly, and as soon as we open the door, he bolts outside (not to see the dog) and plays in the garden. I’ve noticed he only goes out to play.

The issue is I’m worried he’ll wander off. He’s used to being an indoor cat, but lately he’s been crying non-stop to go out. Even if I take him out for about 30 minutes every day on his lead, he still meows. Once he’s outside, he explores but never settles (he doesn't eat or sleep; he basically just goes out to play).

How can I get him to stop?

Should I let him be an outdoor cat? Should I fit a cat flap so he can come and go as he pleases?

Will getting him neutered help? I know neutering doesn’t always change a cat’s behaviour.

Can I use something like an electronic pet fence or a containment collar?

Translated from French
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7 answers
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    • ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Some vets do neuter earlier, depending on when the cat hits puberty. Mine were done at 5 and a half and 6 months. If he’s already starting to mark, it’s all the more reason not to delay, as he might keep the habit even after he’s been neutered. Maybe have a word with your vet about the situation—the fact he’s starting to go out, the marking, etc.—they might change their mind. Otherwise, you could try lead walking, but it might frustrate him not being able to go out whenever he wants. It’s something to consider.
    Translated from French
    K
    Kakouandco Icon representing the flag French
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    Especially since there have been some strange disappearances of cats in the neighbourhood lately, so I’m really worried something might happen to him. Mind you, I’m well aware he could get females pregnant and catch diseases, which is why I’m getting him neutered, especially now that he’s starting to mark his territory.
    Translated from French
    K
    Kakouandco Icon representing the flag French
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    Thanks for your messages.

    At the moment, when he manages to get outside, he just goes as far as the garden to roll in the grass and play with my dog. I'm just worried that something will suddenly come over him and he'll bolt and run away.

    As for getting him neutered, I've already spoken to my vet and they said they don't neuter kittens until they're about 7 months old.

    Translated from French
    Kirikiri
    Kirikiri Icon representing the flag French
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    Be careful, he might run off. On top of the risks mentioned above, he could also pick up diseases or get into scraps. You could always take him out on a lead for now, before eventually letting him out. If you don’t want him going outside in the long run, it’s best to forget the lead and keep him entertained indoors. A kitten needs several play sessions of at least 20 minutes a day (for each session).
    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    It’s the call of the females, so be really careful he doesn’t sneak out and go chasing after them. He’d be risking his life. Don’t wait a few months, and if you can’t get him neutered before then, you’ll need to be extra vigilant and buy some earplugs! ^^

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    An unneutered male will quickly try to expand his territory, defend it (which leads to fights and spraying), and look to mate (leading to overpopulation and the risk of FIV). He’ll eventually start wandering quite far. Since he’s five months old and already used to being outdoors, all of this is about to kick in. The best thing to do is definitely to get him neutered as soon as possible; it won't fundamentally change his personality, but he’ll be less likely to roam and won't be as prone to fighting.

    A cat flap is also really handy afterwards—you can even lock it to restrict his outings when you need to.

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
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    Hi,

    Why wait another few months to get him neutered? An unneutered male that goes outside can father litters, wander off looking for females, and get into fights because of his hormones.

    In your case, I think the best thing to do would be to keep him indoors until he’s been castrated. We’ll see how things go after that, but it’s possible his urge to go out won’t be as strong. We’re right in the middle of mating season at the moment, so the pull of the outdoors is really intense for all cats, male or female, that haven't been neutered.

    Translated from French

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