Adopting an outdoor-only cat

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Marie4781 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’ve wanted to adopt a cat for years, as has my daughter, but my partner is severely allergic—to the point of having asthma attacks.

My partner has agreed on the condition that the cat lives exclusively outdoors. We have a large garden and I’d like to set up a little cosy spot to make sure the cat is as comfortable as possible, including a shelter insulated from the cold.

A friend of ours is offering us a kitten; it's fully weaned but still very young.

Is it possible to leave it outside straight away? Has anyone else done this?

I was thinking of keeping it indoors for a few weeks so it could get used to us and feel settled, but my partner is saying no. I’m worried that putting it outside immediately would be dangerous for it.

I’d rather give up on the idea of having a cat if the living conditions aren't good enough or if it’s going to be unsafe for them.

Has anyone else been in this situation? I’m looking for genuine advice here, not a lecture or any judgement, please. I’ll say again, we won’t get a cat if the conditions don’t seem right.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Translated from French
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2 answers
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    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi,

    Your concern is completely understandable. I would advise against putting a newly adopted kitten straight outdoors, even with a suitable shelter. They first need to get used to their new surroundings and, most importantly, have time to bond with you.

    A kitten arriving in an unfamiliar place can easily hide, get lost, or panic if they are put outside immediately. They also need to have had all the age-appropriate care (microchipping, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, etc.).

    In your situation, the main issue remains your partner's severe allergy. Even a cat that lives exclusively outdoors can still bring allergens close to the house (fur, dander, saliva), so exposure can be difficult to avoid and manage.

    If your partner absolutely cannot tolerate having a cat indoors, I would really think about another solution rather than getting a kitten and putting it straight outside. Cats are social animals and kittens, in particular, need interaction, stimulation, and a safe environment.

    Reconsidering adoption when the conditions aren't right is a responsible thing to do.

    All the best,

    Inès

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    "I thought about keeping him indoors for a few weeks to get him settled and used to us, but my partner is having none of it. I'm scared it'll be dangerous for him if he's outside straight away." Indeed, that would have been a good shout, although I think a few months would have been better, especially to get him neutered. But if there’s no room for negotiation, it’s just not going to be possible. Either that or he agrees and the cat can come and go as he pleases, because he’ll eventually cave ^^ but if it’s just going to make him feel stifled, it’s not great. So, I think to make things easier, it's best to call it a day. But if there are any strays in your neighbourhood, they’d be delighted to have someone looking after them ^^
    Translated from French

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