New Kittens

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I rescued two male kittens (oreo and rocky) last week. They are about 7 weeks old at the moment. They stay out in the shed when we're not home and at night. I'm just wondering at what age I should start letting them out in the garden on their own. I live in an estate with a few bigger cats floating about

boomerang

They are nowhere near safe to be allowed out and about alone as they have no concept of danger and are likely to get lost, injured or even killed. At that age they would still be under their mother's supervision.

That's not me being melodramatic - that's from experience.

I personally advise waiting to begin to introduce kittens to the outdoors until they are about five months, and at that, gradually, and under supervision.

Are they definitely males? Bear in mind if you have a female kitten, she can become pregnant as early as four months of age.

jimf

also remember any rambling males will kill the kittens the first chance they get

Morf

I personally advise posting photos.

Pumpkinseeds

1 of my parents cats arrived from a neighbours house 6 years ago as he and his sibling were put out every night and they hated it. My mum would bring him home to where he lived regularly and other times the kids from the house he lived in would come looking for him.

In the end his back leg got badly damaged by a dog attack while he was out and since the people who owned him had just left him out while they went on holiday, with nobody feeding him, my parents took him to the vet and fed him. Once the owners heard the words 'vet fees' they were happy for him to stay with my folks.

What I'm saying is really that a cat flap is a better option if possible. That young kitten and his sibling both preferred to be indoors and the other one left too, you don't want to run the risk of them leaving because they're unhappy. Plus sheds aren't always the warmest of places in the Winter:(

anniehoo

jimf wrote: »

also remember any rambling males will kill the kittens the first chance they get

Some, not all, unneutered male cats have been known to kill young kittens so be mindful of this.I did experience this a long time a go with a week old kitten,with the mother watching on.Not pleasant. But...

At 7 weeks old, it is less likely, but not impossible. They are sturdy and strong at 7 weeks, but still so vulnerable. They're in weaning territory now. The Queen (Mother) has done all she can.It's up to you now OP

This is the perfect time to start socialising them. If you can, start picking them up, stroking,playing with them etc.If you would like to rehome them...NOW is the perfect time to start.

If you want further advice on deworming,vaccinating etc....just say

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