Kittens and cats immediately begin to develop a mental territory map, as they begin to expand their explorations beyond the home boundaries. They also leave fresh scent marks with urine, faeces and from the scent glands on their head and paws. It would be rare for a kitten to brave a great distance from a known territory. However, explorations can become a feline adventure when an interesting fence, wall or group of trees is encountered. The excitement and fear is also heightened when another cat appears. If the other cat begins a chase in an effort to drive away a potential competitor, the kitten can quickly become territorially disorientated. If the kitten is chased back home, the experience is just part of a learning curve; if chased away from familiar territory, the consequences can be much more serious. With this in mind, it is always wise to supervise the early outdoor explorations of a young cat and keep in contact with it by using food treats, interaction and affection to keep it safe and close to home.
2 responses so far ↓
1 patricia // May 17, 2009 at 1:54 am
i have a 3 year old male cat that got loose a week ago 2 miles from home. he is a out door cat but comes in at night. he has been at this same place a rabies clinic in our town a year ago. can he too find his way back home? we are still out looking for him.
2 Lauren // Sep 5, 2010 at 1:06 pm
wonder i anyone can help? i have just bought a lovely little kitten who is 12 weeks old, he is flead, wormed and has had his injections. when can he be allowed outside and what will happen? im worried he will just run of and not come back? ive heard putting butter on his paws will help to track himself back but not sure if its just nonsense he just seems too small and helpless to go out into the big outdoors yet! ive seen in pet shops little harness’s like you get for dogs so you can walk your cat is this a good option for a while i can get him used to his surroundings and the way back home until eventually he can try it without a lead and hopefully remember the route back!? please help, thanks x
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