Hi my female cat who is roughly 8 months old is very reluctant to go out, she has just been spayed, vaccinated chipped and wormed and flead.
When she wasn't ready to go out Vet wise she was out of the door in a flash (If the door was accidentally opened) and I had to chase her up the garden and catch her.

does anyone have any tips, I've opened the back door, she sits for a while on the mat looking out, she will take a few steps out but the slightest noise from inside and out has her running like the clappers upstairs to the safety of my bed.
Will she just take the plunge or shall I just put her out?
edit - that sounds harsh sorry, I wouldnt just kick her out and close the door I mean gently coax or lift her out.
Thanks

My youngest cat hardly ever goes out, even though the way out is always open.

I guess some cats just rather staying indoors on most days. Just let her go when she's ready, and don't worry too much if she'd rather be inside.

They can take awhile to gain confidence. Some feel more secure indoors. Some hate indoors and love the outdoors.

Thanks,
She has always shown to be keen to go out, running toward an open door, pawing at the windows when she sees another cat.

If she doesnt want to go out, thats fine, it would be a shame as we live close to fields and woods so she would have a whale of a time.

Perhaps its just too chilly out? As it warms up you'll be able to leave the door open and she'll venture out at her own pace I expect. I wouldn't force it on her - I'm all in favour of cats being allowed outside, but not sure we should force them if they don't want to.

Are you planning to get a cat flap?

Just kitty may see the door as something that will "trap" her outside, whereas if she got used to a flap that she knows she can get in and out of, whenever she wanted, she might feel more relaxed about it

Why don't you take her outside with you, carry her to the garden and sit out there with her for a bit, so she knows its a nice place to be. Or go outside and "do" something, leave the door open so she can see you, and she'll get the idea I'm sure

No I wouldnt force her at all, you are right it is bloody cold at the moment maybe its that we will just keep the door open and hope she gets more confident.

I tried to take her out I was holding her and talking to her, she was shaking and her little heart was beating so fast ! I think she is just nervous, shes a little long haired moggy, she was the runt of the litter and her mums owners didn't realise she had been born for about a week she was in a dog kennel outside and mum was nipping out to her to feed her, so shes a tough little thing.

Not sure I'd carry her out - that'd be stressful on top of a new environment. But if she can see you doing something I'm sure curiousity will get the better of her

Ah l will try that, maybe out a few treats in the garden for her.

Ps I did about 2 steps with her and she was shaking so much we had to go back in.

She's also had you (for quite the right reasons) going out and getting in her in up til now whenever she went outside, so that's been reinforcing (again this is not a blame thing, as you were doing absolutely the right thing) the "going outside is not ok" in her precious little head. She now needs to learn that outside is ok, and she can be alright out there.

I only said about the carrying thing, as I held my two just outside the door when I was first letting them go out, so they could smell things, and hear things, but obviously, that depends on your individual cat

Thanks, I thought she would be ok with me holding her but she wasnt, we will keep trying

Give her time. It sounds as though she has had a scare at some time - perhaps even picking up on your anxiety when she was younger?

Leave the back door open and let her natural curiosity take its course. Not to mention the lovely summer months to come and that inviting spot in the sun.

Thank you all.
Ill let you know how it goes.