I have just taken on two rescue cats who have never been outdoors in their lives and they are both fully grown, will they be okay if i start letting them out. It just seems cruel to keep them cooped up.
cats can’t be confined in the house all the time. they need fresh air and exercise. however, making them an outside cat permanently, is a bad idea depending on the environment outside. example, no fenced in yard, other cats.. ect.
but if your yard does have a fence. here are some suggestions:
1. leave the door open when the cats are near it. cats are VERY CURIOUS, so they can’t help but not at least look outside. if they act like they’re not interested, leave the room and let them explore by themselves. but check on them.
2. step outside and call them to you. talk in a very gentle voice. if they are still hesitant, sit in a chair or on the ground/grass and act very comfortable and pretend not to pay attention to them. they’ll wonder what you’re doing and slowly go up to you.
3. repeat these steps everyday so they’ll get used to it. but do NOT force them. cats are also very stubborn, so if they feel you’re pushing them too much to go out, they may refuse. always talk sweetly to them.
p.s. if your yard does not have a fence, please do not keep them as outside cats! but a few hours a day with supervision (to make sure they don’t go into the streets) is fine.
good luck! and kudos to you for adopting!