Introducing cat to the outdoors

Question
I have a lovely and quirky 1 year old mix that will be traveling with me as I drive across country to move to Arizona! She has been living indoors her whole life (in the summer I have taken her out with me for walks and she stays right by my side). I've thought about letting her out so she can roam about as she pleases once I move to Arizona since she LOVES being outside. Since she has been inside her whole life thus far, would she do well if she started going out on her own? Would she be able to find her way back? I am very afraid of her getting lost and not coming back home or getting attacked (coyotes and other critters are all around there). Would it be better if I just continue to take her out with me? I just think she would feel very happy to be able to explore on her own :)

Answer
Rachel,

Since you mention that there are large predators and a fair amount of wild animals that could potentially hurt or kill your cat I`d recommend keeping her indoors when you can`t be there to supervise her. It`s the safest option for her and will also prevent things like injuries caused by acts of cruelty, being hit by a car, being accidentally or intentionally poisoned and in some cases even catnapped. She`s safest when you can be there with her to make sure that nothing bad happens to her.