Inquisitive kitten

Question
Hi Jessica,
I need advice. I am currently fostering a 5-6mnth young tabby kitten whom my friend had follow her 3 blocks home. She was hanging out on a very busy main road at the time. I am now looking after her whilst trying to find her owner. My question is; should I let her outside to wander around? I live on a very busy road and im worried sick that, while being a wanderer and so curious she will get run over. Im not shure how road wary kittens are at that age. I have thought about getting her a harness and lead so I can walk her and introduce her to the road and footpath. Is that a silly idea? please help. Sarah  

Answer
Hi, Sarah.  Thanks for taking this baby in and working so hard to find her owner!

I would recommend not to let her outside at all unless she's on a harness with your supervision.  It's not a silly idea, but I wouldn't even allow her out alone once she has learned the footpath.  

The majority of cats who go outdoors die before they ever reach a year old.  That's due to disease, traffic, predators, weather, poisoning, and other horrible human-inflicted fates.  Even the most weathered cats do fall victim to traffic.  In fact, it's the second leading cause of death in cats who go outside.

I'm not sure of the measures you've taken, yet, to try to find the owner.  If you're considering allowing her to wander outdoors so that she might go home, I'd discourage it.  You worries about what she'll run into outside are valid.  Instead, I recommend to call shelters, vets and animal officers, and leave a description of the kitten and see if it matches the description of a cat reported lost.  I would urge you not to turn the kitten over to any of these, though, even if they really recommend it.  Some of the friendliest cats can turn defensive when put in a cage, and they are euthanized.  I've seen it happen too many times.

You can also go door-to-door in your neighborhood, and post flyers.  Most newspapers will run a free "found" ad. too.

I wish you the best!

Jessica