my new cat

Question
On Sunday we were given a cat who is 1 year old.
She is quite shy, she lived with 2 adults and their young daughters in a block of flats. we live in a terrace house with a garden 1 older child and 4 adults.
I am aware that we have to keep the cat inside for some time but for how long. As he lived in a block of flats she has never been outside but was from a cat that had a garden. I would ideally like my new cat to be able to go outside eventually.
She still needs her injections (the last owner did not get her done because she did not go outside.)
question- after getting her injections how long before can she go outside
-how will she know to come back home
-will she even want to go outside-
-she has been doing a strange thing, she has been pawing the floor around her food bowl as if she is trying to bury it is this natural, she does it it.
this is the first time we as a family has had a cat, I had one when I was younger.
Advice for a first time adult owner.
Thank You
God Bless

Answer
Sonia,

Introducing her slowly is the best and safest way to introduce her to the outside.

First I would let the cat sit in a window overlooking the garden area, preferably with the (screened!) window open, for about 2 weeks to learn the smells and sounds of the outside area.

Then, I would hold her and walk around the garden area a few times without letting her down, letting her look around.

Next I would take her out and set her down, but sit with her and let her explore. It will make her feel secure knowing you are there. Do that 2 or 3 times for short periods. The cat needs to put her scents around the area so they know that is where home is. They will do that by rubbing on things.  

Then I would leave the door cracked open and let her go out on her own as she feels comfortable. Having the door left open allows her to run back in if she gets scared of something. But keep an eye on her the first couple of times.
You shouldn't have any problem after that.

A lot of times a cat is happy going outside for a short time then they are ready to come back in, others enjoy staying out for extended periods. Preferably don't let her go out at night. That is the most dangerous time for an animal to be outside.

Collar train her while she is in the house. Then tape your address or cell number on a break-away collar...just in case before letting her out. If she explores too far, someone my say "oh what a cute stray and keep her" if she doesn't have a collar on. Or, a dog may chase her and she may run without knowing where she is going and get confused where home is. Those are 'worst case scenarios', but it pays to be on the safe side.

Going outside is healthy because cats get Vitamin D from the sun, plus it satisfies the 'hunter instinct' that cats have....even if it's just a leaf they stalk.
My cats wouldn't be happy if they couldn't be indoor/outdoor cats!

I would ask the vet about going outside after injections. It depends on what injections she gets. I am not a qualified vet and do not know all the answers relating to injections. But here is a good website that has information on vaccinating that may be helpful for you, plus it has other cat info too:
(copy and paste, or type the whole link into your address bar)
http://www.mariama.ca/catcarethree.htm

Also, here is a good link on how to trim claws (never declaw!):
http://www.cat-world.com.au/catclaws.htm

The scratching around the bowl is a perfectly normal weird behavior with some cats. It stems back to the wild where cats would cover up their leftover food so that other predators wouldn't get it. It is harmless.

As you have questions about the cat feel free to send a followup anytime and I will try to answer them. I know it's hard to think up questions all at once, especially if they haven't come up yet. Make sure she is spayed is she is not already. That makes a BIG difference.

It will probably take her about 2 weeks or more to acclimate to a new home, new owners, new routines, etc. Be patient with her and let her come out as she feels ready. Kitty treats (tuna, tinned sardines in oil, etc.) are a great bribe!

I would suggest a pet laser light (Petco/PetSmart, etc.). Cats love to chase the little 'red bug' on the floors, ceilings, and walls. It is a good ice-breaker, confidence builder, and bonding toy.

Good luck with her and congratulations on becoming a new cat owner. I remember I started out with ONE too. *Smile*

Tabbi