"Iain" wrote in message
om...
I have a semi-indoor cat. I want to make her an outdoor one so I don't
have to worry about her escaping through any of the many exits(patio
doors, conservatory, etc). I live in a cat-friendly neighbourhood but
my cat six months old has only been out on a liesh thrice a week on
average for about ten minutes each time. She was off the liesh briefly
during that time.

I think she has enough experience of outside to not stray, and is a
really clever, neuteren, girl, but she's my first cat and I want to be
sure. How can I?

~Iain

I would strongly advise that you change your current plans and work on
helping your indoor/outdoor cat to become an indoor cat only (*instead* of
the plan you mentioned of making her an outdoor cat). Outdoor cats are
vulnerable, even in the "safest" of neighborhoods -- all it takes is one car
at the wrong door or an encounter with one unfriendly dog or even coming
upon some people with evil intentions. All of my cats (during my adult
life, that is) have been indoor cats. One had been feral, and he adjusted
to the point where eventually he did not show any interest in the outdoors.
All of my cats have been healthy, happy, truly loving companions. It *is*
essential for you to provide a variety of toys, scratching surfaces, and
climbing areas for your indoor cat. I would strongly recommend some very
sturdy scratching posts and a very good cat tree. I got mine at
www.createacatdondo.com. Please reconsider your options.

MaryL