When should I let my kitten outside?

[Lana85]

My kitten is around 5 months old now and I have recently moved to a new area(2 weeks ago). I can tell he is ready to go outside as he keeps escaping through the windows, he has always come back with some tempting, however Im a bit wary of letting him out on his own just yet. There is a large frield directly behind my house and im worried he will climb the fence and wont be able to get back, also there are lots of other cats in the area and I have seen a fox in the field. How do I let him out safely and make sure he comes back?
Thanks

[sambro]

Has he been neutered? You may not have gotten round to this yet, but he will be reaching sexual maturity any time now. Male cats that are not neutered tend to get into fights with other toms. If he is neutered he should not be too much of a threat to other toms in the neighbourhood. It is the fox that would worry me. Most full grown healthy cats would be able to stick up for himself against a fox. I have only ever heard of foxes killing sick or old cats, Farm cats dont seem to have a problem with foxes. But at 5 months he is still a baby. I would hang on for a while. See what other advice you are offered. It is a dangerous world though. But life is full of risks. I hope your kitty has a long and happy life . I Iove cats !

[pantz]

if you have recently moved into a new area it is normally a good idea to keep them in for a least a month so they get used to their new home and new surroundings and that way they will get to understand that this is their permanent home as sometimes cats tend to want to find their old home thinking thats where they need to go. if your cat seems ready to go out then it would be a good idea to get him neutered which is done from 6 months of age. that way he will be less inclined to wander off especially looking for females and wont get into scrapes with other tom cats. when he goes outsde and your indoors try and leave a window open that he can get indoors from as cats like to be able to come and go as they please and do it for a short while while he is getting used to the outdoors and to make him feel safe that he can get back in .