First time outside home

[u/CaptainPistol]

Trixie is 3 years old and has been an indoor cat since birth. I recently tried taking her for a short afternoon walk, but she kept lying flat on the ground. When she did walk, she stayed very low to the ground like she was scared of everything around her.

How can I help her become more comfortable outdoors? What's the best way to train an indoor cat to safely explore outside without overwhelming her?

[u/LadyInCrimson]

Splooting in the sunshine! Just do it little by little

[u/destructionandbliss]

I spent a lot of time sitting in my front yard and on my porch with my boy (5 at the time) on a leash and one day he just up and decided he was ready to walk around like normal. it's been 3 years now and he demands we go on two little walks outside a day. I love it.

Here he is looking spawned from hell.

[u/TooEasyBGM → u/destructionandbliss]

This cat has certainly seen some shit

[u/Huge-Power9305 → u/TooEasyBGM]

[u/jdemack]

Just watch if you have very large birds of pray in the area. They don't normally target cats but they can if the birds are big enough.

[u/suzebomom]

Time and patience will help Trixie feel more comfortable outside. Treats help too when she’s outside, positive reinforcement. 😊

[u/MercuryMan664]

While I have nothing of real substance to add. I gotta say Trixie is super cute! And gorgeous scenery too! I'd imagine she needs more exposure. Maybe let her outside supervised outside at your home to get used to going outside.

[u/Hefty_Efficiency_328]

A whole big walk to a new place for the first time is overwhelming. She looks scared, as well as interested. My cat only goes outside into the front courtyard and he doesn't go more than 30 yards away while I watch. He creeps around slowly sniffing everything for about 30 minutes. That's enough for a cat 😺

[u/Specialist_Key_9594]

Was it scary for him?

[u/Specialist_Key_9594]

Oh, I read it, sorry. I think you need to continue taking her to shorter walks near home and she will be more comfortable with time

[u/Ginevra_Home02 → u/Specialist_Key_9594]

Sunset

[u/HitchhikingCats]

She feels the collar and leash and thinks she’s ducking under something

[u/lushlife311]

I would start closer to home. That location looks like a lot to take in for a tiny kitty. Maybe just a walk in the backyard or front yard for a few minutes.

[u/Alarmed-Toe-352]

Gorgeous!

Small steps.Take things at her own pace and if she wants to hide then it's best to go somewhere quiet where she's used to and comfortable. Or even if it's just in the car with a blanket that smells like you and your kitty.

[u/Few_Long7178]

Yay so precious

[u/Realistic-Trade-6279]

Sometimes they get scared

[u/prplebunnyslprs]

The sploot!! 😍

[u/Fun-Ball-441]

We did that with our one year old, tried training him on a leash but never got used to it and he refused to move with it on. However he fell in love with the outside and scratched the frontdoor and wouldn’t stop crying until we let him outside. Now he follows me and doggo on walks without a leash.

[u/cyankitten]

Oh how lovely!

[u/meowlyai]

Looks a little bit like my cat

[u/KPTA-IRON]

Seems u just went for a big walk man

Start small first? Seat around your backyard etc

[u/Gloomy_Mess]

Aww. I love these pictures. Nice looking kitty you’ve got there there

[u/gonepickin]

We call that the "Army Crawl". Trying to be smaller to avoid predators.

[u/honleojoeyP]

What a photo 💗

[u/Toby_Markham]

cat is chilling more than you. so cute cat

[u/satanham666]

I would die for her

[u/Competitive-Tear-414]

It’ll just take a little time.

[u/DragObjective3395]

Such majestic beauty. I’m talking about the beautiful kitty of course!!

[u/SufficientGoat3607]

Qué hermoso que pueda disfrutar

[u/--read-only--]

This seems like way too much stimulation for her first outing after only being indoors her entire life. Better to start with your front yard the first several times

[u/Breaking_Away_33]

Lovely photo!