All kittens must and should stay indoors, at least for a period of time when they first move into their new homes (your home). Even if you do allow her outdoors, you must wait till she has had her primary vaccinations. If she has already been fully vaccinated by the time you go collect her, you should still keep her in for a period of time of say 2 - 3 weeks. This is to keep her more familiar with her new home, and forms a bond to it. The days of 'freedom' to the outside world can be quite nerve wrecking both for the kitten and you. Cats can climb over most garden fences, and even the best laid plans can go wrong when a kitten finds just a tiny hole in the ground and decides to explore. If you do not have a garden, or fencing, it may be sensible only to allow your little one out on a leash/harness at first, and gradually let her walk on her own.
Plan early when deciding to let her out for a walk. make the excursion early in the day so that if she decides to go on a wander there will be plenty of time to return before it gets dark, and that she is hungry enough to want to come back. If you do plan to allow her out first thing in the morning, encourage her to use the litter tray, but do not feed her. Cooking some food with an appetising ordour such as fish, or chicken may very well whet her appetite so that she will be keen to come back inside for the food.
When both you and the kitten are ready, open the door. (or cat flap), step outside and encourage her to follow by calling her and crouching down, talk to her, encouraging her. Wait with her while she explores her new surroundings. Most kittens will freeze for a moment in any new surrounding, sizing up the place. Walk with her around the garden, talking encouragingly all the time, and spend a couple of minutes playing with her, and watch her explore. Sometimes, it is said that a kitten should be carried out into the garden and then placed on the ground, but cats have scent glands between their footpads, and it is important that they can make a scent trail back to your door. After some time, encourage her to follow you indoors again, using the same strategy as before. Feed her immediately with the delicious food, and play with her. Over the next few excursions, her confidence about venturing outside should increase, and this is when basic 'recall' training come in useful. If she learns to come when called, she will be happy to come back in for some tasty treats or a meal.
The writer has 7 cats in his household, all of whom were rescued from the street, some of whom whose eyes were not even open at the time. Through nurturing and taking care of them from kittenhood, the writer has learned a lot in cat care from reading resources on cats, and having interviewed several veterianians in cat care and health issues related to cats.
The writer is the owner of the site: [http://www.catsandsuch.com]
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