SETTING BOUNDARIES

For some, the drive to venture forth doesn’t last. Once boundaries are agreed with other neighbourhood felines, your kitten will settle with a modest territory with your garden at its centre.

However, some are naturally dominant and will wander some distance from home, motivated by a need to hunt, to get attention, or to visit other cats’ homes to eat. Cats are territory focused and will attempt to ward off feline intruders. Male or female, they see it as their business to protect their home. Fighting, however, is often the last resort.They will usually threaten, by making a lot of noise (that unmistakable wailing), which can serve to frighten the intruder away.The latter will quietly back off, before turning tail and running. Inevitably, there will be a fighter among the neighbourhood cats — a challenger who won’t want to back down. Check your kitten over regularly for signs of injury.

Keep an eye on your kitten — and the routines of the other cats who visit your garden.You may have to limit your kitten’s time in the garden, and allow him out while the others are in. A word with other owners could pay off if you can agree on a timeshare for outdoor activity.

If you don’t feel happy about your kitten heading out into the world beyond your garden, check out ways of enclosing your garden, creating a large run (or catio), or train him to accept a harness so he can enjoy the garden alongside you.