We're getting a cat tomorrow. He's 9 years old and very friendly. How long do you think I should keep him indoors for before letting him outside and does anyone have any other tips about settling him in? Cheers.
2006-08-26 02:46:51 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Thanks everybody for taking the time to make your very good suggestions. We got him home Sunday at noon and by 1pm he was sat purring on my lap! His family had a really tough decision to make; their kids aged 2 & 4 suffer badly with eczema and they were told that getting rid of the cat would help. He's now totally relaxed and soaking up all the attention from our 2 kids (12 and 8) and seems to have taken it all in his stride. Thanks again.
2006-08-29 07:35:22 · update #1
About two weeks is enough to ensure he knows where home is.
Just make sure he gets his shots before you let him out. There's a lot of nasty diseases out there for your cat!
2006-08-26 02:49:51 · answer #1 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm glad you got an older cat. Well done! Most people want kittens or younger cats and the old ones dont get chosen. Animal homes do have problems re-housing the elderly. I've had a few older cats and they've been wonderful pets (it's almost like they're grateful to you). I would suggest you keep him in (get litter tray) for about ten days so he knows every nook and cranny of his new home, its smells, etc. Let him look out in the garden from a window, he'll remember certain landmarks. When he does finally go out, go out with him, he'll explore the smells and take in certain features. Leave the door (or better if you have a flap) open and then leave him to it. Call him when it's time for his grub and he should come in. After the first couple of days being let out he should feel confident about his new personal territory. But his first choice should be indoors as a place of sanctuary and security, where he'll run to if he feels unsure.
I got one elderly cat when she was 12, thinking we'd give her a few years of love and security in her old age and she lived till she was over 21!!
2006-08-26 10:00:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The standard time for keeping a new cat indoors before letting them out is a week to two weeks. At least a week, as it gives your cat a time to explore the new house and to get used to all the new smells. Also, once a cat knows these familar smells, it can be easier for your cat to find it's way about and to find home easier.
My cats, when we moved to a new location, were inside for a week, but for about a month were very timid about going outside. Don't push the issue if your cat is also timid. Let your cat go at its own pace.
2006-08-26 10:26:53 · answer #3 · answered by Voice 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please think about making him an indoor cat. Read this first.
http://www.dumpstercats.org/Articles/InsideCats.htm
Is he coming with a litter box and a scratch post? And some toys?
You will need the box and post and a toy or two. Don't go overboard, he will be very stimulated. Have a cardboard box ( cats love boxes with an old towel in it so he can get away from the hubbub if it gets too much for him.
These people have everything a cat could want plus stuff you never could think existed. www.DrsFosterSmith.com
You have food and dishes? Right?
2006-08-26 10:00:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The main things to remember when settling a new cat in are familiarity and keeping it simple.
Confine your cat to one or two rooms to begin with, let him explore those and get used to them before you open up the rest of the house.
If you are getting him from a family ask them to provide you with some bedding he has been used to, or has his mum's smell.
If from a petshop, ask them to provide something from the cage.
Also try to use the same food that he has already been getting, and the same type of litter (that can cut down on accidents).
The more familiar the surroundings, smells and textures the quicker he will settle in.
Don't rush to cuddle him, let him explore for a good couple of hours and let him come to you. If he wants to hide under the sofa then let him, for at least a while until he feels more comfortable.
I have always let my cats out when I feel they are ready - you can get a sense for how comfortable the cat is and how at home it feels, but do check whether he has had necessary injections etc first.
Good luck and enjoy!
2006-08-26 10:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by untappedatom1 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Hi! Well done for rehoming an older cat!! I have just rehomed a beautiful cat today - who was a stray - from the RSPCA, they advised me to keep him in for two weeks - but please make sure he is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated first!!! Now this may sound a little silly, but my mum always used to swear by putting butter on a cats front paws before letting it out for the first time -she said they'd be able to smell their way home!! Don't know whether thats true or not but she never had a cat get lost on its first outing!!!
2006-08-26 13:30:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sunshine Smile 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't let him out at all. I am sure you will hear a lot of good reasons for not doing so from other posters here.
When I did cat adoptions we always told new owners to keep them in for thirty days. Then they have a good chance to bond to you and have come to depend on you for love and the food they want, etc.
Kudos to you for taking an older cat into your home.
2006-08-26 12:09:26 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We adopted a stray cat ( or was it the other way round ) & like KatieB suggested we bought a leash to take it round the garden but the very first time it went out it ran straight up a tree & refused to come back down..........bugger! We spent the next couple of hours coaxing it down & never used the leash again.................anyone want a hardly used cat leash?!
2006-08-26 11:08:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an older cat, it may be wise to keep him indoors for a few weeks until he becomes acclimated to his new surroundings. If you let him out immediately, he may wander off and not find his way back.
I just adopted a 10yr old outside cat whose owner had died. She fit right in with my other 5, and now expresses no desire to go out. Mine are all indoor cats and she has joined the crowd.
Good luck and congratulations! =^..^=
2006-08-26 09:56:24 · answer #9 · answered by PariahMaterial 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Make sure he knows where his litter box and food and water are. Show him several times. You should have no trouble inside. I wouldn't let him out for quite a while because cats have been known to travel many miles to return to where they used to live. I wish you the best with your new pet.
2006-08-26 11:51:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally would not let the cat outside. For a number of reasons, which I won't go into detail here (I suggest you speak with your Vet about the pros and cons of and indoor/outdoor cat vs. an indoor cat).
If you do decide to let him out I would say give it 3 weeks. Good Luck with you new cat, enjoy him.
2006-08-26 09:54:43 · answer #11 · answered by 'Barn 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋