I'm moving house and i have two cats, how long should I keep them inside before I let them out?

Question

The cats are about 8 years old and have lived in my old house since they were kittens.

* a few people have said about keeping them inside all their lives but they do go out in the day time, thanks *

Answer 1

I moved house 4 years ago, the vet told me to keep my 2 cats in for 6 weeks to get used to new surroundings, when i did eventually let them out they did'nt stray too far, but make sure thats a day your home and leave the door open for them for a while or better still have a cat flap fitted.

Answer 2

Cats Moving House

Answer 3

Moving House With Cats

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
I'm moving house and i have two cats, how long should I keep them inside before I let them out?
The cats are about 8 years old and have lived in my old house since they were kittens.

Answer 5

In todays world, I would never let a cat roam free in any neighborhood. It is just too dangerous out there now .. they get lost, dissapear, are harmed by other animals or just people that don't like cats. I had a neighbor down the alley who always let her cat outdoors, within 2 months it was gone for good. You say your cats are now 8 years old .. since you have been fortunate enough to have them for 8 years at one residence.. I would count my lucky stars .. and NOT allow any cat that has lived in one location for 8 years out of the house...ever. Cats do not need to be outside to live happy, normal lives. When I was a kid, many, many years ago .. we used to let them out .. but with the cars and traffic, and the world being so large for an 8 year old cat .. if you want to keep them alive and healthy .. do not let them outdoors.. that is my sincere advice to you .

Answer 6

Doing cat adoptions we always recommended that they be kept in for 30 days. This gets them familiar and adjusted to the new home.

By then you will be aware of your neighborhood: any aggressive dogs around, neighbors who get upset with cats pooing in their yards, other cats in the area who might want to fight with yours, coyotes killing cats at night (I am not an indoor fanatic and I would never let a cat out after dark), people who drive down your street at high speeds, buses etc. -- especially if people are parking on the street so a cat crossing can't be seen until it's too late.

Answer 7

Leave them inside at least a month or longer if you can. I let one out after a week or so and he ran away and I never seen him again. He was 7 years old. I listened to people who told me a week or a few weeks and then later I found out to do it no later than a month or several. Also, when you do let them out just open the door and let them out but leave it open so they can get back in. They will go out a little bit to investigate and more than likely will hear a noise and run back inside to safety. This is what my cats did.

Answer 8

some people say put butter on the paws, but I'm not sure about that.

I think over night is enough to keep them in and let them get to no the indoors, then when you let them out, keep talking to them. Mine didn't wander far from our sounds until they were settled. they have great hearing so they can hear you calling them from quite a way.

Answer 9

--WAIT-- I didn't see the part where they had lived in your house for 8 years since they were kittens-- so I'm changing my answer!! DON'T let them out. They have not learned how to take care of themselves and their mental capacities are stunted (as indoor cats) and they will always be somewhat "retarded" when it comes to street sense. They will not know how to take care of themselves, and to release them after 8 years is awfully cruel. Please, instead, find someone to take them who can keep them indoors.

And to the people who say "they are cats, they are meant to live outdoors", well 18 year old humans aren't meant to live with their parents in our society, either, but could you imagine what would happen to them if most of their parents tossed them out with nothing at 18? A digression, but think about it..

Answer 10

The old wives remedy to this is to smear their feet in butter when you get there and shut them in one room while you move all your stuff in. They will be occupied with licking the butter off and so reducing their stress levels.Then let them roam the house for a day or so before letting them out. My cat is nearly 14 and I have moved 4 times and it hasn't failed me yet.