In a couple of weeks, my family and I are moving "across town" to a new home. I figure the new home is about 6-8 miles from where we live now. My question has to do with my cat Meg. She's the only cat I have (I have 3) that I never successfully trained to stay inside. She LOVES being outside; chasing mice and the like. What's going to happen when we move? Will she try to make her way back to the "old house"? How can we acclimate her to the new surroundings? Thanks for any help!
2006-10-22 21:10:56 · 11 answers · asked by kimmer 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
You will have to keep Meg completely indoors in your new home for at least a week before you can even think about letting her out. That will be so she will know and get used to where she will be living. You may have to keep her in a cat kennel or carrier for those times that there's a big possibility that she might escape (like when people are coming in and out of the house) or restrict her to bathroom or bedroom. Even if Meg has been an outdoor cat always, she will still be a bit wary of venturing in unknown territory - but just in case, keep her restrained in a room or kennel. Who knows, this move might turn her into an indoor cat. If not, and she still wants ot be going out, why don't you get her (and your other kitties) an outdoor enclosure? If you can't build one, transforma regular chain-link dog kennel into one by covering it with chicken wire - walls and roof). You can get used one pretty cheap from Craigslist.
2006-10-22 22:00:19 · answer #1 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At the shelter where I did adoptions we always recommend that the cat be indoors for three weeks to a month. She needs to be entirely familiar and feel safe in your new home environment.
You need this time to get the feel for the neighborhood too - what are the traffic patterns there, are there aggressive neighborhood dogs, or even cats, how do the neighbors feel about your cat in their garden, are there any coyotes or other night predators there, etc.
When you are sure she is as safe in the new neighborhood as she was in the old ideally you would halter and leash her for trips around your house and immediate area. Cats find their way home by smell and she can get to know the smells of the new place and know where she belongs. Also establish a feeding pattern where she knows "dinner" is served at dusk every evening so she will be sure to be in after dark.
2006-10-23 02:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of your first 3 answers are valid. It is essential to make sure she recognizes her 'comfort' items are still with her after the move. It is also best to keep her in for at least a week, preferably about 3 wks. before introducing her to her new neighborhood, so that she already feels 'at home' before venturing outside. Then, accompanying her on short outside excursions, gradually lengthening the time, will make her acclimation easier for both of you. And there is always the possibility, though remote, that she will adjust to being an indoor feline at the new house. Well, it's worth hoping for, anyway! Best of luck in your new house.
2006-10-22 21:27:53 · answer #3 · answered by therealme 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortuantley you are going to have to keep her inside, or she may run away, when I moved at the age of 10 we had an outdoor cat, and moved house, he came with us but did not stay long. when we found him he was sat outside the old house.
The VET said we must keep him in for about 3 months, but my dad did not like him and let him out the next day.
We never found him.
But since moving out and getting my own place, I have 2 cats from rescuse centres and found that even though one is an outdoor cat, we have successfully converted her to an indoor cat, and she loves it, not being cold and wet, she thinks she's in heaven
2006-10-22 21:16:18 · answer #4 · answered by REAPER_ENTERPRISES 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but you've got to make sure she stays in, at least for a week or two. Otherwise, she will try and make her way 'home'. Make the inside of the house more interesting for her - give her treats, toys, etc. So she doesn't become bored and desperate to go out.
2006-10-22 21:36:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Likely not a good idea to put her outisde for bit at least. She will be disoriented and may try and find her way back to your old stomping grounds.
Bring her ols rugs, toys etc that have her scent on them with you. Keep her inside and show her where they are. Her scent on these will help her.
This may be a good time to try and keep her inside for good. If she is put outside she will have to establish territory with the neighbourhood cats.....fights arent nice. Give her lots of attention. Maybe even put her on a leash with you outside and that will help her. (do not leave her unattended)
It can work...my parents took a farm cat home and keep him inside. When they are home they rigged up a leash in their fenced back yard for them to put him on. (keeping an eye on him at all times) Now the darn thing is trained to roll on his back and get his feet wiped when he comes in!
2006-10-22 21:33:16 · answer #6 · answered by Cariad 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you must keep this cat indoors for a couple of weeks until she realizes that this is the new home otherwise she will return to the old house
2006-10-22 21:44:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put butter on the bottom of the cats feet. After she leaves the house she can find her way back by the butter scent.
2006-10-22 21:19:40 · answer #8 · answered by wildcats_142000 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe don't let her outside unsupervised for the first week or so. If you accompany her on journeys of increasing length, she should be fine.
2006-10-22 21:15:49 · answer #9 · answered by opensource88 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take all her old stuff with u 4 comfort. she'll remember the smell. blankets, toys and food bowls ! ;)
2006-10-22 21:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋