how long should i keep cat indoors after moving house?

Answer 1

I agree with previous answers in that it depends on both yourself feeling comfortable and the cats anxiousness to get outside, but I would also stress that it is vitally important that the new locality is taken into consideration also, traffic/children/open field/built-up area etc, then when you feel comfortable let the cat have limited movement outside the house for short periods of time (on a lead if necessary) in the garden to mark the territory and recognise the are before turning it free to its own devices.

Answer 2

An absolute minimum of 3 weeks and not a day earlier! I run an animal charity and I have lost track of the amount of times that people have ignored my advice and the cat has gone, sometimes never to be seen again! Quite often they are confused and disorientated and do emerge after a week or two but it is traumatic for cat and owner so don't do it too early-you will regret it!

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule where cats don't go A.W.O.L but it is not worth the risk. One of the kindest things you will ever do for your cat will be not allowing it to go miossing when you move. Also, make sure you have a proper escape proof basket-many cats also freak out and go missing during the move then you are really in trouble!

The butter thing is an old wives tale-it is just a coincidence when it works although many cats love butter so it perhaps makes them come home for more!! It does no harm as long as they like butter-if they are not butter fans, it could distress them and make them stay away from you.

You do hear those tales of cats trekking hundreds of miles to get home but don't count on it-it is very rare!

Good luck and remember to keep windows shut too-easy in winter!

Answer 3

Always keep your newly moved cat indoors for at least a month, and I good idea to keep the cat isolated in one or two rooms initally for the first week or two also. The cat will need this much time or more just to explore and get comfortable with the new house before venturing out to inviestigate the new yard and/or neighborhood.

Answer 4

Well as a voice of many experiences, I can say that as long as you are not close by to your last home, a week should be sufficient.
However I can say that I have lost every cat I every owned when I moved close to a previous address even after moving away for 2 years and then moved back to my old town, within a mile of the previous address it went back to the old house. Eventually the new people living in my old homes adopted them. This has happened to me at least 3 times. One cat I had 9 years and she still preferred to go back to the old address even though I brought her back every day for 9 months. Cats are so territorial!!!

Answer 5

I think that it really depends on you and your cat. When my husband moved house and was just moving in with his two cats, he accidentally left the back door open and they both went in to the garden and came back in to the house.

On the other hand, I took in a cat when neighbours moved and didn't want to take him with them. After four weeks of being in the house (and watching every time that you opened a door for his escape route), he finally did get out. Neither of us ever saw him again, despite adverts etc.

You should have your cat 'chipped.' If he/she gets away, then the chances are that you will get him/her back again.

By the way, the only thing that works with the 'butter on the paws' bit might be the fact that the cat liked the butter and would go back for some more! In actual fact, it could make the animal rather sick.

I wish you luck with your move and your cat.

Answer 6

About 3 to 4 weeks. MY mother used to say never let a cat out after you've moved until it has washed behind its ears. This is the reason for butter on the paws which encourages the cat to wash. Still takes 3 - 4 weeks though.

Answer 7

Each case is different as cats have such different personalities but a good guide line is when you feel that the cat has 'settled into' the house. When he/ she stops becoming nervous or jumpy in the house itself and is acting much more calmly.

Try just letting him / her out into the garden first, just so they can get used to the smells and sounds of the new place.

Before I let my cat loose in a new place I talk her for a walk on a lead - just round the block - again this prepares them for new scents and sounds and she appears to be less nervous afterwards.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I have moved a few houses with cats and for one week you keep them in the same one room and then a second week in the whole house and then you let it run free but be sure to put putter or olive oil on its paws and give it good food to eat so they dont get angry with you then the cat will be fine make sure to give it some love a good few times in the mean time while you have it locked away! Good luck you should be fine:)

Answer 9

Cat's follow the scent on their paws to find their way home. Keep your cat indoors for a couple of weeks and put butter on the paws to take away the scent of the old home. When you do let the cat out make sure you've not put any butter on for a few days and your cat won't find it's way home to the new house.

Answer 10

Robin and Scott have good answers for you. We always told adopters to keep cats in for at least three weeks.

It's not just the cat that has to get to know the neighborhood - you do too. What are the traffic patterns in the new neighborhood, are these any dogs around that are predator to cats if the cat goes in their yard, how do the neighbors feel about a cat using their garden for a toilet, etc.?

You need to know these things to find out if it is safe for your cat to be out EVER. Then get the kitty used to coming home at dusk for dinner every day - no neighborhood can be truly safe after dark.