I just bought a condo with my Girlfriend and I, and she has two cats. One is 16 years old and the other is about 9 months old. The 16 year old is a boy and the other is a girl. The thing is this 16 year old cat has been living in the same house for 16 years. So, do you think he will adapt to our new place? Both cats love to go outside but, I really do not want them going out in the parking lot. I was thinking I could make them adapt to the indoor life style in a new place without going nuts. Okay, thanks!
2007-03-22 03:30:51 · 16 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
most cases yes
2007-03-22 03:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by jim m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's always been my personal belief that a cat can adapt to a new PLACE, but once they're a year old they have trouble adapting to new PEOPLE. for example, if you were to give the 16 year old to a new person, the cat would never adapt. i have a 13 yr old cat and have moved countless times. i just always make sure MY stuff, with my scent, is available to her for the first few days. my bed is her favorite place, so thats the first thing to be set up and then i leave her locked up in the bedroom with her supplies while everything else is being moved in. by the time we're done she's a little more relaxed, not in danger of slipping out the door and able to explore safely. your smart to keep them in. the 16 year old won't like it, but if he has access to a nice sunny window, some CAT GRASS (not the same as cat nip) he can live out his time in safety and relative contentment. the 9 month old will adapt quickly. and is young enough to learn to accept a cat harness and be walked occassionally. if you have time and are comfortable with it.
2007-03-22 03:57:34 · answer #2 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The kitty should adjust. If you haven't moved already, don't change the litter. He'll smell the familiarity and shouldn't have a problem using it. Both kitties will probably hide for a couple of days but don't panic, that's normal. Also it is a very, very bad idea to let the kitties outside, especially the older kitty. Indoor kitties are much safer, you are definitely making the right decision with that. There are these like little kitty hammock things that you can put in windows, try some of those so they can still look out the window.
2007-03-22 03:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by Summer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your cat will most problem be a bit stress for a while. This is normal. What I would suggest is to get a plug in diffuser called Feliway. This is a natural pheromone that is released into the cat environment and help to keep the cat calm. It also helps with urine spraying and destruction and soiling. You can use this diffuser any where in the house and does not smell. Only cats can smell it. It also comes in a spray form so your could use this in certain areas where the cat sleeps or causes problems. With regards to letting your cat out, i would recommend that you keep then in for at least 2 weeks. if you want to let them out. If you want to keep then in, which might be a better idea then i would get loads of toys and cat exercise areas. If the cats are not going out you need to keep them happy or they will start to cause problems. Use a mouse on string morning and evening and if you have stairs make then chase you up and down. Another thing if they are not going out is to reduce the amount of food that you give them. If they are not going out and still eating the same they will put on more weight!
Hope this helps feel free to e-mail me if you want more information, good luck
2007-03-22 03:42:46 · answer #4 · answered by Natalie K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My mom just moved a 9 yr old cat from the place she lived since she was a kitten. She is doing very well. Make sure you give the older one some individual attention to ease it's worries. Cats get stressed out just like we do. As far as making them indoor cats, I think that would be best. I did the same for my cats. I would make sure they have a window they can get fresh air. Also I grow some wheat grass for them to sniff and munch on. It is gentle on their stomaches. make sure your cats do not eat too much or they will vomit. My cat tends to not know when she has had enough so I only give it to her for a few minutes a day.
2007-03-22 03:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by Cheyenne 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Old cats will adjust to new homes once you have all of your old stuff moved in - familiar smells, sights, sounds, cat box, food dishes, etc. It is going to be more difficult to change their outside habits - the best thing to do is to get them some new toys, a climbing tree, and if possible, close in your porch or deck and put a cat door in so that they can go outside but not off your porch. Alternatively, if you live a ground floor, you can build a enclosure for them outside that you can connect via a piece of flexible plastic tube and cat door - that we they can go outside but not wander into traffic.
Good luck.
Adios
2007-03-22 03:47:32 · answer #6 · answered by The Doc 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, your cats will definitely adapt to their new environment. I had a cat for 15 years and when we moved to our new home, he adjusted just fine. Your issue will be more about trying to convert him to an indoor cat after he has been acclimated with the outdoors. Good luck with that part... that can be kind of tricky :)
2007-03-22 03:39:57 · answer #7 · answered by JohnAge 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oh yes, he'll adjust just fine. In the beginning he may act differently or hide more often but give him time and he'll adjust. It's just like when we as people move. It takes time to accept and get used to change.
If they like to go outside, then I suggest putting them on a leash. At first the cat(s) will hate it but when they realize it's either be on a leash or not be allowed the fresh air, the cats will calm done and enjoy the air.
Happy packing!! Goodluck with the move!
2007-03-22 04:04:31 · answer #8 · answered by MJ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes they will adapt eventually however the older cat may try returning to it's old home my mother in laws did this a few times. If it goes missing just check back to where your girlfriend used to live and ask new owners of her property to inform you if they see it good luck and congratulations on you moving in together hope you have lots of happy times :)
2007-03-22 03:44:36 · answer #9 · answered by clare w 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
my 13 year old cat went from being an indoor outdoor cat (spending most of her time outdoors) to being an apartment cat just fine. the only problem we ran into is she got fat! but after a while even that went away & now she is just flabby! but anyway she adjusted just fine, cats are usually pretty easy going
2007-03-22 04:05:28 · answer #10 · answered by siren 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The 16 yr old could be a problem. Maybe you should try to put him in one room to help him adjust easier. I would not let them out!!!!!!! They are tramatized and could get lost in a strange enviroment. I would give it some time and give them as much attention as you can so that they are comforted.
2007-03-22 03:37:03 · answer #11 · answered by kdlyn74 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋