Moving with two cats who are now indoor but will be outdoor--suggestions?

Question

We currently have three indoor cats, because the road we live on is too busy for them to go outside. When we move, we will be on a cul de sac and two of them can go out. (The other is Himalayan and will be staying in.) We will be putting the two going out on Revolution to prevent heartworms. We're hoping since they haven't ever roamed outside the old house that they won't try to wander back to it. Has anyone ever been in this situation? If we keep them in for a couple of weeks first will they stick around? I'm getting nervous about this move! Thanks!

To answer a couple of questions: They do still have their claws, and there are no loose dogs in this neighborhood. We wanted to keep them in but we're having a baby in a few days and in this smaller house we can't have three indoor cats. Also, this may come as a surprise, but there aren't that many people in the market for an adult cat who must be kept indoors. I feel that any new home we send them to will likely be MUCH worse than ours.

Answer 1

Keep them in until they seem happy that the new house is their home - anywhere between a week and a month, more if they're nervous or have never been outside. Once they seem secure with the house, go out with them for a few minutes, let them explore. A lot of people recommend taking them out for the first time just before a mealtime, so they're hungry and have an incentive not to wander off. Take them outside a bit at a time, let them out on their own a bit at a time. For the first few weeks, make sure either there's a door or window or cat flap open for them to get back in, or you can hear and let them in as soon as they ask. Once they're used to the idea, they can be shut out, If you're going to shut tham ut for long periods, or overnight, it's kind to give them some sort of shelter, such as access to a shed or garage, or, if you haven't got much space, a hutch or kennel that will keep the rain off.

The vast majority of cats I've known have gone outside and lived to a ripe old age, so take the scare stories with a pinch of salt.

Microchip them, so if they do get lost they can be returned to you. It doesn't hurt, cost about £20, and it goes under the skin at the back of the cat's neck, so the cat can't lose it!

Answer 2

My suggestions are that you wait about 2-3 weeks so that they get used to their new territory before rushing them outside, particularly if they've never been outdoor cats. If you have a porch or deck, maybe you could start by letting them sniff that out. Especially if you are lounging outside, it's the perfect time to leave the door cracked and let the cats come out on their own, and installing a kitty door is a good idea just in case you have coyotes or something that would hurt the cat, the cat can then make a mad dash for the house. You may also want to consider putting a tall pole with carpet on it in your back yard as a safety spot for your cat just incase your cat feels it can't make it home quick enough. Good luck, most kitties enjoy their newfound freedom!

Answer 3

I always thought that if you fed a cat it would stay.

I'm not sure why the cats will need to go out, especially running loose. This could be dangerous as they could still be hit by a car, or taken to the shelter for being alone. But if they are set on going outdoor, I would wait until they are comfy with the new house and surroundings before turning them out.

Answer 4

You have more than one problem. Easy one first. To keep
them from leaving there new home, try putting some butter
on there feet. Once they clean themselves up they should
feel at home.I've seen this tried three times. It worked every
time. I make no guarantee. They need to stay inside. They
are house cats. They are not street smart. They don't know
how to deal with tough cats, mean dogs or cars. A tough
rabbit could whip there a**. A raccoon or possum could
kill them. Try the butter on there feet. Maybe they won't
take off. Good luck to all.

Answer 5

Are they declawed? If so, don't let them out. They will have no way to defend themselves. Are there leash laws in the area you are moving? There are more dangers to cats than highways. If there are dogs loose and they are not accustomed to being outside, you are putting them at much higher risk than a road. Find out about the area and notice if strays are around before letting them out the door.

Answer 6

My thought is also, WHY? Cats these days are not meant to be outdoors. There are so many dangers for them like Cars, Kids, Worms, Ticks, but also to protect other things like Birds and Squirrels. You could lose these little furry creatures if you aren't careful. Cats do not need to be outside and if you send them outside you may lose them for good when they go find themselves new owners that want them indoors. It is obvious you want to protect them or you wouldn't bother with the Revolution, but go the extra mile and let them enjoy the life of luxury!

Answer 7

Much worse? Cats should not go outside. Think of cars, disease, poisions. Take them to the pound. The death there will be much kinder than being mauled by a dog, hit by a car, gradually bleeding out from poison, or getting feline aids or another diease. You obviously do not value the other cats and should have never gotten them. I hope the valueabe himilayans breeder reads this and puts you on a do not selll or adopt list.

Answer 8

You shouldn't have a problem. I would let them look out a window (preferably open) for a couple of weeks first, so they can get used to the sites and sounds (and smells) of the new area. Maybe carry them outside once in awhile to let them look around without putting them down.

Then when you're ready, or feel they are ready, leave the door cracked open so they can go outside, but they can also run back in if there is anything 'scary' out there. That is how some cats get lost, they get scared and can't run in the house, and they just....run. Then they don't know where they are. And go outside with them at first, just to see how they react, and so they can see that you aren't 'scared' of anything.

I would also collar train them BEFORE they ever go out. Then tape your name, address, and phone number on the collars, just to be on the safe side.

I would keep them in at night though. That is when most 'bad' things happen to cats. And you don't know what roams at night in the new neighborhood.

Your cats are lucky to have an owner who cares. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I feel a cat is happier and more well-adjusted if they can be indoor-outdoor cats. People can pamper cats too much, and they lose their built in self-preservation, and if they ever do accidently get outside, they are in trouble. Accidents happen to inside cats also.

Cats also love getting their 'rays', eating grass, stalking 'things', and running around. Outside is good. Even if it's only for a little while. Usually, they want back in after awhile anyway. Cats ARE animals, and I don't believe they should be 'caged' up all the time.

Answer 9

Did you think about getting a outdoor cat enclosure? You can let your babies out, and keep them safe at the same time. And don't have to worry about all that bad mo-jo the Ms. Hunter is throwing your way, trying to make you feel bad. There is always a way, please just keep looking!

Answer 10

I urge you to reconsider this. The average lifespan for an indoor cat is 15-18 year. An outdoor cat is 2-3 years. This is because outdoor cats tend to get hit by cars, set on fire by cruel people, picked up by animal control, catch diseases like Leukemia and AIDS, get poisoned, get stolen by animal testing labs, get gutted by wild animals/dogs, etc.

There is NO reason to allow your cats outside. No amount of revolution or frontline will prevent the awful fate that may await them when you let them out.

Please, be a good owner and keep ALL the cats inside. If you can't do this, then PLEASE, find them a new home with an owner who can keep them inside. They deserve this, don't they?

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cat_care/keep_your_cat_safe_at_home_hsuss_safe_cats_campaign/

Edit: So, because your life is changing, you are no longer responsible for your cats? How awful. When you got these cats, you took responsibility for them for their ENTIRE lives, not just until it was no longer convenient for you. Sorry, but I lived with 4 indoor cats and another adult in an 800 sq ft apartment. You can make it work, but you have to commit to making it work rather than just to making excuses.

And *this* may come as a surprise, but there are tons of no-kill shelters that may be willing to take the cats and find them a better home than you can offer. Having them in a foster home for the rest of their lives would be better than being hit by a car and left to die or being stolen and used as pit bull bait, wouldn't it? http://www.petfinder.com Honestly, I can't imagine what would be "MUCH worse" than being disemboweled by a local dog and being left to die with my insides hanging out (this happened to a cat in my old neighborhood).

What you are considering is just awful. Please, do not get ANY more pets, EVER.