I have just got my cats back from my ex. My mum said I have to keep them indoors for 2 weeks, which is proving to be difficult as they love being outdoors. Why is this???
2007-06-09 21:33:50 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
It's to let them settle in and know where home (and food) is. Meanwhile they can look out windows and get to know their surroundings a bit. If you let them out too soon they could get disorientated and get lost.
2007-06-09 21:38:49 · answer #1 · answered by Sniggle 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Got your cats 'back'? Does this mean they have, or haven't lived at your house before?
Your mum is right - when cats move to a new home they need to spend at least 2 weeks inside so they get used to where their home now is - it's true that cats do sometimes go back to their old homes, or try to, if let out too soon! I know it's hard but try to stick to it, they may be anxious to get back out because they want to leg it!
I'm sure people on here are going to go on and on about why NO cat should EVER be let outside - don't listen to them, that's not the question you're asking. Let's not turn this into an indoor vs outdoor cat debate, there are enough on here already! Plus if I hear the made-up statistic 'indoor cats have longer life expectancies' one more time, I might cry.
Chalice
2007-06-10 00:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
After a few weeks these cats will know that they live here at your mothers home. Why your mother feels like she does, she knows if cats had lived elsewhere, and they are new to the area, they may run off and try to travel back to where they once lived. Here in the States this has been on the news, how families up and moved 700 miles away, or to another state, they left their animals behind, because as they said, the animal ran freely to where ever, and months later, their animal shows up to their door step. So listen to what your mother says, she is right about leaving them in for awhile.They will get the smell of themselves in the home. Maybe if you have a leash, and collar for the animals, take them out daily, so they can enjoy being outside. The wonderful smell and all.
2007-06-10 01:43:17 · answer #3 · answered by Moose 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They need to get use to their new surroundings, you don't want them to run away do you?
If your Mum can deal with them, so can you.
I had a cat that my Mom keep letting out of the house because she didn't want it inside, plus the cat loved the outdoors also. She didn't run away, but she got hit by a car and died.
It was very sad, I still miss her so much.
It is better to do what is best for the cats, than what the cats want to do, they don't know about all the dangers out there.
Be happy, your Mum is only thinking of what is best for your cats. Thank her.
2007-06-09 23:04:50 · answer #4 · answered by CAT LADY LOO 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's absolutely essential if they're going to a new home, as cats are territorial and will immediately try to find their way back to their old home. A couple of weeks enables them to lay down their own smells and orient themselves, and so establish their new territory in your home. After that they should be fine, and can go outside again.
Don't listen to the old wives' tale about putting butter on their paws! It doesn't work! It just makes them cross! Oh, and slippy.
2007-06-09 23:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by Cat 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats are never supposed to be outdoors to begin with.
1. They are not a natural part of the eco-system and destroy native wildlife.
2. They get hit by cars, get attacked by other animals, poisoned, contract diseases and parasites outdoors.
2007-06-10 00:52:21 · answer #6 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
it'll allow them adjustment time and make em able to recognize where home is.
2007-06-09 21:43:53 · answer #7 · answered by blkmgikwmn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋