I recently just moved with my 2 cats to a new house. Before we moved they were indoor/outdoor cats, but now I have to keep them in the house for a month so they can get used to the new place. Is it normal for them to cry/meow all night. We have only been at our new house for 2 days and I am sure they are just mad and want to go outside.
2007-07-28 11:49:48 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, it is perfectly normal for them to be a little upset. Their whole world has been changed. Everything they have known is different.
I have traveled quite a bit with my cat Lilo. I take plug in Feliway with me to new places. It seems to ease anxiety.
If you have brought their beds/bowls/litter box from your former home, that will help. They like things that are familiar.
Keeping them in a quiet room (just one) with the shades drawn and peaceful music also helps. They need a little time to get settled in.
I am totally with the previous poster about keeping cats inside for their entire lives. If they are not neutered, you'll want to have that done, it makes for a better house cat.
My boy goes on walks on a harness and leash.
My cat Teddy was an indoor/outdoor cat, so when I moved, he moved with me. He soon was coming and going just like at home. Then one day he did not come when I called him. I found him at the base of a very tall tree. I can only guess that he climbed the tree after a squirrel and must have fell when he cornered one. I can not imagine why else he would have been there dead. It broke my heart, totally. He died valentines day 2005.
Lilo was born the next day, 5000 miles away. Little did I know that he would come into my life in such an unusal way (thru my daughter, he was living in the stable with her horse). He's been my constant companion since he was 6 months old. I'll never have another outdoor cat again.
Different parts of the country have different problems for cats. Indoor cats don't have to worry about those things. West nile virus, feline leukemia, heartworm, and my friends kitten got feline aids when she was bit by another cat.
They may complain for awhile, but they will adapt. Do check out the feliway from your local pet store. It is a cat phermone which calms cats. I know it is now available under different brand names, but have only used the one.
Good luck to you and your kitties!
2007-07-28 11:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by Alex 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your cats are crying partly because they are not use to their new surroundings. Try and keep their routine the same from your former home as much as you can. Once they settle in you can introduce them to their new outdoors a few minutes at a time. Make sure they will be safe when let outside. If there is alot of traffic or dogs who will chase them, you may want to put up some kind of kennel where they can go out the basement window into a wire penned in area to enjoy the fresh air and feel more content. Any change in an animals routine is upsetting. Keep reassuring them everything is ok.
2007-07-28 19:04:06 · answer #2 · answered by SeaShell Gal 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
About three years ago, i moved with my 2 indoor/outdoor cats, too.
Bringing them outside on leashes can help them get used to the new outdoor surroundings. Yes;cats on leashes...it may sound weird, but quite a few people "walk the cat."
And,yes, it is normal for them to cry at night;they are probably not used to the new smells,and new feel of the house. They will start to get more familair with the house after a while, just give them time.
I hope this helps, and good luck! =]
2007-07-28 19:06:05 · answer #3 · answered by tina 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's normal for cats to be stressed out for a number of days after a move. By the end of the first week they should be starting to calm down. If you haven't had problems with them spraying in locations they shouldn't, then they're probably adjusting without too many problems.
Also, the life expectancy and health of cats greatly increase when they're indoor-only. I know it sounds mean if you're used to having indoor-outdoor cats, but it really is much better for them.
2007-07-28 19:02:46 · answer #4 · answered by Kes 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are used to being outside, and they are probably mad at the new surroundings.. ect...
if you can keep them in a whole month.. dont let them go out anymore, they will live longer.. my cat was hit by a car a couple years ago.. he survived after 2 surgeries.. he doesnt go outside anymore.
they say the avg life span of an outdoor cat is only 2 years.. indoor cats.. 12-15 yrs
2007-07-28 18:53:43 · answer #5 · answered by one_goofy_devil 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's horrible for you to keep them inside. After all, they could be outside being hit by a car, picking up diseases, getting dismembered by a vicious dog, eaten by a coyote, poisoned by antifreeze. Wake up - cats do NOT belong outside. The average of an indoor cat? 15-20 years. A cat like yours? 2-5. Read this if you need further convincing:
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=indoorsoroutdoors
2007-07-28 20:43:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats hate change. You are right to leave them in the house for at least a month. Otherwise, they may try and head back to your original home.
Since they are used to going outside as they please, they may be seriously bored and in need of exercise. That may be what is keeping them up all night. I would get some new toys, some empty cardboard boxes for them to play in, etc.
Unless they begin having other problems such as litter box issues or food issues, they are probably just voicing their unhappiness at being moved at all.
2007-07-28 19:00:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I moved with my cats around two years ago, and they were exactly the same!
The recommendations are that you keep cats on for 4 - 6 weeks, to allow them to get a sense, of where they are as cats have a habit of roaming, then getting lost, or going back to their old house!
With my two, I physically carried them around the garden during this period of time, to let them get some fresh air, but to let them get a sense of where they were! I know it is not ideal, but it might just ease the craving to go out!
Good Luck
2007-07-28 19:09:29 · answer #8 · answered by angela-louise w 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, the change in routine and scenery has upset them. Cats are very much creatures of habit, after all.
Don't worry about it: They will adapt soon. In fact, they might even start quieting down by tomorrow.
Good luck with your new house!
2007-07-28 19:09:43 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes it is normal for them to cry .they are tramatized by the move.new place ,new scents,they should start to calm down in a few days.just keep talking to them.rehuring them that its ok.LOTS OF LOVE &TLC.
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR NEW HOME.
2007-07-28 19:09:17 · answer #10 · answered by Sal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋