Moving and have an outside cat?

Question

I am moving to a new neighborhood, and have an outside cat. Is it better to try to get her to stay inside? I'm afraid that she will get lost or hurt in an unfamiliar place.

Answer 1

Keep her indoors for a month or so until she becomes acclimated to the new area. Cats work on a hierarchy system wherever they may be. Once you let your cat outdoors, it will stay close to home until it has established it's "place" in the new neighbourhood.

I had one cat who needed to be found (she always went to hide as soon as she was released into the new house) and then forcefed for a couple days because she would refuse to eat from the "trauma" of moving.

Every cat is an individual, but what others have said is true...you need to cage her well before you start the moving process, and then only release her at the new environment when the moving process is well over (no more opening of doors which would allow her to escape).

Answer 2

I live in a house near the street, so I always keep my cats strictly indoors, except they are allowed on my balcony. Provenstudies say that indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats in general. Still, if your cat is very safe, and fine with being outdoors, great. My friend moved with an outdoor cat, and she had the cat stay indoors for about a week. Then she let her outdoors, and put butter on the cats feet every night. The cat would always come home! After about a month of doing this, the cat got used to his surroundings ans stayed. Good luck!!!!

Answer 3

Yes, definitely. She might even try to make her way back to your old home, plus she will have to fight the cats that are there for territory.

It is probably best if you bring her inside before your move since cats don't like the commotion of moving. She might freak out and hide so you can't find her.

I put my cat in her carrier during moving day because she was wigging out when the movers started taking "our stuff" out of the house.

Answer 4

May be many opinions on this. I worry about moving cats like this. I would try to keep it inside for a time and may be outside with it in short periods. It should become accustomed over time. But, in my opinion it worries me. I have known them to be scared and get lost in new environments. Older cats seem more laid back and learn their new surrounding easier. I hope someone can give you better advise on this.

Answer 5

I would suggest keeping her inside for at least a few days before you start letting her out. And then, the first couple of times, only let her out when you can supervise her.
Cats generally should be able to find their way home, but it's better to be safe than sorry!
btw - it's better to keeps cats inside - they'll live longer, healthier lives.

Answer 6

It is best to let your cat get used to your new house by keeping it inside for a month or so to let it know your are there to stay. It might freak out and try to make its way home. That happened to my cat once.

Answer 7

When I took mine with me when I left home to live on my own I converted him into an indoors only cat. We did use a harness and leash to go spend a little time outside, but for safety's sake he was turned into an indoor cat.

Answer 8

Good call iritadragon - totally agree. I'd recommend getting the cat neutered too if it isnt already. This stops them from roaming away to find mates.

Answer 9

ABSOLUTELY. Read this if you need further convincing of the dangers of letting a cat outside:

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=indoorsoroutdoors

Answer 10

You could bring her in or if she's outside make sure she has fresh water and food . Remember to make her feel comfortable...Best of luck.....