It's stressful moving for families, but what about your pets? Stressful for them too. I think dogs are a little easier to train in a new enviorment and of course indoor cats, but what about your indoor/outdoor cat? I really don't have the answer and am reaching out to you. I have heard to put a leash on them and walk them around the exterior of the house a couple times. I've also heard to keep them indoors for a week and a half to 2 weeks, before letting them out on their own. Any experience with this out there???
Cindy, sadley I have lost cats when moving. When we would get to the new address, they dissappeared. Old Wives Tale they try to find their way back.
I don't think I would survive with our cats being held hostage inside for more than a day or two. They have free reign and were feral converts from infancy. I used to think it was a joke, but "The Cat Whisperer" show I've seen on TV a few times may have an answer. I'm not sure if that's the actual name of the show Cindy but it has had some humor and enlightment about their behaviors.
I'm glad you asked that question because I've had that problem, somewhat, in the past. I had an outdoor cat for 12 years and moved at least 5 times and she adjusted just fine each time. But the last move was the killer because she never came back after the first day there. I used to keep her in the house for a couple of days to adjust before letting her out and I suspect that since I didn't do that the last time is why she got lost.
Cindy, We put a leash on one of our cats, she just falls over like she's paralyzed...won't even attempt to move!
I wish all cats were safely indoors, but any transition plan takes time....have a good one!
On my move with my most outdoor but comes in to socialize cat we kept it in and only supervised for the first couple of weeks out. We let it out while we worked in the garden. We also would let it go in the garage to visit even stay during the day (we moved in January so it was nice and comfortable at that time there). We had no problem. Just like a new cat you get or adopt ... it starts with them establishing a sense of comfort and familiarity. Also a food dish out and water helps them understand this is there home. Again supervised visits at first while they eat. Good luck!
Cindy- we had a "community" cat in our first apt that we adopted. Kittoo stayed with us at night and we left for work he went to our neighbors, who worked at night.(I found this out quite by accident) When we moved we were at a loss as to what to do.. we tried picking it up and carrying it but Kittoo would have nothing to do with that. So it's other parents got the cat to get in their car. Kittoo clung to our friend's neck, as they drove him to our new house. Whew!
Oh my, thank you so much everyone. Really great information here. I did go out and bought Fitch a collar with a tag on it. (he has never had one, so this will be a transition. I put my name and number on it, instead of his. ( I was told to do this one time, that way if someone tries to steal him, they won't know his name- not sure about that-but, another subject entirely). I'm just going to do the gradual in and out. My cat LOVES to be outside, but loves the comfort of being inside with family too. Thanks again!!
If you have... Screened in patios are also a great way to let me get their air before you let them roam
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