How long to keep cat in after house move???

Hi folks, my friend (Sue) has just moved into a new house, she has three adult cats all of them having only ever lived in the old house. Sue was asking me if I knew how long to keep them in for so that they would not run away when she eventually lets them out to explore their lovely new garden! I don't know the answer to this but told her that I have joined this brilliant forum and that I would ask the question for her. After the wonderful responses I've had so far I feel absolutley sure that I will get some good advice to pass on. Many thanks in anticipation from me and Sue.

Annie

 

I'm not really sure because I've never had a cat that went outdoors but I would think that she should keep them in at least until they adjust to the new house. It took my cats a few weeks to adjust when I moved.
Maybe another poster will have some more advice for you.

 

back in the day when I used to let my cats outside I really waited until I knew the neighborhood was safe for one (loose dogs, wildlife, nasty neighbors, etc.).

I moved so much I'm trying to remember (I'm 40 something - forgot now :wink: and I've lived here the longest 13 years)...but when we moved here I left my Tami in for the remainder of the summer (moved in here July '91) and throughout the winter. Although Tami had moved a lot with me she was an old hand at it. But where I live wildlife is a huge concern....now that I've actually lost a cat to whatever got her no one goes outside.

But I would think a month would be sufficient if she continues to let them outside - let it become home to them.

 

Hi Annie. I think if your friend left them in the house for two weeks that would be okay. Then she would have to take them out in the garden and keep an eye on them. For example the first time she could take them out for 10-15 minutes, then bring them back inside. She should keep an eye on them each time she takes them out for at least a week or two. Each time she takes them out she can stay out longer and longer with her cats. It's up to her how long she wants to hang out in the garden with them and how many times a day she wants to do this, but for the first week she really should be outside with all of them.

 

Thanks everyone, I will pass your answers on to Sue and when the time comes I'll let you know how it goes.

Annie

 

When we first moved in our new house, Monty was scared silly. He snuck outside and ran around our house in circles on the very first day. Pumpkin loves our new house and was very irritated by Monty's dissappearance. We let her out and she found Monty Boy and led him to us and we brought him home. It took months before he dared to venture outside again. We don't usually let Pumpkin and Monty out. If they do it's only for 5-10 min. supervised outing. All cats are different and will adjust to the new environments differently. Good luck to your friend and her kitties on the move!