How long does it take for a cat to settle after moving?

Question

Yesterday my mom and I moved into a town-home. My parents just got a divorce and before this we lived in quite a large house with a forest as a backyard. Our new town-home is close to a busy street but also has forestry around. My cat, who is roughly a year old, has moved with us. He has been meowing a lot and has seemed very skeptical. He has only been here for a day but I was just wondering how long it usually takes for a cat to adjust to a new home. That being said, how long should we keep him inside before we let him out? I understand they have to get used to the smell and everything so I was just curious. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Depends on the cat but in most cases, 2-3 days and can be up to a week.  Once they see you settling in and a routine being developed, they usually settle down more quickly.  

I would not let him out at all.  Especially being near a busy street!  He could get hit by a car, run off, get into a fight with another cat and get injured, many things none of them good!  I have 4 cats and all of them stay inside.    It's much safer, healthier for them to remain inside....

Answer 2

It actually depend on your cats. .

some cats tend to be more. . kind of fussy. . .`

I don't have much problem everytime I move house. .

Based on experience, my cat usually adapt after properly at about after a week. .

so. . my point is, there is no definite amount of time. . .

let nature take it course. .

sorry if my answer is not helpful. .  

Answer 3

Whenever I've moved with cats the vet has suggested leaving it in for at least 2 weeks so that it gets used to its surroundings and doesn't try to go back to it's previous home! Don't let it out after a day, it's too soon! It'll go out and have fun when it's settled.  

Answer 4

When my mother & I moved, the cats hid under my bed for about 5 days. they only came out to eat, drink and use the litter box, then they would bolt back under the bed. but on the fifth day they came out of my room some and started staying out longer & longer. overall it took about a week and a half for them to be completely used to it. but they're chickens. so it may take alot less time for your kitty.

Answer 5

Cats adjust pretty easily once they calm down. They can really freak the 1st day or two though. I would say maybe 2-6 weeks at the most, maybe not even that long. Here are some tips.

1) Give the cat familiar food in a familiar dish.

2) Give the cat a place to hide and put familiar toys under it.

3) Avoid commotion and unpacking for a few days until the cat settles down.

4) Encourage the cat to come to you but don't try to force them out.

5) Above all make a consistent place for the litter box and food NOW! The sooner you do this, the sooner the cat gets with the program.

It takes time but cats usually adjust much better than dogs as soon as they know where to eat, hide, sleep and p**p. Good luck!  

Answer 6

ok im a pro ive moved so many times with animals it takes about a week for my cat and dogs a couple of days but that veries from cat to cat and dog to dog if your cat is very curious it will take them about a week but if there shy i.e. get scared easy then it could take betwwen 1-2 weeks mayve more but only a few hours for some.

i think you should just let your cat be. give it food, water,litter, toys and let it do its thing and just leav it alone.

Answer 7

it may take a few days or weeks to adjust to the new place.  Please be a responciable cat owner and keep him as an indoor cat from now on.  unless you want to scrape him off the road or get attacked by other animals.  make your townhouse appealing to your cat go to walmart and get a 3 level cat tree for $30 and some other toys and things to keep your cat occupied inside and have fun.

Answer 8

Adjusting to a new home is a gradual process that can take a long time, but the cat should start to seem more comfortable after only a couple days. You should keep him inside until you're ready for him to be killed by a car, animals, or the the other dangers that await him outdoors.

Life expectancy for cats with dumbass owners living next to busy streets: not very long.

Answer 9

Cats need a few days of your house looking normal (ie no more boxes getting unpacked) for them to calm down and realize that all the normal family stuff, and his stuff made it toe the new house and become comfortable.  Once he starts acting like himself again, it is recommened to keep him in the new place for 2 to 4 weeks before re-introducing him to the great big world outside.  He needs the first couple of times outside to be short close ventures so that it will imprint on him and he can find his way home from future longer trips outside.

Answer 10

well the cat needs to be familiar with its surroundings outside but you also need to be careful about where it goes outside it will adjust faster inside