I'm moving soon and have an indoor/outdoor cat...?

Question

If I don't let my cat out she sneaks out... She just loves to be outdoors. We will be moving by next month and I don't want her to run away like my last indoor/outsoor cat did when we moved. Any tips?

Answer 1

If you're planning to allow her to go outside after you move, then you need to keep her inside for the first 3-4 weeks to make sure that she's fully bonded with her new home.  (Chin rubbing the furniture and paintwork is a good sign that your cat has settled in).  Accompany her the first few times that she goes out so that you can be sure she can find her way back home.

Cats like to go outside because the garden is an ever changing environment, there's always something new to see or smell.  If you'd prefer to keep your cat indodors then you need to make sure that her environment is equally stimulating.  Regular play sessions every day, a window seat with a view of somewhere busy, food treats hidden inside treat balls are all ways to keep her occupied. The web site below has an article on ways to keep an indoor cat happy which you may find helpful.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

Good luck with the move.

Answer 2

buy her toys with cat nip to keep her busy

Answer 3

I have the same problem.  My cat would rather be outside than inside.  She has her own door through the basement.  Now I have to move from my home.  The only thing I can do is keep the door closed and make sure she doesn't get out of the apartment.  Giving her some cat nip sounds like a good idea.  And a place to hide like the closet.  I also have two Chihuahuas and they don't like the cat.  I think I will put a dresser in one of the closets so the cat can get high up off the floor.  Cats like to be up in the air and looking down.  You might try something like that too.  Or keep the top of the fridge clean.  Maybe if your cat can climb up on something high it will help her be more content in the apartment.