Moving-Need Advice!

Ok well FINALLY we are moving to a ground floor flat! My oldest cat Lily was used to going out before we moved so is always keen to go out on a lead out the front of the flat we are at now (wouldn't be able to let her off the lead as its right on a main road here ) so i'm guess we wont have any problems with her finally have freedom!!

Where as Alfie has been an indoor cat all his life and hated the lead and ran away as soon as the main door was open,
so i was after some advice for when they finally have a choice to come and go as they please and am a bit confused as to what to do being they are totally different!???

xxx

I would not push the indoor one to go outside. Maybe in time he might, but its not a necessity for him to go out if he chooses not too.

The other one, if she's leash trained then continue to take her out - just be careful of any traffic.

Well our new flat as a nice back garden so eventually we can let her off the lead, how long do you think it will be before we can let her use the cat flap and come and go as she pleases??

I think you may have to teach her to use the cat flap. A lot of cats don't realize how they work. Being in the States, I'm not a fan of outdoor cats; but I realize that you UKers do that all the time.

Originally Posted by troublesome2

Well our new flat as a nice back garden so eventually we can let her off the lead, how long do you think it will be before we can let her use the cat flap and come and go as she pleases??

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It's advisable to keep her in for at least 2 weeks or 3 weeks if possible, so that she returns to her new home. With my cats, I went out with them to supervise them and for a little longer each day before bringing them back in. Is she trained to come at her name? If not, train her to come to either her name or the tap of the food bowl so that you can call her in. The first time you let her out on her own, do it just before dinner time so she returns for food. You can also make it playtime when she comes back in so that she gets treated for coming back in.

I'd advise you to keep the cat flap locked overnight (with the cat inside ) as nighttime is dangerous for cats.
Best, Kat

I agree - keep her in for as long as possible. Most rescues recommend about 6 weeks if possible, or at least 4. In any case, make sure she's settled into her new home and recognises it as her new territory before allowing her out unsupervised. It's also a good idea to make sure she will come to the sound of a box of biscuits rattling or when she hears her name called. I'd take her out on the harness first to familiarise her with the area too. Most cats take to a cat flap ok but if she has difficulty working out how to use it try propping it open with something like a wine bottle to help her get the idea. The first time you let her out unsupervised make sure she's hungry so that she'll want to come back before long for something to eat.

I wouldn't worry about your indoor cat not going out. Let him decide if he wants to go out or not. If there's a cat flap there you might find he eventually plucks up the courage to go through it and enjoys being in your garden.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Yeah i'm sure he will follow Lily after he realises its safe in the garden, i guess i will have to get them both chipped too!
I just hope lily wont start bringing birds in like she used to when she live at my mums with me!!!
I will let you know how they get on only one week to go!!