moving homes

Question
Hi, I have recently moved homes with my two cats who are both nearly two years old. I'm wondering when i can let them outside? My new home is a large distance away from my previous home and my cats loved the out doors there. They have become very confident over the last couple of days and often sit at the door meowing to go outside. I know vets often recommend at least two weeks but they are so desperate to be outside i wondered what your opinion was? thank you for your time,
Laura Reader

Answer
Hi Laura,

I would go with the two weeks. Cat's don't have any reasoning ability. They can't think "this is a new place and I might get lost". They will think everything will be the same. Let them get familiar with the sites, smells, and sounds of the new area first. Naturally they want out, but you have to be firm. Cats go by habit, association, and smells. You have to reprogram them to the new area so they forget about the other one.

Collar train them before you let them out and tape your address and phone number on them so if they do happen to wander off someone won't say 'oh, a lost cat, let's keep it'.

After a few days, carry them outside but don't put them down. Just walk around with them so they can see everything.

When you think they are ready, open the door and leave it cracked open so they can go out, but can run back in if anything is 'scary' out there. Let them out just for a little while the first time, and either go out with them, or watch them carefully. And call them once in awhile so they can judge your voice and where the door is.

It's a pain to do that but it better to be safe than sorry. And then you can be sure they will be all right.

Carol