Moving an indoor/outdoor cat

Question
I am in such a pickle!  I am moving across town in a few weeks. I have a wonderful 6 yr old little boy named Jack that is indoor/outdoor.  I've had him since he was a baby.  He has never used a cat box because he potties outside. The problem is I also have 2 dogs that have always used their doggie door to go in and out so I cant block it during the day while I'm at work or they'll have an accident in the house.  Jack uses the doggie door as well.  I plan to install a doggie door at my new place first thing so my dogs can do their business in the backyard.  I work all day and cant be there to let them out.  Jack isnt going to know where he is and he loves to wander.  I'm so afraid he'll disappear.  It happened with my last cat right after I moved several years ago.  He too was indoor/outdoor and didnt come home one day.  I dont know what to do to ensure Jack doesnt wander off or how to acclimate him to a new home and territory.  Please Help!

Answer
Hi Sandy, What a great animal lover you are and congratulations on getting a new place!

What I do when I move is keep my cats "locked" in one part of a new place (leaving the dogs more freedom to go do their business).  Your sweet 6 year old will learn VERY quickly to go in a potty box and when you get home, love on him for a while then keep him locked in whereever you choose - a bathroom is good for litter clean up, though he may prefer your bedroom.  Keep him in for at least 3 weeks before being home and letting him out to smell the rest of your house - BUT when you are doing this, lock the outer dog door.  After he scents his new terriroty inside, you could try to let him out once when you are there to watch.  Let him wander only the area YOU want him to try to stay in, then pick him up and take him back inside praising him alot and give him a treaty.  It takes weeks before they are ready to be let out again, and know their territory as you know after a move.  

Please let me know if you have any other questions, and also how it goes after your move!

Thanks,
Debbie