Cats not settled in new house

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Old Man Fred

Original Poster:

821 posts

88 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
quotequote all
I am after any advice people may have with two cats that have not settled in a new house following a move.

House move just before christmas where cats were kept in for 2 weeks, however just when considering letting them out the site manager (new build estate) advised keeping cats in as a cat had been found recently and had got itself into an awful situation which it didn't survive. There was no foul play by humans as it was inside a new build and curiosity got the better of the cat.

They sit up for long periods in the night meowing which they never used to do in the old house causing a lack of sleep! We have used feliway but they don't seem to react to it (they are immune to catnip as well). The main problems are one used to love going out and one loved fuss and attention but due to numerous life changes their chances of getting fussed are limited to evenings and weekends, and as mentioned they cannot go out.

Playing with them to tire them out in the hope they sleep at night has very limited effect. Someone has suggested a 'catio' or a cat run which would allow them access to outside in a limited capacity, would this be a good option or would it be cruel to tease them with the outside world?

The only other real option is to take them back to the animal rescue centre we got them from but this is a last resort and not one we really want to take.

Are there any other things we should look into to try and help get them settled?

Thanks in advance

edc

9,231 posts

250 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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How about taking them outside on a hardness/lead? That's the method I used when acclimatising my 2 cats to new areas.

Or just let them out but put a snap-off collar with bell on so if they do unfortunately get stuck somewhere there is half a chance of hearing them. You could also perhaps let them out when they are due a feed (and after not having eaten in a while). One of mine will return when he hears the rustle of his food pouch or the clink of the bowls.

bexVN

14,682 posts

210 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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Restricted access to outside is not cruel, especially if well designed and thought out and a good compromise (and much better than being back at the rescue centre)

I am sure there will be designs on Google to look at.

Also try Pet remedy if you feel Feliway hasn't done much. Another plug in but uses herbs/ valarian properties. I have one plugged in for my cat. Feliway is good but Pet remedy seems a bit more of an all rounder and has had great feedback.

ali_kat

31,988 posts

220 months

Tuesday 10th January 2017
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Seconding Pet Remedy

Feliway has zero effect on both of my cats; immediate reaction to Pet Remedy however.

I'd the Site Manager says don't let them out, I'd follow his advice!

solo2

858 posts

146 months

Thursday 12th January 2017
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or try Katzecure fencing to keep them in your garden.

Keeps all six of mine secure and safe.

Old Man Fred

Original Poster:

821 posts

88 months

Tuesday 17th January 2017
quotequote all
Thanks for all the replies, a combination seems to be having a good effect.

Went and bought cat harnesses and pet remedy for the immediate 'fix' and arranging quotes for a cat run type thing in the garden until they can go out properly.

They seem much happier now which is good for all concerned!

PH to the rescue again, thank you all