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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Cat Memory
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Question
I've just picked my two cats up (10 mths old) from the cattery where they were for two weeks when we were on holidays. We normally let the cats outside during the day and keep them inside overnight. I'm worried now about letting them outside in case they don't remember their surroundings and our neighbourhood and get lost. They have never previously wandered too far and are always watiting on me when I come home from work. Will they remember their way around? Is their anything I can do to aid their memory of the the local neighbourhood?
Suzanne,
From Ireland? How lucky you are! So much better than boring, hot California!
You shouldn't have any problems with them. Cats go by association, habit, and smell. I would keep them in for a few days and let them look outside, preferably from an open (screened) window, so they can smell the familiar smells and hear familiar noises.
They probably will stick VERY close to you at first until they realize that you aren't going to leave them again. And they may be a little upset about you leaving them. Give them some kitty treats (like tuna or tinned sardines in oil) to get on their good side again. Food is a great bribe! *smile*
Tabbi
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| Comment | Thank you, that's put my mind at ease. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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