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Cats/moving outside cat to new home

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Expert: - 8/8/2008


Question
Hello,
I recently purchased a new house.  I still own my prior home as I am making repairs in order to sell it.  A neighborhood cat that adopted me about 4 years ago lives under and in the backyard of my old home.  I still go by every day to feed her.  I want to move her to my new home but I do not have room for her inside.  I already have 3 inside cats that do not like each other.  Adding another would probably put my boyfriend over the line.  The outside cat seem perfectly happy to stay outside as long as she gets attention and food.
My boyfriend is concerned that if we move her to our new backyard she will try to go "home" and get run over on our very busy street.
Can you help with the best way to move her and help her understand that this is her new home.

Answer
Hi Karen,

This is a tough one. Your boyfriend is right. She will most likely try to return home. But there are still some things that can be done. How far is your new home from the other? Cats have a territory range of about a mile. If it is within that range she might stay around.

Do you have a garage? You might want to keep her in there for a week or so until she gets used to area. Or just keep on going back and feed her at your old place. When you sell the house let the new people know about her and see if they will take care of her. Cats have a way of getting into our hearts so they might wind up taking her in and making her their own. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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