Expert: B. Iris Tanner - 8/5/2006

Question
We are moving from our one family house on 2 acres in a small town.  Our 3 cats have lived here all of their lives.  We are moving into an apartment in the upstairs of a Seniors Care Facility - common front door entrance.  Our cats are used to going out when they want and stay in our small neighbourhood with a not-so-busy street.  We will now be surrounded by farmer's fields bordering on a highway - no close neighbours but a barn across the highway with cows and barn cats-some of whom appear at night.  What is the best way to bring the cats there so they know to stay around their new digs? Should we allow them out right away or keep them inside for a period of time?  Also, what is the best way to teach them to come in and upstairs instead of going into the Special care facility?  Any help would be VERY APPRECIATED!

Answer
I've never dealt with a situation like this but it seems to me that what would make the most sense is to get harnesses and leashes for all 3 cats and to take them out only on a leash for at least the first month. Keep them inside otherwise. Of course you will encounter a lot of resistance to the leashes so have plenty of treats on hand and get them accustomed to them gradually, the harness first, then the leash, then outdoors with the leash.

When you bring them back in after an outing, take the leash off and try to get them to follow you upstairs. Reward with a treat as soon as they make any progress in this direction. Only after they have learned to climb up the stairs on their own and come into your place (I assume you will eventually have a cat door made?) would I consider letting them go out alone.

Hope this helps

iris