Expert: Tomay - 10/21/2004

Question
We recently moved away from our home of 14 years and bought a new one 2 blocks away.  Our 14 year old cat has already slipped out once and found his way back to the old homestead.  He is used to being an indoor/outdoor cat and he was kept in our new home for about a month to get used to things.  But, yesterday, he escaped again and has been gone a day and has not gone back to the former address as far as we can tell.  In the event that we do find Gremlin, what should we do?  Obviously, he is miserable and depressed at the idea of staying in the house all day when he longs to be free.  I feel that this behavior will repeat itself until he either gets used to our new home or else, just does not return home one day.  I am stymied and need some advice.

Answer
Aww...sorry to hear of your delimma!  Did you keep him confined to the new house for a few days before letting him out for the first time?  That will usually allow a cat to adapt to his new enviornment and 'bond' so to speak, with his new home, exploring the outside gradually.  His absence may simply be his curiosity getting the best of him and he is exploring his new outside territory, perhaps meeting potential friends!  I would check regularly at the old house, and when he shows up, keep him in the house for a few days.  Just a few days out of his busy life won't be too bad!  Good luck with Gremlin!  Thank you for your inquiry.
Tomay