Hi there! I’m currently in the process of buying my first home and will be moving with my almost 5 year old cat Gus! I have a few questions regarding how to smoothly transition my indoor/outdoor cat to a completely indoor cat and about getting him a friend so he’s not bored all day!
I’ll first preface this by saying that I realize “outdoor cats” are a controversial subject. I live in the country in a very low traffic area and our wildlife mostly consists of deer. He often plays outside all night and comes back at sunrise, he absolutely loves playing outdoors and I really didn’t want to deny him that as it was an available option. My attitude has always been that I’d rather him live a shorter, happier life doing what he loves than have him live 20+ years cooped up inside all day. If you disagree that’s cool, I won’t argue and it doesn’t matter as I’m now moving to the city and he won’t be allowed outside (maybe on a leash in the yard). I feel bad that he’ll be losing that freedom and need some advice on how to do this as nicely as possible! It is getting cold out, we have freezing winters so he usually doesn’t go out then anyways. We probably have a month left of decent weather, should I be keeping him inside? Or should I let him enjoy it while he can? Also any tips or advice for how to keep him stimulated in our new house, I’d really hate for him to be bored all day long! Favourite toys or any recommendations would be great!
I’ve also decided to get another cat, I think he will be happy to have a buddy around! Gus has lots of energy so I’m conflicted on getting a kitten and or an adult cat around his age or younger. I feel like a kitten would be less threatening and stressful for him but I also feel terrible for all of the adult cats that need to be adopted He has played with my SILs cat, as a kitten and then about once a year when we would cat sit for each other while the other was on vacation. Gus definitely takes about a week each time to warm up to her cat, who isn’t too bothered by Gus lol. We do have a few cats in the area who he sometimes crosses paths with outside, I think that might play a role in why he isn’t too fond of my SILs cat until he adjusts. Also male or female? I think male as Gus is also male but open to advice!
Last question is, when should I get this cat? Before I move so they can adjust together while gus is in his own home? Should I have the cat at the new house when Gus goes there for the first time (he could probably stay living at my parents for a week or two after I move so the new cat would have time to adjust). Or should I let Gus adjust to his new home and introduce the new cat in a month or two? I’m really in no rush to get another cat, so I’m willing to wait if that’s what’s best!
thank you in advance for any advice, I really appreciate it!
I’ll first preface this by saying that I realize “outdoor cats” are a controversial subject. I live in the country in a very low traffic area and our wildlife mostly consists of deer. He often plays outside all night and comes back at sunrise, he absolutely loves playing outdoors and I really didn’t want to deny him that as it was an available option. My attitude has always been that I’d rather him live a shorter, happier life doing what he loves than have him live 20+ years cooped up inside all day. If you disagree that’s cool, I won’t argue and it doesn’t matter as I’m now moving to the city and he won’t be allowed outside (maybe on a leash in the yard). I feel bad that he’ll be losing that freedom and need some advice on how to do this as nicely as possible! It is getting cold out, we have freezing winters so he usually doesn’t go out then anyways. We probably have a month left of decent weather, should I be keeping him inside? Or should I let him enjoy it while he can? Also any tips or advice for how to keep him stimulated in our new house, I’d really hate for him to be bored all day long! Favourite toys or any recommendations would be great!
I’ve also decided to get another cat, I think he will be happy to have a buddy around! Gus has lots of energy so I’m conflicted on getting a kitten and or an adult cat around his age or younger. I feel like a kitten would be less threatening and stressful for him but I also feel terrible for all of the adult cats that need to be adopted He has played with my SILs cat, as a kitten and then about once a year when we would cat sit for each other while the other was on vacation. Gus definitely takes about a week each time to warm up to her cat, who isn’t too bothered by Gus lol. We do have a few cats in the area who he sometimes crosses paths with outside, I think that might play a role in why he isn’t too fond of my SILs cat until he adjusts. Also male or female? I think male as Gus is also male but open to advice!
Last question is, when should I get this cat? Before I move so they can adjust together while gus is in his own home? Should I have the cat at the new house when Gus goes there for the first time (he could probably stay living at my parents for a week or two after I move so the new cat would have time to adjust). Or should I let Gus adjust to his new home and introduce the new cat in a month or two? I’m really in no rush to get another cat, so I’m willing to wait if that’s what’s best!
thank you in advance for any advice, I really appreciate it!