Thursday, October 09, 2008

We moved!

Hello internets. We have not posted for a while because we were busy organizing our move. Last Saturday we moved from Louisiana to Georgia. All three cats were stuffed in their pet carriers. Mrs. B was not worried at all and did not even give one meow. Madness cried for about 1 hour and then settled down. However Bubbles went a little crazy and for the first couple of hours tried to claw his way out of the carrier and for the other 8 hours he meowed pitifully. He was not a happy guy.

Once we arrived I settled them into the main bedroom and Bubbles and Madness spent the first couple of days hiding/sleeping under the sleeping bag. Can you see the 2 lumps in the picture? That's them.

We've now been here 5 days and all our furniture and stuff finally arrived. Madness settled in fine and is now running around like the crazy little girl she is. Doesn't she look very happy with her new bigger home.

Bubbles is still not happy. Although he is walking around, exploring the house he is still very nervous.

Mrs. B was not disturbed in any way. She just carried on as if nothing untoward happened at all. Here she is just wondering why she is not getting more food. The vet gave me a stern talking to about her weight when I took them to get their check-ups and shots before the move. I'm trying!

Today I took Bubbles outside on his harness. He was not afraid at all and made a beeline for the woods behind the house! We live in a suburb and there is a small wooded area behind the house. We even saw deer in the back yard a couple nights ago.

He hates the harness, but for now that is the only way he will get to go outside. And here is where I need you advice. How long do I need to keep them inside/restrained before it is safe to let them go outside? I am afraid they will try to go back to Louisiana. Any advise from beans that have moved long distance with outdoor/semi-outdoor cats will be much appreciated.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

My Mum kept me in for one month before I was allowed out on my own. She says that was one week longer than usual, but she wouldn't let any cat who had moved out in under 3 weeks.

When she first let me out it was just a few minutes before feeding time, so I was responsive when she called me in. She did that for a few days, letting me stay out for a little longer each day.

Best of luck!

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Congratulations on a successful move.

When Georgia was allowed out, the Woman kept her in or under supervision for about 6 months before she let her wander

Fat Eric said...

I am glad your move is over successfully.

I would be as laidback as Mrs. B about a change of scene! As long as I know where the food is... But I am quite noisy in the car though. I keep up a running commentary and complain if we go round corners.

My mum says keep Bubbles in for at least a few weeks and then let him out under supervision.

The Island Cats said...

Our mom read that you should probably keep the cats in for around 3 months before letting them out on their own...

The Meezers or Billy said...

we kept our outdoorcat (when I was younger) on a harness for at least 6 months when we moved. I would personally be terrified of letting any cat off the harness before that. And then we supervised her outdoor activity for another 2 months to make sure that she did know her way around and knew the dangers of the traffic in the area.
That's just my 2 cents worth
MeezerMomMary

Sadie said...

Glad you are settled and happy!

Merlin and Dobby don't go out, so I can't give you advice on that one...

Jake and Bathsheba said...

Oh, my poor dear Bubbles! What torture you went through! And now you have no freedom. Just be patient and this too shall pass. It sounds like a great jungle out there that you can explore once you get past this probationary period. Good luck!

Love,
~Bathsheba

We have no experience with moving since we've lived at the same house since we were adopted by Mom as kittens. Hang in there, Bubbles. Maybe it's harder for us mancats to adjust since we are territorial.

Welcome to the East Coast.

~Jake

Anonymous said...

We did three months in a harness and then three months of supervision.

Lux said...

Your new home sounds wonderful!

Thank you for the hugs and purrs you left me because of my teeth!

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Congratulations on your move. With three cats! No small task.
Your new house looks pretty, too.
ML