Moving house on same street

[confusedcatowner]

We are moving house next week - staying on the same street ( modern estate).
We have moved once with our cat ( 8 year old non descript moggie from rescue shelter), and kept him in for a few days ( under great protest).
Our current house and the new one don't have cat flaps. The current owners of the house we are buying don't have a cat, but I don't know about the people buying ours, and won't know until moving day.


What do you recommend I do? ATTEMPT to keep him in ( with kids who haven't yet grasped the concept of keeping doors and windows open) or just treat him as normal as it is still his home turf?

He is going to the cattery on Friday for a week, btw, so he is not around for the bulk of the move. He is eyeing up boxes very suspiciously though , so he knows something is up.
Thanks

[lubeybooby]

I'd keep him in for 2 weeks after the cattery, rub cloths on his cheeks and spread the scent around the house and outside before he goes out or he'll just keep going back to your old place

[confusedcatowner]

thanks, I am worried about him going back to the house we are currently in, but move out of next week.
Where should I rub the cloths that I rubbed on his cheek?

[Wolfiefan]

Yes. 2 weeks. Give him time for it all to feel like home. If he goes back to the old house and gets chased away he might get lost.

[RubbishMantra]

"Where should I rub the cloths that I rubbed on his cheek?"

Anywhere cat height - corners of sofas that kind of place. And keep his old scratching post, placed in a similar spot to where it is in his current house.

It's hard not to give in to the grumbling of being kept in.

If you're worried about him escaping, you can get Flat Cats window protectors.

[EvaWild]

Keep the cat in for a while. Is there a new homeowner at your old place? I'd contact them and tell them to be on the lookout for the cat after that period, just in case. I know a friend's cat, who turned out at their old home after removal and it was thanks to them informing the new owner that they got the pet back...

[cozietoesie]

It will probably be just fine as long as you've forewarned the new owners of the old house and kept him in for a little. After all, you might find yourself doing the same thing - eg going to the wrong door - just out of habit! He might do the odd grumble to himself but that will probably be as far as it goes. (Other than the occasional 'Is this chap yours?' knock on the door. )

[cozietoesie]

PS - but maybe get him some extra nice food or treats just as reinforcement for a couple of days.

[confusedcatowner]

Well he's gone off to the cattery so we shall see .
Met the new owners and they have a Labrador .
My cat he hates dogs and their dog is to be kept in a cage in (my) new owners garden
Have warned new family re possible visit from my cat who say they hate cats as does their dog. They seemed less than impressed

I'll try and keep him in fir a week at least .
Thanks for all your advice - wish me luck !