Just moved house, when should i allow my cats to go out?

[pucca]

Does anyone know how long it takes before cats can go outside? just moved homes, and have kept them inside with littler tray for 24 hrs, they seem to want to go out, what do you think? should i let them out?

TIA

2 weeks!!! no matter how much they cry, whinge, or scratch to be let out, dont do it! ive moved 3 times with my eldest cat and every time he has the 2 wk rule. It works hun.

I let mine aout after 24 hrs ( I know you're not supposed to, but he as very insistent)

Mine was fine with each move after about 4 days, bu unless you're sure yurs is a lone ranger like ours, definitely rr to the side of caution

We've moved countless times and never lost a cat even though sometimes they've managed to get out on the same day we moved in! Keep them in for a while if you're v worried but cats know how to look after themselves.

Btw, our cat went to live with my mum in January and has yet to step outside the door, lol!

Do you have a closed in back garden? Could you take them out on "leads" (ie. string through collar) first so that they can sniff around and get a feel for their territory? We've done that in the past, then graduated to supervised outings and then let them roam free!

I know it sounds daft but I swear by the old wives method of putting margarine or butter on their paws. They then wander a bit in the house, lick the butter off and the 'taste/smell' of the house becomes familiar.

Can't say it's scientific but with marge & about 4 days inside mine have always been ok. (Apart from one house we had near KFC which was too much temptation for one cat - we found her after a couple of days though).

HTH

Good god! 2 weeks, don't think i could cope with them nagging me for that long lol, i have 2 cats and one is more settled than the other, it is this one who i feel wants to go out, the other is still hiding a little, but did thatbefore anyway (very timid).

I know they are not stupid and i think it will prob be like when they first go out as a kitten, i.e take a step out, come back in and go further each time.

Just tried googling for an idea but nothing came up really, so that why i haven't got a clue waht to do!

Thanks for all replies

Must add at the old house they only really went in the garden, not too far, and we do have a enclosed yard at this new house.

Given that they're naturally cautious and assuming you're not going to let them out then close the door for several hours (as if!), I really wouldn't wait more than a few days. I'm sure they'll be fine with plenty of reassurance.

Youy could always try rattling a box of biscuits if you get worried they've been out too long first time.

Good luck.