Moving home/country - no one else understands anxieties - I'm really not "Mad Cat Lady" am I?

[pastaofplenty]

This is probably a Town Mouse vs Country Mouse query - so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

To be very brief - we have two cats (ages 7 & 8). They were both born in the house and have always lived here - they have the benefit of open countryside, their spacious home and lots of outdoor attractions to keep them entertained. For context this is in the French countryside and although they are both familiar with cars, tractors, roads etc... it is not exactly built-up or downtown central!

The issue I have is that we now have to move (happy about this it's not an issue) and are heading back to the UK. We will (family etc) be in a large city centre and will be renting for probably a year or two. Most properties that are available are terraced and/or Victorian semis - with back yards and alleyways. A move to suburbs would be possible - so option of small garden etc, but it is not my preferred choice (if cat's were not an issue)

I have "gone on ahead" and am living in the city and looking for suitable accommodation for us all (DH, DD and cats) - however I am really torn about making sure I make the right decision by the cats.

Please don't get me wrong - DD is 17 and going to university in Sept/Oct so schools, catchment areas are not an issue - but I am starting to worry that the cats are the ones being "uprooted". DH is not fussed either way - though would prefer more city centre living than "out in the sticks"

When I try to explain this to friends I get the impression that they think I am "mad cat lady" but seriously I am really worried that:

a) they will get knocked over
b) they will get lost and/or taken in by others
c) miss open countryside
d) not have enough open space/grass/divesrions to keep them happy

So, has anyone been in this position? Can you make the transition from country to town? Are there any tips for making it less stressful?

Umm. In the nicest possible way, you do sound a bit like that.

The cats will adapt and are unlikely to be stolen; if you're really worried about that then you can get them chipped. Equally, they'll get used to roads.

I think the disparity between your stated worries about family (nil) and cats (loads) is what gives the mad cat lady vibe

Tbh our cat was happier in the countryside. He's a bit bored in the suburbs.

I moved MCat into the middle of town (not an actual city though) when he'd been used to living in the open countryside, where he was a prolific and compulsive serial killer.

We live in a terrace, so he can't access the main road out front, he just patrols the gardens in the back. He's happier than ever. He did get very needy and clingy, so we got MKitten as a little brother for him.

Nothing wrong with being a mad cat lady. When we moved, we factored him into the equation.

I moved The Lodger from a country urban environment (house with huge garden and very close to the woods and pastures) to a city urban environment (terraced house with smaller back garden and alleyways) and he adapted. The house is a big old Victorian thing and he did start to stay inside more because there was more to do inside - and I think he'd have been just fine if Seniorboy hadn't hated him so much and made both their lives difficult.

Who has the lodger now?

MCat spends way more time indoors now Cozie, since he became a townie.

At the moment he only goes outside to crap and pee. He spends more time out there in the warmer weather, sunning himself on the wall. Looking like a black and white panther.

He is keen to go out after curfew though. Reckon he's got a girlfriend.

The Lodger went to pastures new and is apparently as happy as a sandboy. Seniorboy is now a very contented singleton - although he'll regularly check the whole house out just to confirm that there are no interlopers. Not good with other cats is that one.