Happy indoor cat?

[Isabel2015]

Hi everyone

We're moving in three weeks and we've been quite worried about how our cat is going to take it.

The first time we moved he spent the first few days hiding in our wardrobe. Any tips on how we can make the coming move less stressful for him?

We're moving to a flat on the 5th floor. Now our cat likes his walks in the garden and the neighborhood. How can we keep him happy indoor?

Thank you!

I don't think an outdoor cat will ever be happy as an indoor cat unless he is very old. Can you rehome him?

See if you can get him to wear a harness so he can go out for walks. My indoor boy does.

Our cat went outdoors in his old home, and he's been an indoor cat since we adopted him earlier his year.

He's not shown any interest in going out, though he probably would if you tempted him out with food! We live next to a main road (60mph), so going out isn't an option. Cats get killed on there every week and I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him.

I adopted an indoor/outdoor cat from blue cross. We were told she'd come from a multi cat household and lived most of her time outside. Once she got to the shelter they found she was not keen on other cats. She's an only cat here and now lives almost entirely indoors, she's just not interested in going outside when we do let her out she doesn't go further than the edge of the patio and is back in in 10 minutes. We fully expected to have her as an indoor/outdoor cat but I am happy to keep her in if she's not bothered as there's risks associated with going outdoors. He may not be as unhappy as you might expect but will likely need more attention and play to keep him exercised. If he's not happy then you can cross that bridge when you get to it.

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate your advice and sharing. Will try a few things suggested and hopefully the cat will like his new home. Thanks again!