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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Rescue cat

12 replies

Tipsylizard · 13/05/2019 12:20

We have just rehomed a 4 year old male cat from a shelter. Apparently his previous owners said they were moving and couldn't take him but apart from that we don't know much about him (except an allergy to fleas). He seems very friendly if a little bit spooked by new house (and kids) but can take himself off to sleep in my husband's jumper drawer (seems to be his safe place of choice). He is sociable and once the kids in bed come sit on the sofa, purr and be petted. We took him to the vet for his jab who said she thought he was neutered around 2ish as he is a big cat with a wide face (so in other words likely to demonstrate more masculine behaviours).

The problem is 2 weeks in - he is Desperate to get outside. Yowling at the windows, guarding the front door - it is becoming a bit tricky getting in out!!

The shelter said keep him in for 4 weeks as standard but honestly I think he will go bonkers by then (and us too) - it feels a but cruel. Would it be madness to try at 3 weeks?

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 13/05/2019 13:13

We let our rescues cats out at two weeks. They were fine.

viccat · 13/05/2019 15:57

If he is still a bit spooked and nervous indoors, no I wouldn't let him out. You don't want him bolting off and getting lost in a new area.

And I presume you are not planning to let him out from the front of the property, only the back?

Most rescues recommend 4-6 weeks for a reason and it's based on years and years of experience.

Pipandmum · 13/05/2019 15:59

Two weeks always worked for my cats when we moved.

thecatneuterer · 13/05/2019 17:57

We say three weeks. A lot depends on the cat. If they are happy and relaxed then you can do it sooner than you would if they are still nervous and hiding.

HappyHammy · 13/05/2019 18:00

Go out with him, he will be fine. Have you got a catflap or will you spend hours opening and closing doors for His Highness. Pics please.

Tipsylizard · 13/05/2019 21:33

Here he is...

Rescue cat
OP posts:
Lexjo · 13/05/2019 21:57

He is lovely Smile

Vinorosso74 · 13/05/2019 22:36

I would try and keep him in at least another week. Does he have plenty to keep him entertained indoors for now?
First times you let him out make sure he's hungry. Get him used to the sound of food whilst calling his name to get him back.
He's a handsome lad. We have a similar one!

DobbyTheHouseElk · 14/05/2019 19:19

He needs to know where to come back to. That you are his home and food and tlc.

4 weeks is there for a reason, he’s moved homes and owners/slaves. When I let out my rescue for the first time I was terrified he wouldn’t come home. He’d been in for 4 weeks and was running around the bottom of the garden trying to find the house, when he saw me half way in the garden he then caught sight of the house, but he was confused.

agnurse · 14/05/2019 19:21

Him nice boy!

Lunde · 14/05/2019 19:24

I would keep him in for now. We had a cat (the dumped one I wrote about in another thread) who didn't understand that he lived with us now and keep trying to look for his old house. He "got lost" multiple times and we spent a good deal of time looking for him

mimibunz · 14/05/2019 19:29

Take him out and stay with him in the garden. Please let him get used to the smell of your house and garden or he will have trouble finding his way back.

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