[LIzCW]

Hi - Husband and I are moving to NY city in March 2010. We have company provided accommodation for the 1st month, then want to rent somewhere in Manhatten for about 3 months before moving further out. We have a 5 year old cat who we want to bring but can't decide what to do with. He's not an indoor cat so an apartment in NY is out but would be fine in a cattery with an outdoor space but I can't find any. Everywhere does home sitting which isn't best for him and is expensive. One option would be to leave him in the UK until we move to somewhere with some outdoor space. Any suggestions would be much appreciated

 

[Bevdeforges]

In many parts of the US, it's considered cruel, or at least irresponsible, to allow your cat to roam around outdoors. Even in the suburbs of NY, there is the ever-present danger of roads, railways and other traffic hazards - and there is a certain element that considers cats to be "fair game" for abuse of all sorts. There are also stories of outdoor pets being stolen for sale to research labs.

If you want to bring him with you, I'd strongly consider trying to get him used to being an indoor cat. When you find a place with a screened in porch or something, you can let him out in a confined space, but unless you move out into the countryside (like farmland) I'd be concerned about having him outside on his own.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[twostep]

I have never come across a cattery but at animal shelters. Unless you can convice your cat before the move that he is an indoor cat (yes it will not be easy on either party involved) you may consider leaving him behind. Four months in the confinement of apartments after being allowed to roam all of his life will be torture for him and you. Cats are fine when being left by themselves for a couple of hours. Food, water, box and some entertainment keeps them happy until their human servants return from work.

 

[Zoom]

Well, Liz, have you bothered to ask the cat what he wants? Doesn't sound like it to me...... Shame I say I say........ He's a male cat but still in NYC he better be a super tough Mofo or the native cats will kick his arse..... Also, his "British Accent" will not go over well in Manhattan, like when he goes, "Hey lads, where is there a fish and chip stand around here?" Oh boy, major kicks to the bum by the natives........ This is looking like trouble, stick to what Bev said would be my big time advise (maybe buy him a little cat gun for protection - think Glock makes 'em - black, semi-automatic - pick one up at WalMart)..... Good Luck, Zoom

 

[LIzCW]

Thanks guys. I have to admit I didn't realise this was even an unusual thing to consider. I'm not worried about the roads (we live in the suburbs now and I think that's one of the risks you take with a cat, and we won't let him out until we are in the equivalent location to where we are now i.e not living on Manhatten) or him looking after himself (he's a large cat who has no problems looking after his patch against other cats!) but the idea of an undercurrent of human danger towards him worries me. I have relatives who live in the south west and have cats with no problems so is this location based? How likely is anything to happen?

 

[Bevdeforges]

Thanks guys. I have to admit I didn't realise this was even an unusual thing to consider. I'm not worried about the roads (we live in the suburbs now and I think that's one of the risks you take with a cat, and we won't let him out until we are in the equivalent location to where we are now i.e not living on Manhatten) or him looking after himself (he's a large cat who has no problems looking after his patch against other cats!) but the idea of an undercurrent of human danger towards him worries me. I have relatives who live in the south west and have cats with no problems so is this location based? How likely is anything to happen?

It can depend quite a bit on the region. Things out in the west and southwest tend to be a bit more laid-back - and there is more space for animals to run free.

There are definitely areas where you could easily allow your cat to be an outdoor kitty - one more "must have" to add to the shopping list when looking for a house.

The trick is going to be where he can live until you find a place. There used to be some "deluxe" pet boarding kennels with "all the comforts of home" (at least in the Chicago area, where I was living). You might try and find something like that - though room and board for 3 to 6 months would be pretty expensive. And at that rate, your cat may get spoiled and decide he prefers his new resort lifestyle.
Cheers,
Bev

 

[twostep]

Crazy people are everywhere:>( We lost TwoStep's sister Tango while living on a country road with no through traffic at all. My mother's Turkish Van lived to be 21 and literally ventured over the rooves at night (foot prints gave him away) and he was blind at that point of his life.
Your furry friend is relatively young. I assume he is fixed and chipped. Prepare yourself for ingenious escape attempts and potentially successful ones. Start him on US brand cat food to eliminate one radical change. As his human you will have to make the decision. Will he accept living inside? Try it.
I could not kennel TwoStep. We actually have live in cat-sitters when we travel. It is easier on her. Just the noise and smell of kennels no matter how posh ...