Keeping Cats Indoors After Moving House in NZ (How Long + Tips)
Moving house is a big event for the whole family — and that includes your feline friend. If your cat is used to outdoor adventures, adjusting to being an indoor cat after the move can be challenging for both of you. Whether you’re transitioning them temporarily or permanently, we’re here to help you create a safe, comfortable indoor environment that meets their natural instincts. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.
Why Keep Your Cat Indoors After Moving?
Even the most confident outdoor cat can be spooked by unfamiliar surroundings. New smells, unknown noises and disrupted territory can cause stress and confusion. Keeping your cat indoors post-move helps prevent them from getting lost, injured or trying to return to your old home.
In New Zealand, keeping your cat inside for at least 2–3 weeks after moving is strongly recommended. It gives them time to bond with the new environment and helps reduce the risk of escape. Longer stays indoors may even inspire a permanent lifestyle change!
Set Up A Safe, Enriching Indoor Space
A well-prepared home is key to helping your cat feel secure. Make sure they have:
- A comfy bed in a quiet area — ideal for those nap marathons. Explore our cosy range of cat bedding.
- A hiding spot or two. Cardboard boxes or covered beds work brilliantly.
- Scratching surfaces like scratchers and posts to stretch and mark territory naturally.
- Dedicated feeding and drinking stations — a cat bowl and a fountain for fresh flowing water are great choices.
- A selection of cat toys such as teaser wands or chaser balls to encourage exercise and play.
Easing The Transition With Familiar Smells And Routines
Cats take comfort in familiar scents and structure. Try these tips:
- Bring their bedding and favourite toys from the old home — it smells like safety.
- Stick to mealtimes and play routines to create predictability.
- Use calming aids like Feliway diffusers or calming supplements from our calming essentials collection to help lower stress levels.
Preventing Escape Attempts
Outdoor cats often don’t give up their roaming ways without a little protest. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of escape attempts:
- Keep windows closed or use cat-safe mesh screens for ventilation.
- Double-check doors before opening them — and consider a closed-door rule for visitors.
- Use a secure cat door with manual or smart locking to monitor access.
- Set up a calming environment in low-light, escape-prone areas — pheromone wipes or sprays can help.
Gradual Outdoor Reintroduction (If You Choose To)
If you decide to let your cat return to the outdoors eventually, do it slowly and safely:
- Wait two to three weeks minimum before letting them out.
- Supervise initial outings and choose quiet times of day to avoid traffic or loud noises.
- Use a cat harness to explore together at first.
- Make sure your cat is microchipped and wears a current ID tag for safety.
Some cats decide they prefer the indoor life after all that drama. If that’s the case, keep their days interesting with puzzle toys, food hunts and vertical spaces like climbing towers.
We’re Here For You And Your Cat's Transition
Every cat’s unique and so is every move. The key is patience, love and a little guidance along the way. At Petdirect, we’re proud to support you through every whisker-wiggling step — because We Get Pet.
Looking to stock up on indoor living essentials? Browse our full cat supplies range and ask us anytime for personalised recommendations. And don’t forget — with our Pet Perks loyalty programme, you’ll earn rewards while looking after your feline friend.