Moving to an apartment with my cat

[DONNA1458]

My cat Alana is 6 and she has moved house with me twice and always adapts well she isn't a roamer she stays in most of the time but has always had a cat flap to come in and out when she wants, but I am looking at an apartment where she wouldn't be able to go outside and roam but i can put a cat flap in for her to go out onto the balcony but obviously have it secured so she could not jump off or get over in any way and i would put her litter tray out there and she could be in an out as she wants but i am just thinking is this possible would it be depriving her her freedom, there is no way i would give her up so would have to give up the apartment i have fallen in love with.

[Schutzengel]

As your cat has always been used to having her freedom, you would probably end up with a very stressed cat. I think it would be better to forget about the apartment, and if you really want to move, then look for some where where the cat can have access to outdoors. As for the balcony, that's definitely not a good idea.

[carmalee]

Donna you obviously love your cat and it's brilliant you consider her so much regarding the move to your dream apartment. Not wishing to fall out with the previous post (Hi, how are you Schutzengel - didn't we talk about cocker spaniels and their role in life or am I having a senior moment?) there are a few considerations you may not have thought of. How old is your kitty, is she a hunter, how big is the balcony, how long will she be alone, how long was she left alone before and was going out 'to play ' a big part of her life?.Answer a few of these question and depending on the answers your kitty may well live very happily in a flat with a PERFECTLY SECURE balcony -she also may like to get used to a harness and go play in the countryside with you on a regular basis. Talk to a professional to get info on introducing this because if done wrongly you don't usually get too many second chances with cats!!!) but if successful it's brilliant. Animals are very adaptable and providing they are loved and cared for appear to adjust very well to changes. Obviously you would provide her with a secure environment (containing lots of stimuli and different heights for her to use- important with cats - less so with single cats but nevertheless important) and maybe cat friendly herbs plus lots of love - so I would say, follow your insticts and keep us informed - good luck

[Schutzengel]

Excuse me for chipping in. Carmalee why on earth would you think I would fall out with you :-)
Yes we did talk abut cocker spaniels, and I never did get an answer to my question about what type of hunting cocker spaniels are used for, as I only know about springer spaniels being used for hunting. I'd love to know.
Schutz.