[GeeWizzed]

We have a cat that is about 14 years old and has always had access to the outside. He comes and goes through the cat door whenever he cares to. We live in the Northwest where it is quite wet most of the time and the cat seems not to mind.

We are moving to either So. Cal or Phoenix to escape the dreary winters. My concern is what to expect from our cat in moving from 75 degrees in the summer time to 105 degrees. Also, our cat is used to robins, crows and raccoons, but doesn't have any experience with staying away from poisonous spiders, succulents, cacti, and lizards, etc.

We of course have plenty of green grass and soil for him to be in. But, I expect that we will have a rock or desert yard with cacti and palms when we move.

Does anybody have any suggestion in how to acclimate a cat into a totally new environment like that?

[trmpldonagn]

Cats are very exploratory. He will definitely explore his new territory and get used to it as he adjusts. Even though cats are instinctive, I would without a doubt watch him for a great while in case of these poinsonous spiders. My cat will attack almost any type of bug but boy when she sees a not so tiny spider? Scaredy cat for sure. I don't know how big these poisonous spiders are that you're referring to but I would be concerned for your cat. As far as the weather, you'll know if he's uncomfortable in the heat. Believe it or not, they can withstand the heat but you can judge better depending on his overall health. I would try to follow him around or keep your eye on him for a while like I said. They can usually find their way back home but you don't want to take a chance with the high temps there. He will need lots of water as any pet does in the high heat. But for the most part, he'll just come back inside or look for where it's cooler if there is a cooler place outside. I imagine not since you say it's the desert. In a lot of pet stores you can also buy something for them to munch on which helps calm them as far as the transition itself. It sounds to me more like you're concerned with his behaviour and how he adapts upon arrival. Check back. I'm curious to know. And be careful. Best wishes.

See post "Cats and Bugs". I noticed that someone had an experience where their cat went after a black widow. Not good.

[Akoue]

You might give serious thought to keeping the cat indoors once you move. Going outside is part of his routine now, but the move will already cause sufficient disruption in his routine that it may make it much easier than it would otherwise be to get him accustomed to being an inside cat. This would, at least, keep him protected from some of the things you mention. Like you, I would be very concerned about allowing a fourteen year old cat to venture off into an environment with which he is not at all familiar--he'll be less able to recognize the dangers and risks than he is where you live now.

[Silverfoxkit]

I'm going to have to agree with Akoue. Keeping your cat inside might be the best thing you can do for him. Not only will your cat face the risks such as spiders, rattlesnakes and cacti, but predators pose a serious threat to your cat as well. The lack of food and water can bring predators closer to urban areas. If you do let the cat outside then you should at least bring him in at dawn and dusk when predators are going to be more active, and do not leave food outside for the cat overnight. Your cat might also get scared and disorientated by the move and get himself lost in the wilderness. Also if he is not neutered I would suggest getting that done quickly. He will be calmer and more likely to stay closer to home.