Hi, my little boy is coming up for 4.5years old. He has been an indoor cat since we got him from a shelter as a teeny 6week old (they said he was 9weeks but that's another story). Anyway, to cut a long story short I am going to be relocating soon and taking him with me but in the new place not only are there 2 existing cats (he has socialised with many friend's cats so not worried about that) but they are outdoorsy ones.

I planned to keep him in for a month or so then maybe try letting him out but I am actually pretty scared of him being overly nervous / getting lost etc.

Can it be done??

Definitely keep him in for a few weeks first. I think we all go through that worry about them getting lost, but they are creatures of scent so they should find their way back pretty easily. Cats Protection advised me to make sure the cat could look out of all windows to familiarise herself with the surroundings. It'd probably help to accompany him on his first trips - though my girl soon wandered off into the neighbours garden

Yes, first rule, always keep a cat in for a few weeks after a move. I lost one because I didn't and have always regretted it as she had the sweetest of natures I've known in a cat.
If the cats he is joining use a cat flap. though, that could be difficult. Keep an eye on how things are developing between the cats. When a new cat comes into a household the dynamic changes and a new pecking order needs to become established. If you let your cat out before that happens, and before your cat has been accepted, the other cats may well drive it away.
If it's any help, my indoor cat has become an outdoor cat this year.She doesn't stay out for long, and only goes as far as next door's garden (I think!) where the resident cats soon see her off. I was very nervous at first and only let her out when I was in the garden with her the first few times. (I am relaxing a bit now)
Cats are cautious creatures and usually stay in one place to suss things out before venturing further afield, but yes, it requires a bit of a leap of faith to let them do it.

First of all, is he neutered - I'm sure he is but that's the first step to be accomplished if he isn't.

Then, is he microchipped? If he's going out and about get the vet to microchip him - and make sure the new address is recorded and if you move again, get the chip database updated.

Or you could give him a collar (if he doesn't have one already) but of course collars and any identification can be lost.

Good advice from Shrike and Rhonda.

Best of luck and hope he prefers being a home boy and doesn't wander far.

Some cats have found their way back to their old house after a move, which is a risk when it comes to road traffic etc.

The advice that you should keep your cat indoors for a week after you've moved is good advice, as it gives your cat time to familiarise itself with its new surroundings.

Thanks everyone.

Fortunately he is already chipped and de-nutted so that's one worry out of the way.

I am moving from Scotland to the south of England so I am hoping he doesn't try to get back!!!

Right in for a month or so it is *crosses fingers*

I'd also let the cat out when it's hungry for the first couple of times, so that you call him /her back for dinner; cat gets rewarded for coming back and also associates home as somewhere nice.