Hi Petra - I'm sure the kitties will have a wonderful time exploring every square centimeter of the new place - If you allow them to go outside, keep them in for at least a week so they know the new place is home.

As for the fireplace, we moved into a home with a fireplace last year - they are curious about it - we keep a screen across the fire at all times (I think its a guard against sparks jumping out) as well as we have a glass front for it that we keep closed when not in use. They are as curious about fireplaces as anything else. At least with the screen across it they'll feel the heat before getting their noses burned.

We do sometimes allow our 'kids' outside but only if they have their harness and leash on and have us there with them. They like to munch on the grass. Walking a cat is a completely different experience than walking a dog - its more the cat walks you and you don't go very far.

Canie