Cat talk

[swatkat]

We're moving. Finally. This *was* going to happen sooner or later, and I was prepared for it, but now that it's happening, I'm feeling all kinds of weird. Not because of me - because of the cat.

She's a little over four months now (and already grown *huge* *g*), and loves to run around the place. There are loads of kids in the neighbourhood, and she's particularly fond of them because they have the energy to keep up with her. Playing with them is a part of her daily routine. And now I'm wondering how *she'll* take to the moving. Do cats like moving? Have you ever moved with one? I haven't, and I'm worried. What if she hates it? What if she runs away? What if she goes to find some other friends in the new neighbourhood, and runs into non-animal friendly people? (she isn't afraid of humans. at all.) Is there something I can do? *bites nails*

Comments

[mincot.livejournal.com]

I have moved umpteen times with cats, with never a problem. However, cats can be so different that YMMV

First off, it is always better for cats to be indoor - only cats, and a move is a good time to establish that, especially wiht a young 'un. Of course, mine are indoor-outdoor, but they ALL come in at night and I CLOSE the cat-flap.

What I've always done is on moving day move them in full body harnesses, the kind that fit around the neck, under the shoulders, and to which you can attach a leash. I moved three of mine cross country twice this way, and they were great--the harnesses stayed on all four days, but during the day they were tethered IN the car and could roam around it, but could not, becuase of the tether and harness, get out. I.e. acess littler pan, water, food, but generally burrow into the hottest part of the car and sleep....If you're just moving across town it is easier. Pre-move put cat in cat-carrier or in small emptied room, WITH HARNESS ON. Have friends or movers load removal van. When house is empty, take cat. (OR, take cat to new place, put in closet with light and pillow/blanket smelling like YOU and litter and food / water and a radio, and do NOT OPEN THE DOOR UNTIL EVERYONE'S GONE AND DOORS ARE CLOSED.

Then open door and talk ti your cat, cuddling him/her if s/he wnats that. Then let cat explore with supervision. Talk to them happily, SHow them all the furniture, boxes, etc.. Generally it is a good diea to show where litter and food will be, and not to move them for a few days.

For about 2 weeks, if you can, keep cat INSIDE. (Mine, of course, skin out the second day, but I know them by now--where the furniture is and where I am, that's home. Dunno about oyours). Then let her out on the leash, then out for shorter times, THEN install the cat flap ....

Hope that helps and keep us posted!!! Other

[mincot.livejournal.com]

Sorry for all the typos and horrible sentence construction; am in tearing hurry :)

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

Believe me, I would love for her to be an indoor cat, but that's quite impossible where we live. She has learnt to use the windows, and it's impossible to keep the windows closed all the time. That, and she really loves the outdoors. Not allowed to stay outside at night, though.

generally burrow into the hottest part of the car and sleep

She hates the car. But I don't think we'll be moving very far away, so let's see. *g*

Thank you so much for the advice and the reassurance. I needed that. *g*

Swatkat

[donnaimmaculata.livejournal.com]

My family moved with cats twice, and the cats were fine with that. When they moved for the first time, they were very young (four-six months respectively), and it didn't bother them at all. The second time, they were about seven-ish, and they didn't like it at first, but got used to the new place in the end and are quite happy in their new territory now. It depends on the cat, of course, but I think that as long as they know the human is caring for them, they are all right with the change. I know lots of people who moved with cats, and none of the cats ran away or freaked out because of that. Just keep her in the house for a while after you move to let her get used to her new surroundings. Good luck, and scratch the kitty behind the ears from me ;-)

[swatkat24.livejournal.com]

When they moved for the first time, they were very young (four-six months respectively), and it didn't bother them at all.

Ah - that's very reassuring. We've travelled with her before, and she got used to that place pretty quickly - I hope the same happens here.

Good luck, and scratch the kitty behind the ears from me ;-)

I will - as soon as I find her. She was furious for having been given a bath, and has been hiding ever since. *g*

Swatkat