Question:
In about three weeks we will be moving to a new house and I am of course concerned about how Velvet will handle the whole situation. She has lived in our current house for the vast majority of her nearly 13 years so I have a feeling it is going to be pretty stressful for her.
The plan is to move Velvet the day that we will stay overnight in the new house. Should she be contained to the room with her litter box for a time? Our current house is a two-story split level, the new house is a three-story. I have only ever had one little box for her, but I am considering a second due to the new house being larger and an extra story.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lori and Velvet
Answer:
Congratulations!! That's going to be a fun adventure!!
I don't think you need to be too concerned. A cat's natural curiosity should overcome a fear of a new location. Your plans sound just fine. I'm 50/50 on containing her in one room. On the one hand, it lets her develop a "safe" territory. On the other hand, you never know, she might want to explore. Containing her to one floor for a while might be a good idea if she's not used to going up and down stairs. I know my cats were kind of spooked the first time they encountered stairs. You know your cat. I'd say just play it by ear.
As far as litterboxes, if she's used to having just one and has been using it fine, then I'd suggest one on each level that she has access to.

Answer:
I'd let her make the call...if she seems fine and curious then let her roam. If she's fearful then keep her confined until she's ready to be out of the room.
Congrats on the new place...sounds exciting.
Always remembering Onyx & Callie May
Answer:
I feel better already!
She should have fun exploring the new house. It has a ravine in the back yard and there should be amble opportunity for her to watch birds and squirrels, something she has never been able to do before. There are also some good sunny spots on the top floor where I see her spending a lot of time.
She is an older cat and has had to deal with so little change in her life. I think that is what makes me nervous. But we will be ok.
Lori and Velvet