Question:
I have two cats, one male aged 4, one female aged 3.
I currently live in a two bedroom apartment in a building. Two years ago we moved from a one bedroom to a two bedroom in the same building and my cats were terrified over the move. I am now moving to a three bedroom house that is four times the size of my current apartment as well as a 45 minute drive away. What is the best way to orient my cats to the new house? I was going to transport them last and leave them in a spare bedroom until all the furniture and boxes are moved in before letting them out (they're also indoor cats). I was going to put thier food and litter box in that same room until everything is finished but at the end of the day I will be putting the litter box in the basement as well as thier food dish. My cats are very fragile, the female jumped off my 7 storey balcony and survived but is now a very timid cat from all the surgeries and my male cat is literally afraid of his own shadow and jumps at anything. I don't want to upset them , but I know moving will, any suggestions or am I on the right track?????

Thanks for your help,
Melissa

Answer:
I think leaving them in the spare room might be your safetst option. I too have a skittish cat, it's very difficult moving with him as well. Once you have majority of the boxes unpacked and you're realatively comfortable yourself. Just turn down loud noises (tv, radio, etc.) and you relax! I would then open the door and allow them to come out on their own. There will be ALOT of changes and new smells. They will eventually be more comfortable with the surroundings, but don't force it, let them do it on their own!!! Good Luck, let us know how it goes!!

Answer:
Agree. I've moved a number of times with my cats, and found that taking them to the new house ahead of time, closing them in a room with all their stuff, and playing a radio to help mask the noise was the best way of doing it.

They were still frightened of course, but I did find this way traumatized them the least!

Try leaving the closet door open in the room you will put them in, and put their beds or blankets and a worn piece of YOUR clothing in there. That will make them feel more secure to be in a small space with their own scent all around them. Leave the litterbox close to the closet, so they don't have to cross the room to use it!

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