You are here:

Cats/Moving

Advertisement

Expert: - 5/11/2009


Question
I have two indoor-only apartment cats. I am moving within the next couple of weeks. This will be the fourth home for one of my cats and the second home for the other. How can I make the transition as stress-free as possible?

Answer
Susan,

I'd suggest making sure that your kitties and their necessities are in the first trip to your new apartment. I'd suggest placing an unwashed t-shirt or similar clothing item into each cat's travel cage so that the cats can be comforted by your scent. It's best not to allow them full access to their new home until things are relatively calm and there aren't any strangers moving things into and out of their environment. This also prevents accidental moving day escapes which can prove dangerous for cats. I'd suggest that you set up the kitty room with food, water, toys, kitty beds, etc so that they feel as secure as they can with all of their familiar things. I'd also suggest that you consider adding a homeopathic remedy called Bach's Rescue Remedy to their water the night before the move and for a few days after the move. Rescue Remedy is a blend of flower essences designed to calm and reassure, I've used it for well over 10 years in many situations including when I've moved with my cats and it's proven to be safe and effective. I would say that a dose of about 6-9 drops will work well, base your dosing on your cats' personalities, if one or both of your kitties seem to react to new situations with anxiety then I'd suggest using the upper end of the dose I've recommended. You can find Rescue Remedy in health food stores, naturopathic pharmacies, some mainstream pharmacies stock the remedy in the aisle with vitamins/nutritional supplements and I believe this remedy can also be purchased online. This remedy can also be administered by gently massaging a single drop onto the relatively fur free area in front of a cat's ears, do be careful not to get any Rescue Remedy into a cat's ears because the flower essences are preserved in a grape alcohol solution which can sting a bit. Some people have asked about the possibility that they'll accidentally cause adverse effects by administering too much of a homeopathic remedy, when dealing with Rescue Remedy I've never had that problem - provided that you exercise common sense and good judgement when using this remedy things should be fine, in fact you can administer several times the dose I've recommended without causing harm.

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.