Expert: Jessica - 11/7/2011

Question
I am moving out of my current residence soon, and I am wondering about my cat. My current roommate has a cat who is one year old, and our cats are very fond of each other. They have lived together for one year (since my roommate's cat was a kitten). I am worried that my cat might suffer separation anxiety when I move her into a new home and away from her buddy. Are there any tips you could give me for making this transition a smooth one? I eventually would like to get her another feline playmate, but it probably won't be for at least 6 months. I also am worried about her possibly peeing in places outside of her litter box from anxiety. Any help is appreciated!

Answer
Hi Lauren,

The best thing you can do to reduce the stress on your kitty is to establish a routine in the new home right away, and stick to it as closely as possible. Try not to replace her old things (keep her old bedding and litter boxes, etc.). Place them in their permanent spot as soon as possible when you get to the new place, and don't move them around. Establish a definite daily feeding and playtime pattern, and try not take any vacations or have any visitors stay at the house for a couple of months.

You might also want to use a pheromone product to help reduce anxiety. I like Feliway diffusers, which you plug into the wall like an air freshener. These simulate the pheromones that cats release from glands in their cheeks, which help to promote a feeling of calmness. You can learn more about how it works at www.feliway.com. There are also pheromone collars like the Good Behavior collar by Sentry HC. Although litter box issues are relatively uncommon unless cats are highly predisposed to anxiety, using a pheromone product should prevent this behavioral problem, just in case.

Good luck!

Jessica