Expert: Becky - 7/5/2006

Question
Hi,
  I have a 3 1/2 year old male (indoor) cat. He has always been a very "talkative" cat. We have recently moved into a new house, and I did a lot of the things that most of the websites tell you to do to help him adjust. We also set aside some special time to love on him and play with him. Since moving into the house, he has not stopped crying. He will do it all day and all night. We have tried everything that we could think of that he might want and nothing has worked. It has eventually made us put everything in the basement and shut the door at night to get a full nights sleep. Otherwise he will jump on and off the bed crying to us and noone sleeps. I know that it takes a period of adjustment, but it is going on 3 weeks and it's not letting up. Should I be concerned and call his vet? I really hate locking him up in the basement. Any advise will help these sleepy owners greatly!! Thank you!!!!!

Answer
Hi Sara!

Bless your heart, I know this has got to be hard on everybody involved including your cat.  Cats do NOT like change as you are finding out, but I have never heard of one taking this long to adjust.  I know it's aggravating, but the poor thing is just beside himself with anxiety.  Honestly, I don't know what to tell you.  I would think by now he would have settled down. I don't blame you one bit for putting him somewhere so you can sleep.  Since it has been three weeks, I think you may need to get a mild tranquilizer from your Vet.  Not enough to knock him out, just enough to calm him down a bit.  I'm sure if you call your Veterinarian and tell him/her what is going on, that they would be glad to help you out.  I hope things get better for you!!

God Bless,
Becky