Moving My Two Cats

[natalie8]

Hi all. I have 2 kittens, around 7 and 8 months old, I'm not sure as they were both strays. They are mostly outdoor and they come in to say hi, eat, sleep and play almost every day. On June 1st, I'l be moving to another soi nearby. What's the best way to move the cats? Should I take them there first? Should I take them only on the day of the move and spend some time with them? I really don't know, as I've never had cats before, only dogs.

I appreciate any of your help.

[Phil Conners]

Cats have acute senses and will sense the anxiety of moving early so I'd advise you to keep them inside last couple of days before you start moving. I would move the cats first, put them in a calm room in your new place with food, water and access to a litter box, while you do the rest of the moving. After you've moved keep the cats inside until they seem relaxed with the new place.

[natalie8]

Thanks, Phil. The only problem I can see is keeping them inside as they sleep outside. One weill sleep inside every so often and he's good in the house. The other one usually just comes in to eat and then he leaves, spending most of his time exploring or sleeping elsewhere.

[Phil Conners]

I understand that. Keeping them indoor for a few days is normally not a big problem. They'll not be happy but they'll get over it. Better than than losing them in the confusion

[natalie8]

Thanks again, Phil. I'll try that. ;-)

[sbk]

Excellent advice from Phil, best to keep them locked inside for several days otherwise they might get confused and head back to your old house. They will be ok, cats seem to be naturally litter box trained.

[natalie8]

They don't use a litter box, and now I'm a bit confused - it doesn't take much. Am I keeping them inside the OLD house or the NEW house? Thanks again.

[Agenda]

Both. You better keep them inside for several days before moving out, and again keep inside of new house for few days.

[Phil Conners]

As Agenda already wrote, first you keep them in the old house for a few days before you start moving, then when you start moving you move the cats to the new house first, leave them in a room for themselves (a bathroom is fine, just remember to put down the lid so they are not tempted to try to drink of the bowl and fall in and drown) while you move the rest of your stuff. Leave them inside the new house for a few days until they are at ease in the new surroundings. They may not be used to use a litter box but if you provide one most cats naturally will use it.

Edited April 22, 2007 by Phil Conners

[natalie8]

[Great advice from all of you. I'm moving on or around June 1, so I can start doing this in the last couple of weeks in May. I'll let you guys know how it goes.