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#254726 - 10/14/09 01:15 PM
Re: Anyone have advice for moving with cats?
[Re: Katie Finlay]
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Rachel Schumacher
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 10/11/06
Posts: 25
Loc: Europe
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I would leave her at your mom's house. The main thing is she is used to go outside. If she feels terrible at your mom's house without you living there you can try it later. One of my former cats lives at my parents home for main reason that she needs to go outside. Most cats are not happy when you take roaming away. It does work with some tho. I guess she could get used to your new dog as she is already used to living with a dog.
Would you havve the possibility to secure your new yard? My cats are not allowed to roam but I do feel very strong that they need at least some limited outdoor activity one can provide with a secured yard.
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#254735 - 10/14/09 04:15 PM
Re: Anyone have advice for moving with cats?
[Re: Katie Finlay]
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Angela Burrell
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 05/10/06
Posts: 2265
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I got my cat when I was young. I took him with me when I went to University. He was always an indoor cat (I agree with you - in cat vs car, the cat usually loses - not to mention poisons, dogs, trash, wildlife, mean people, etc).
When I went to university my cat was 7 years old. I moved a LOT (lived in 5 homes in 4 years) and we even survived a house fire. Then I moved back into my parents home and then bought my own home and my cat came with.
I kind of view my animals as being part of my family, not part of a building. My cat lived wherever I did, he was my baby, and he was honestly no worse for wear. It took him time to acclimate to his new surroundings, but I started slow at first having him only in my bedroom until he was comfortable and then letting him out for gradually longer periods until he "owned" the place. (He was not the most outgoing kitty, but not really shy either).
Cats are smart, they can learn to live indoors (given plenty of exercise and interaction) and adjust well. The dog might be the biggest adjustment if she has never met him.
I would say: bring your cat, and if she honestly has trouble adapting after a reasonable amount of time has passed (say, 6 months) and your parents will agree to it, you can always give her back if need be.
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#254740 - 10/14/09 06:25 PM
Re: Anyone have advice for moving with cats?
[Re: Jennifer Lee]
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Katie Finlay
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 07/27/09
Posts: 206
Loc: Southern California
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Baby gates are also great to establish dog free zones where she can escape and feel safe.
That's a good idea! Never thought of it. It's definitely something I'll do.
Would it be possible to spend some time with your dog at your moms house so the kitty could meet him, and learn that he is safe on her home turf?
I'll try this. Right now she hides under my bed at my mom's (which is a Malm bed from Ikea, super low to the ground) when anyone strange comes over (she's afraid of anyone new, though if you stay in the room long enough she'll come out eventually). He can't reach her under there so maybe we'll just stake out in the room and see if she eventually warms up or really is just too afraid to come out.
Thanks! She's really active in the house too, so I think there's a possibility she'll adjust. We'll just have to see!
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#254757 - 10/14/09 08:48 PM
Re: Anyone have advice for moving with cats?
[Re: Katie Finlay]
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Cameron Feathers
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 03/11/08
Posts: 682
Loc: IN, US
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Ditto on the pro - taking cat with you plan.
They are adaptable little buggers, and they do generally settle in to a new place fairly easily.
I got my cat from a military buddy who was deploying overseas and couldn't take his cat. He didn't want to take her to a shelter because "she is the best cat in the world, and the most boring, plain tabby you have ever seen". He was afraid she would be overlooked because she really is VERY plain looking.
At his house, she was an indoor/outdoor/only pet/no kids cat. When I was still in SC she was going to be able to be outdoors at times... but then I moved. Now she is an indoor only cat with two dogs and a kid.
20 hour drive, two weeks of sulking, and she is now perfectly content. At first, I left her in the bathroom, with her litter box so she could adjust in a small area. After about a week I left the door open for her to explore on her own. Eventually I moved her litter box to it's home downstairs. She even adjusted well to the dogs - at first she was terrified. Over the course of this summer she has taken to Ivan quite a bit. Now she and Ivan will even curl up together sometimes.
So I say give it a shot. If it doesn't go well, you can always take the cat back.
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I'll do all the things suggested. Hopefully it will work out! Thanks again!
