I have a friend who has an 11 yr. old cat (Lydia) and she will be moving to a new house soon?

Question

I know cats don't do well with change and they dislike being in new surroundings. my friend has had her since she was about 5 weeks old or so. she's kept strictly indoors and is never allowed outside. I'm just wondering how my friend can help her cat feel more secure in her new area when she finally moves to her new house. she's afraid that when she brings her to her new home, then Lydia will get scared and run away or something bad like that. we know she will probably hide for the first few days or maybe a week or so. we're just hoping that she'll warm up to her new surroundings. how can my friend help Lydia feel better in her new house without getting scared or running away? she's a spayed gray and white domestic medium hair cat. any answers will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Mrs. Foster: Thanks!

Old Cat Lady: Thank You!

Fourbeaner and Oldmama: Thank You! her toys will be scattered all around the house and she will show her where the litter box is has soon as she brings her home!

where she's moving to is only about 45 miles away! not long at all! from Fort Worth to Dallas.

Answer 1

try this
leave the cat at the old place until everything is moved to new house. then bring the cat to the new house,gently tell her it is ok, [make sure all doors are closed and cat can not get out] and [just the cat and your friend for a few hours] so everything is calm and peaceful.............let the cat check out the new place on her own, it will help because she will see the furniture and things in the old house, talk to the cat, show her she is loved and this is her new home. she may hide but not for long, she will smell the things she is used to and be more accepting.. keep her in the house , letting her look outside through screen doors or screened windows, etc... then after a few days, have your friend [alone with the cat, go outside together [if you have a yard] and walk around together, the cat is smart and will adjust on her own...she most likely will not run away, she might check out the neighborhood but will know where home is

Answer 2

We just moved from michigan to Florida in march. Our cat is 14 yrs old. He adjusted very easily. At the older age like 11 yrs old they will do more investigating than hiding. She should have no problems. Our cat does go outside occasionally and he continued that in florida but even though its a new house he still comes to the door when he wants in. After they investigate and see you come and go they quickly learn its there home.
P.S. our cat wasn't very happy about the long drive down so we had to make sure he didnt get out of the car when we opened the door.

Answer 3

She'll be fine. You're right about it taking a little time to adjust to her new surroundings. If she has toys, I would put one or two in each room, kind of scattered around. That may help some. You say she is an indoor cat. Just make sure she STAYS indoors, and that will take care of the running away.

Answer 4

Go to: www.spiritessence.com and get a bottle of "New Beginnings" from Dr. Jean Hovfe. The bottle costs $16.95, no shipping, handling or taxes added. You can just shake the bottle well and put three or four drops on the cat's fur between her ears. You would treat as often per day as you can and as long as it seems the cat is still stressed by her new situation.

This is the very best way that your friend can help her cat make a smooth adjustment to her new life.

Answer 5

Aw, well, my kitties are indoor cats as well- beleieve it or not, they survived 4 days of driving (and they were long days- the equivalent of a trip from Montana to New York), staying in about 5 different places including hotel rooms, and my new apt. My point is, be vigilant- watch to make sure that she doesn't escape- use conditioning- give her treats for being compliant-reward her patience. Place objects that are familiar to her in her immediate environment, so she does not feel lost...she should be okay.

Answer 6

It sounds silly, but when they are packing to move, she should keep putting the cat in the boxes, too. The cat will jump out of course, but she will know that she is going with them. This has helped both my kitties since I figured it out.

Also, my grandma was a gypsy, and when gypsies moved into a new camp, the owner would clip the hair off the end of the cat's tail (only a little bit, maybe 1 or 2 millimeters) and put it under the door mat. She said that way they would know it was their house, because their smell was there.

Also, if your friend bribed her out with catnip and love the first few nights, it would help the kitty alot.

Answer 7

There is a product called Feliway that contains pheromones. When a cat scratches something or rubs it's head against something it leaves their scent, Feliway imitates that scent. Have your friend purchase this at Petsmart or whatever large pet store is need her. Spray the Feliway around the house, in a sense this will comfort the cat and keep her calm.

Answer 8

When I moved with my cat I made sure he had familiar surroundings. In my old apartment he had a blanket he always slept on. I made sure I left it out for him. He stayed under the bed for about a week, leaving only to eat occasionally, but soon, his curiosity got the best of him and he had to venture forth...

Answer 9

your friend has to make sure she does not leave her kitty alone too much for the first while. Leave a TV on when she goes out that sort of thing. They do usually adapt well as long as they know where their litter box is and their favorite blanket or chair goes along with them on the move.