I am getting a cat from my landlord. He is already 1 1/2 yrs old, so he's sorta "settled" where he is. He is also an outside cat. I will be moving back to Georgia soon, and taking him with me. What can I do to make the move easier for him? Also, I am wondering if he might run away from my place in Georgia since he isn't familiar with it there? I have had many cats, but I've never had to move one.
2006-10-11 16:49:06 · 12 answers · asked by sunshine 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
A move is never easy on an animal, even ones you've had your entire life. It's a very stressful thing for them. You're best option is to make it as comfortable as possible. Give him lots of love and attention and make him feel welcome around you and in his home. Perhaps get all you can from his previous home--such as the litter box, food dishes and especially his cat bed (if he had one). If not, see if you can have a towel or something similar with the scent. That's less traumatic on him if he can slowly move from the "old smell" to the new one. Also, safety for moving should be a high priority! Consider getting a harness (a "collar" that goes around neck and chest). These are harder to get out of. Also find a skinny, light-weight leash (4 to 6 feet) that you can keep on him at all times during the move. Cats can run much faster than we can and with a 6 foot leash you can catch him faster than if you had to go directly up to him to pick him up. He's going to be stressed and freaked out with this move and even if he loves you, he may not come to you. Also consider an ID tag for him especially during the move. I usually have them say the name of the animal and something along the lines of I'm moving (this state abbreviation) to (this state abb) and include a phone number for both places. A cell number would be even better!! Good luck!
2006-10-11 17:00:08 · answer #1 · answered by Adoption P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask the vet about giving him something like benadryll for the trip so he sleeps. Practice putting him in the carrier for and hour or so at a time so he is familiar with it prior to the trip. If he has a toy he likes but it in with him. Also make sure to put a towel that smells like the house in the carrier with him so he doesn't freak to bad. When you get there put him someplace quiet small and alone so it is less stressful. Anytime I move my cat hides in the bathroom cabinet for most of the day. Keep him in for a while so he gets familiar with the new smell of the house and can find his way home.
2006-10-12 00:02:08 · answer #2 · answered by ashley f 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you start packing up your things to move, leave his things in the same spot that he's used to and pack them last. This should make him a little less panicky about the move. You might also need to catch him and keep him in the house or a cage when you pack the u-haul so he doesn't get scared and run away.
As for the running away thing, you will need to keep him in the house in Georgia for about 2 weeks before you let him out. This will teach him that this is his new home and he won't run away trying to get back.
Good luck with your move and I hope everything goes ok!!
2006-10-11 23:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by Vet_Techie_Girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would keep in in the house for as long as possible after the move. Most cats don't require a whole lot of training to use a litter box, as you probably know. Keeping him inside until he gets acquainted with you and his new surroundings should let him know where home is. My parents actually just went through this with a cat they brought home from vacation. This is what they did and things seem to be working out just fine.
2006-10-12 00:02:38 · answer #4 · answered by Lauren 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do your new kitty a big favor and keep him INSIDE. He will live longer and be healthier plus you will not have to worry about him running away!
Find out what kind of catfood and cat litter he is used to using with his current person. Keeping them the same will help him transition. Also bring his toys, his food dishes and if he has a kitty-bed or pillow with you. You might want to bring an old worn Tshirt from his previous owner to give him a sense of continuity.
Other than that give him lots of love and time to get used to the new living arrangements. Cats don't like change but what matters most is that someone cares for them and loves them!
Alley
2006-10-11 23:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by alleymarziacat 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Keep him inside for a couple of months after you move, and make sure he's as happy as you can make him - give him lots of love, treats, toys, etc, to let him know this is his new home, and it's great! Then hang out with him outside as he explores.
As for the move - if you're driving and he isn't a good traveller, you can get tranquilizer pills from your vet for him. I had a cat who was a TERRIBLE traveller, and I had to move him from NC to NY. It would have been crazy without those pills.
2006-10-11 23:58:47 · answer #6 · answered by locolady98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to bond with the cat before you move. Get him to where he likes you and trusts you. Make sure you feed him regularly once you're in Georgia.
If the cat likes you he'll stay around.
2006-10-11 23:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by Warren D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you get there you will need to keep him in your house for a good two weeks or more so he won't try to 'head back home'. Cat's have been known to try to get back to their original home.
I would start out by taking him for short car trips to see how he responds...if he doesn't get used to it by the time you move you can get a tranquilizer from the vet for him so he won't get car sick or upset during the trip.
2006-10-11 23:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by lunarbuni 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He'll be just fine in his new home...cats adjust very quickly and easily! Soon, he'll think he ALWAYS lived there!
2006-10-12 00:06:43 · answer #9 · answered by backinbowl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have a spray bottle ready so when he start getting on the coach or sink you spray the cat directly in the face.
2006-10-11 23:58:29 · answer #10 · answered by holla 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋