my mom cared for my cat for about a yr and ahalf...now he's living back with me (and my hubby and his 2 cats)....i got him back yesterday and of course he is all scared and stressed out from the changes......i normally would do my vacuuming tomorrow, but i know cats get freaked out by the noise anyways, and then him having just had his entire world turned upside down....i'm thinking i should wait to run the vacuum and save him the additional stress.......but how long should i wait??
2007-01-10 03:14:47 · 24 answers · asked by SNAP! 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
Put him in a safe room that you are not vaccuuming. He'll probably always hate it. Just make sure that he has a safe place to hide while you do it.
2007-01-10 03:23:26 · answer #1 · answered by anastasia 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its good that you are concerned about scaring the cat when it has just be reintroduced into a new envrionment. Most people dont even consider their pets well being when they have had such a drastic change. I am going to have to agree with most of the people here in saying you should just do your vaccuming as you always would. Maybe take a break and check on the cat to make sure its not freaking out. This is going to sound lame but when you check it make sure you pet it and maybe a little TLC to reassure that it isnt being attacked by some massive dirt sucking beast. Once you spend a minute or two with the cat, go and finish the job and when you are finished check on the cat again. Do this the first few times if you think its bothers him but once should be enough to let him know he is safe in your home. Hopefully your mother vaccumed once in a while so it wont completly suprise the cat in the first place. Good luck.
2007-01-10 11:34:16 · answer #2 · answered by daschund delight 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you close the cat into another room while you vacuum? That way he can hear it but doesn't have to face it. If you have a crate, maybe putting him outside or in a garage (if you have one) would do the trick without freaking him out too much. How about the bathroom? Could he do too much damage in there?
In my experiences with cats, they are tweaky for about a week after a big change like moving to a different home. If you can hold off, maybe that would be best.
Poor kitty, I hope he makes the adjustment well.
2007-01-10 11:26:34 · answer #3 · answered by quietude61 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd wait at least a week. And you are goodto think about the possibility of stressing the cat more. But I suspect the cat knows the sound of the vacuum by now... nevertheless, most cats hate the sound and hide from the monster vacuum no matter how used they are to it.
2007-01-10 17:39:27 · answer #4 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a thoughtful thing to do asking this. I'd think a couple of weeks, then run it in the next room with door shut and keep bringing it closer. He will probably never get completely comfortable with the vacuum.....mine are 8 and they still run away from it........but they know deep down it won't hurt them now.
2007-01-10 11:20:52 · answer #5 · answered by lou b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead and do it. I was in the same situation. My cat was more curious of the vacuum than scared. Eventually the cat will adjust anyway, so just stick to your normal routine.
2007-01-10 11:19:59 · answer #6 · answered by LoLo B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vacuum when ever you have to. Frightened or not, they need to know the routine of the house. They live with us not the other way around. Your vet and behavioral specialists will tell you not to change any daily routine. Try to keep your lives as normal as possiable.
(I know what you mean about the vacuum though, even my dog goes nuts!)
2007-01-10 11:21:39 · answer #7 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat runs and hides under the bed when I vacuum. But she comes out after I am done. The cat will be fine.
2007-01-10 11:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love it that you are so caring about your animals feelings.I am the same way. You can get a swiffer sweeper temporarally, they are not too expensive and work really good. I don't think it should be too long for him to adjust. Spend quiet time with him on your lap to help him relax. Basically he will do it in his own time. A week or so. Take care.
2007-01-10 11:24:49 · answer #9 · answered by sweetpea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you rather have a messy house or a cat who's upset for a few minutes?
Cats are resilient. They will get over it.
If you feel bad put him outside or in the basement until your done.
2007-01-10 11:18:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋