We recently moved and my cat is having a difficult time adjusting. Is there anything I can do to make him feel more at ease?
2007-05-19 13:43:12 · 9 answers · asked by Guess 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
It sounds kind of mean... but the most helpful thing you can do for a cat when you move is to restrict him to one room at first - your bedroom is a good idea, since it will have a nice, familiar-smelling, comfy bed for him to sleep on (or under)... make sure there's at least one nice hiding spot for him - if sleeping under the bed's not his thing, try covering his cat carrier with a towel and leaving the door open for him to make a snug retreat.
Make sure his litterbox, food & water are readily accessible *in the room he is spending most of his time in*! Once he is comfortable wandering the whole house, you can relocate them, but keep them close at hand at first.
He will probably want to keep an eye on you or another family member until he's feeling more secure about things, so hang out in the same room with the cat if at all possible when you're home. It will speed things up.
Avoid making any other changes in his life until he's back in his comfort zone. No changing his litter brand, or experimenting with a new kind of food, or god forbid, bringing another cat home. Just try to maintain as stable a environment as possible for him. Also, don't scold him for being anti-social. Don't try to force the issue; he will come around.
Good luck!
2007-05-19 14:01:24 · answer #1 · answered by Sara M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like Sara's answer a lot and they are all good ones. If you go to http://www.spiritessence.com you can read about using flower essences with cats (and other animals). Dr. Hovfe has one combination called "New Beginnings" which has the Bach essence Walnut (for adjustment to new situations) in it.
You can order from her or get the Walnut at a health foods store for the same price (around $17). It is much less expensive than the Feliway diffusers and the essences are effective.
You just shake the bottle well and put three to four drops on the fur between your cat's ears. Do it several times a day for maybe two weeks. I just have the bottle on the kitchen counter and it is easy to remember to "treat" kitty when he comes to eat and also before retiring at night.
2007-05-19 21:19:02 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to keep a close eye on your cat, it is very common that a cat will run away after a move. Keep him indoors for his own safety and watch and make sure he does nor run out of the door when you open it. It will take time for the cat to feel at home again, give him lots of attention. He may be hiding under the bed for awhile too. It is very traumatic for cats to move, but it will work with time and patience.
2007-05-19 20:51:52 · answer #3 · answered by flieder77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A move is traumatic for a cat. When we moved, our 2 cats hid out for a good 3-4 days. I found that it works best if you just let your cat be. Wherever he is hiding out at, be sure to provide plenty of water and food, litter, and keep in quiet. In his time, he will venture out and explore. Pushing a cat is the wrong thing to do in my experience.
2007-05-19 21:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by gogirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a blanket of yours or it's that is from the old place that has not been washed. This new place smells strange. If you have a blanket, put it down on the floor where he can smell it and lay on it. It will take this new place about two weeks to start smelling like home.
2007-05-19 20:49:29 · answer #5 · answered by bonnie g 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to drsfosterandsmith.com. They have some items to ease your pet, like plugins and other things. If they are too pricey (which they are for me) leave him in one room at first then work your way up until he is comfortable in the whole house.
2007-05-19 20:48:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try to Help him adjust by getting him a friend. A girl kitten. That way when your not home he has someone to play with! Try that. Maybe you could try to get him like a piece of clothing that oyu have not washed, maybe even a blanket.Good luck. I hopr he feels better!
2007-05-19 21:14:28 · answer #7 · answered by Princess 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He'll realize the smell of the house soon enough and start being comfortable. And spend some extra time with him.
2007-05-19 20:49:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spend extra moments with him, in different rooms of the house, relaxing and massaging him until he begins to unwind and purrs. This is his new domain, one day he'll feel his kingship over every nook and cranny. Until then, talk to him and touch him to help him feel grounded.
2007-05-19 20:50:46 · answer #9 · answered by Zeera 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋