Which cat to move first?

Question

I live in a multiple cat household (4 total!) but will be moving soon. One of my cats, the only male, was recently put on Prozac to stop his spraying habits (it was either that or my dad was going to throw him out...). My family is going to be moving to our new house in shifts; first my dad and then my mom and I will follow a few months later. My question is should we move the male first or the girls? Is it better to let him get comfortable or should we let the less dominant females get aclimated first?

Answer 1

Moving is stressful enough on cats, please don't add a separation to the mix! I would suggest waiting until you and your mom move to take them to the new place. Over the years I have moved far too many times and have developed a great method for keeping the peace and the pecking order intact. What I do is move out as much as you can before you actually move them, but leave behind their "comfort" items (litter box, food/water dishes, favorite blanket/pillow, etc.) They will get a little weird as the things they know are disappearing, but at least they are still in "their" home with "their" things. The very last thing I do is move them and their items. When traveling (which they HATE!!), I make sure that the carriers are faced so that they can see each other through the doors (yes they still howl, but at least they do it together). When arriving at the new place, I first bring in their items and place them in the spots they will stay in, then I bring them in (since I have three, I always make sure I have enough help, so it is all done together). When in the new place, sit on the floor near them, open the carriers at the same time and let them investigate the new surroundings together. Yes, they will still hiss at each other and there might even be a few little spats, but the pecking order remains intact. You might want to walk very slowly through the new place with them following, this will help in showing them where the litter box and food dishes are. I have noticed over the years that by following this same pattern, it seems that as we are walking aroung, they almost seem excited and happy as they "discover" the "lost" furniture from the previous home. Best of luck and just remember, it's hard enough to move as a human, when you are in control of things, just imagine what it would be like if you were a cat! Lots of patience, lots of love and lots of time spent with them will really help.

Answer 2

I would move them all at the same time. Due to the male trying to dominate the territory, I would be afraid he would try and spray every area BEFORE the other cats got to the home. He may feel less threatened if the others are there simutaneously. Also, it may be less stressful for him to move into a new place with more familiar people, such as the other cats, your parents, etc. If he was moved by himself, he could feel abandoned.

Answer 3

I would move them all at once. And I think it would be best for you to wait until you and your mom move because I am guessing that your dad is not going to have alot of time to get them used to their new home because he will be busy with other things. Spend extra time with the kitties when you get them to their new house and make sure to bring each of them to the litter box and rub their paws in it so they know where it is.

Answer 4

i think you should move them together so it is easier for them since they will have each other and that way no one will dominate the terrotory b4 the others are idntoduced
its just a matter of who takes the cats. u ur mom or ur dad

Answer 5

females first