Cats Just Moved And Distressed

I have two cats, they're oittermates. Got them as kittens and my living situation changed so they've been living with family for the past two years. I finally have a place and I just moved them. Getting them in was stressful for Buddy as it took two attempts but Jasper went in easier. Jasper cried in the carrier all the way home and buddy wasn't too pleased either. Though they settled down in the taxi. It was only a five minute journey so they weren't in carriers long. Once out Jasper cried and Joe's up at the window. He ran around looking for somewhere to hide and eventually dissapeared behind the couch. He is now sitting there I've gave him some food and set up a litter box .My original plan was to keep them in my room as the livimgroom is not carpeted yet and I didn't want to give them a huge space to get used to. Jasper seems okay for now but I'm just looking for additional info to help them settle. If it matters, they are both not neutered yet. Though I plan to do that once they're settled but I'm not sure how long to wait. Buddy has in the past marked people's jackets and bags etc so Im wondering if he'll try to mark here too.

Thank you for your help

Hi! When you can, you may want to get some calming products, there are sprays and treats available.

Also try some low volume classical harp music, it will help, or there's an app called Relax My Cat

Thank you very much .I've got a feliway plug in getting delivered soon for them. I'll try the harp music.

Let us know how things go!

By the way, congrats!!

I'll keep you updated. They seem content for now. Jasper is hiding behind the couch. I think he feels safe there. He has taken some treats but I don't think he is hungry. Buddy hasn't moved from where he came out of his carrier but I'm in no rush. I'm leaving them to it mostly I don't want to bother them too much. I just want to make sure it's as easy a transition as I can make it.

Bless your heart, hopefully time will help things

Make sure their litterbox is within sight and food/water is nearby. Other than that I would try to keep big noises like vacuuming or moving boxes to a minimum but otherwise go about your activities, talk to them as you normally would and ignore their hiding. Probably within a day or two they will be feeling more secure and settled.

susanm9006 said:

Make sure their litterbox is within sight and food/water is nearby. Other than that I would try to keep big noises like vacuuming or moving boxes to a minimum but otherwise go about your activities, talk to them as you normally would and ignore their hiding. Probably within a day or two they will be feeling more secure and settled.

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Thank you for your advice! I just wanted to update. They've barely moved. Not touched food, drank or used their litter. They've been in the same spots since they got here last night at around 5pm and it's ten am now. Jasper has ate one or two cat treats but they're not interested in food. I'm not sure if this is a normal reaction to the stress of moving. I have to go out for a few hours so I'm hoping they will eat and feel safe to explore the room a bit more when I'm gone

Hang in there!
I'm starting to wonder if there were animals in your place previously. Anyway hopefully some music helps, and maybe calming sprays?

I plugged a calming spray in before I left for the day. I'm hoping while I'm out they'll feel more inclined to explore. As long as they start eating, drinking etc then I'll be happy at least

Yes, your two year old boys will mark at your new place. Get them neutered as soon as possible. To help their transition, make sure you have scent markers scattered over where they are staying. Their belongings, toys, scratchers, beds, with their scent on them. It would also be helpful to take a rag and rub it on their cheeks, where their scent glands are. Then rub along the baseboards of your apartment.

lollie said:

Yes, your two year old boys will mark at your new place. Get them neutered as soon as possible. To help their transition, make sure you have scent markers scattered over where they are staying. Their belongings, toys, scratchers, beds, with their scent on them. It would also be helpful to take a rag and rub it on their cheeks, where their scent glands are. Then rub along the baseboards of your apartment.

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Thank you for the advice! I will definitely do thatm they seem a little more settled now. Jasper has been venturing out of his hiding place and they've eaten and used the litter box. I plugged in a diffuser this morning, not sure if that helped but I'm glad they're feeling a bit more settled. I'll make sure to run the cloth with their scent around the place. I had meant to do that but forgot so grateful for the reminder. Hopefully this will help them settle.

So glad to hear they're feeling better!