We are moving from New Jersey to North Carolina this week. Actually, I am moving with all eight cats. My husband is staying here and will work until this house sells. Hopefully, that won't take too long. Then he'll retire and join me down south. A little trepidation - attitudes there are a bit different than mine, although the county where we are moving has a WONDERFUL outlook on animal welfare and feral cats. I can see getting involved again eventually.
Anyway, I am going to try to make this post about integrating all eight cats as inside cats and getting them used to the new digs and one another. Currently, we have a tortoiseshell cat with her own room because she hates the other cats. When she sees one, you would think someone was trying to kill her.
On top of that, we have two outside guys, one semi-feral, who are coming inside, too. So that means all eight cats will have big adjustments to make.
We have hired a pet transport service to drive them down. The vet will be here that morning (Saturday May 7), to give them all a shot to help them sleep a little. The grief they give me on the three-mile trip to the vets made me realize they will need it for the nine-hour trip to North Carolina.
I am leaving on May 4 with all the furniture and will hopefully have everything set up for them when the arrive. Please, everyone, pray for my husband, who will have to get them all in carriers for the vet. He's never caught any of them and each of them have different tricks for avoiding the carrier! I imagine he'll be calling me every few minutes. Luckily, a cat-savvy friend is coming over to help him.
Once they arrive, here are my plans. The new house has a sun porch that is 15' x 25' with floor to ceiling windows. It has air conditioning and heat, so it will be ideal, I think.
I've purchased eight 4' crates, so each cat will have his/her own space. I plan to let them out two at a time a couple of times a day and see what happens. I am hoping that the adjustments go well, although I am anticipating it is going to take some months.
I have Feliway plug-ins and calming treats ready. Can anyone think of anything else I should do/buy?
Hopefully, I will have time to post every few days on our progress. I am going to need the famous TCS vibes! Thanks!
Anyway, I am going to try to make this post about integrating all eight cats as inside cats and getting them used to the new digs and one another. Currently, we have a tortoiseshell cat with her own room because she hates the other cats. When she sees one, you would think someone was trying to kill her.
On top of that, we have two outside guys, one semi-feral, who are coming inside, too. So that means all eight cats will have big adjustments to make.
We have hired a pet transport service to drive them down. The vet will be here that morning (Saturday May 7), to give them all a shot to help them sleep a little. The grief they give me on the three-mile trip to the vets made me realize they will need it for the nine-hour trip to North Carolina.
I am leaving on May 4 with all the furniture and will hopefully have everything set up for them when the arrive. Please, everyone, pray for my husband, who will have to get them all in carriers for the vet. He's never caught any of them and each of them have different tricks for avoiding the carrier! I imagine he'll be calling me every few minutes. Luckily, a cat-savvy friend is coming over to help him.
Once they arrive, here are my plans. The new house has a sun porch that is 15' x 25' with floor to ceiling windows. It has air conditioning and heat, so it will be ideal, I think.
I've purchased eight 4' crates, so each cat will have his/her own space. I plan to let them out two at a time a couple of times a day and see what happens. I am hoping that the adjustments go well, although I am anticipating it is going to take some months.
I have Feliway plug-ins and calming treats ready. Can anyone think of anything else I should do/buy?
Hopefully, I will have time to post every few days on our progress. I am going to need the famous TCS vibes! Thanks!