I'll be moving in January and wanted some advice on how to acclimate cats to their new environment. They have been really good about change - when I introduced Joni, changed the litterbox type, changed litter type, gradual dry food change, someone living with me temporarily, etc. Other than taking a few days to get along after Joni came home, they haven't blinked at anything else. But the boys will be 10 months and Joni heading for 9 months so they will be almost at maturity and I'm not sure how that will affect their historically easy-going nature.
I'll have access to my new place for several weeks before moving. There was a puppy living there before so we'll be doing pretty heavy duty cleaning to get rid of hair, dander, any lingering smell (although they've met that particular dog several times before).
My mom suggested carting them over there once or twice pre-move, but I'm not so sure. That seems upsetting, especially for Joni who doesn't have a carrying-buddy like the boys do, and gets upset at being carried. I was thinking scent exchange, but the place will be empty, we'll be painting - will there really be a scent for me to exchange with them? By the time I move them in, several of my things including the sofa, dresser, etc. will have been in there several days, so they will have familiar scents - so I'm not sure a scent exchange would be necessary either. What do you think?
Once they're there, what should I expect in terms of behavior? Hiding, door-dashing, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I'll have access to my new place for several weeks before moving. There was a puppy living there before so we'll be doing pretty heavy duty cleaning to get rid of hair, dander, any lingering smell (although they've met that particular dog several times before).
My mom suggested carting them over there once or twice pre-move, but I'm not so sure. That seems upsetting, especially for Joni who doesn't have a carrying-buddy like the boys do, and gets upset at being carried. I was thinking scent exchange, but the place will be empty, we'll be painting - will there really be a scent for me to exchange with them? By the time I move them in, several of my things including the sofa, dresser, etc. will have been in there several days, so they will have familiar scents - so I'm not sure a scent exchange would be necessary either. What do you think?
Once they're there, what should I expect in terms of behavior? Hiding, door-dashing, etc.?
Thanks in advance for your help!