So the time for my big move is quickly approaching- less than a week away! I think I have finalized my plan for my two precious felines but I would love any advice from those who have successfully moved with cats before.
Logistically, we are moving from a one bedroom (750sq/ft) to another one bedroom (800sq/ft). Because of this, I don't see a way to have them present for the actual move. I thought about confining them to the bathroom in each place but I worry that just the noise is going to freak them out, and the risk of them bolting when someone inevitably has to pee is just too high. So, as of now, the plan is that the day before I will take them over to my Dad's house and get them set up with all their necessities. They will be confined to one large room so I hope it will be big enough for them to run around and play but small enough that it isn't too overwhelming. As soon as we get their stuff set up at the new place we will go get them and move them back. They should only be at my Dad's for two days maximum. I know this is going to be extremely stressful for them but I do think it will be less stressful than being confined to a small bathroom or their carriers all day. That said, I am all ears if someone has a reason why I should do it differently!
Aside from what to physically do with them during the move, my big questions/concerns are these:
- The place we are in now has been the only home they have ever known. Ella has been here since she was 13 weeks (now she's 4) and Diego was actually born here. So, I'm super worried about how they will adjust to a new environment. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to make things any easier on them?
- Once we get them to the new place, how should I best introduce them to it? I have read it's best to confine them to just one room to start and then slowly expand their area, but again, it's just a one bedroom apartment. If I did that it means they would have to be in the bedroom and that eventually I would have to move their litterbox, ect out of there to a new spot. Is it best to draw it out and move their stuff twice or just get it all set up and let them have free reign from the beginning?
- Has anyone tried or had any success with a Thundershirt? Diego already suffers from some serious anxiety and I want to do whatever I can to try and minimize his stress. Anyone think this is worth trying, or has anyone had success with other products? I have tried a feliway calming diffuser in the past and not noticed any change in his anxiety level.
I really appreciate any tips/suggestions that anyone has. I've never moved with cats before and just want to try and do what is best for them!
TIA!
Logistically, we are moving from a one bedroom (750sq/ft) to another one bedroom (800sq/ft). Because of this, I don't see a way to have them present for the actual move. I thought about confining them to the bathroom in each place but I worry that just the noise is going to freak them out, and the risk of them bolting when someone inevitably has to pee is just too high. So, as of now, the plan is that the day before I will take them over to my Dad's house and get them set up with all their necessities. They will be confined to one large room so I hope it will be big enough for them to run around and play but small enough that it isn't too overwhelming. As soon as we get their stuff set up at the new place we will go get them and move them back. They should only be at my Dad's for two days maximum. I know this is going to be extremely stressful for them but I do think it will be less stressful than being confined to a small bathroom or their carriers all day. That said, I am all ears if someone has a reason why I should do it differently!
Aside from what to physically do with them during the move, my big questions/concerns are these:
- The place we are in now has been the only home they have ever known. Ella has been here since she was 13 weeks (now she's 4) and Diego was actually born here. So, I'm super worried about how they will adjust to a new environment. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions on how to make things any easier on them?
- Once we get them to the new place, how should I best introduce them to it? I have read it's best to confine them to just one room to start and then slowly expand their area, but again, it's just a one bedroom apartment. If I did that it means they would have to be in the bedroom and that eventually I would have to move their litterbox, ect out of there to a new spot. Is it best to draw it out and move their stuff twice or just get it all set up and let them have free reign from the beginning?
- Has anyone tried or had any success with a Thundershirt? Diego already suffers from some serious anxiety and I want to do whatever I can to try and minimize his stress. Anyone think this is worth trying, or has anyone had success with other products? I have tried a feliway calming diffuser in the past and not noticed any change in his anxiety level.
I really appreciate any tips/suggestions that anyone has. I've never moved with cats before and just want to try and do what is best for them!
TIA!
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