Tips and Opinions on Introducing Cats While Moving

[LeesyD]

Hello friends,

Due to unforseen circumstances, I'm moving while in the middle of the introduction process and I'm not sure how to handle it. We have been following this method for 7 weeks now: https://thecatsite.com/c/how-to-successfully-introduce-cats-the-ultimate-guide/

Currently, we are past the baby gates phase and have been trying to conduct interactive playtime with little success. The interactive playtime process has been going on for 4 weeks. They can now be in the same room as one another and eat treats next to eachother, but the new cat at some point will always try and play with the resident cat, which she really does not want to play with him at all, causing her to run away from him. He chases after her, I believe because he thinks they're playing, scaring the resident cat even more and causing us the end the session early. Since it's been 4 weeks we've learned when to stop the session before it gets to this point, but that's where we've been stuck at in the process.

With us moving, how will this change what we're doing? Should we cut out interactive playtime until they're both comfortable in the home? How will I know when theyre comfortable in the new home enough to try the intro process again? Should we proceed with the interactive playtime but in their safe rooms in the new home?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Alldara]

With moving it could go really well as no one has established territory in this new place.

I would not go backwards with your intros unless you see that one or both are distressed.

 

[Kris107]

I think I'd go back to swapping spaces until they both have a little time to explore the new place. That way they don't have the nervousness of a new place and another cat creeping up on them. But then once they seem comfortable, get back to intros. Try to stop the chase. I think you have a good analysis of what is happening. Some people say they've used a big piece of cardboard. Somewhat controversial, some spray with water. (Although some cats don't mind this)

 

[Kris107]

Ha! I see Alldara 's point too!!! It is good they'll be on an even playing field at a new place! I don't know that either way would be wrong. You know your cats and just try to read them!

 

[FeebysOwner]

If you follow what some consider 'standard protocol' with a cat being introduced into a new home, they should have a safe zone that allows them to get use to a single room first before exploring other parts of the home. On that note, you have two options, although I am guessing the second one is probably the better of the two - 1.) put them both in the same safe zone to get them comfortable there first, or 2.) put them in separate rooms for the acclimation process. I say the latter because it doesn't sound like your first cat is ready to be in the same place full time. If they had been getting along more cohesively, they could have been given the same room to start with.

This might delay the introductions, or even reverse them, a bit in terms of not really making either cat leave their new room until you think they are adapting. Then, the introductions can commence with the site swapping step - letting them get used to the other room, and picking up on the smell of other cat as well. Once that is done, the baby gates can be put up, and the usual expanded site swapping where one is in their safe zone and the other is allowed to explore the house should be able to be resumed. Just MO.
How To Move With Your Cat To A New Home In A Safe Way - TheCatSite

 

[LeesyD]

Thank you so much everyone for the helpful info! I'll try getting them used to their safe spaces and scent swapping for a little bit before jumping back into the introduction