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Prior to moving be sure to confine your cats to the house, preferably a single bedroom, for at least
one week while packing. This will assure they don’t get lost and will help to minimize their stress
which is often associated with inappropriate soiling and litter box aversion. Also, make sure you
have your cat implanted with a microchip. This way if kitty does get away they have permanent ID
which Animal Control can use if your cat is turned in.
Finally, you've moved in and your rooms are filled with boxes waiting to be unpacked. You have a
few things set up and decide to introduce your cat to the new house. You open the kennel and barely
have time to see the streak of fur shoot under a bed or worst; out the back door someone forgot to
close. Now what?
Hopefully, this will never happen to you. When you introduce your cat to a new environment, keep
them contained for at least two weeks, preferably in a single bedroom if possible. Gradually, allow
them greater freedom as time passes. If you plan on allowing them to be indoor/outdoor cats make
sure you are present when they are introduced to their new outside environment. (We often keep
ours on a harness for the first few times) While they are bonded to you, cats are also territorial and
when we move them we need to be sure they understand the new house and yard is their territory.
Otherwise they may try to return to their old territory. If they do disappear call the animal shelters
and also animal control. Send flyers to Veterinarians in your area. If your cat has been micro-
chipped they will be easier to find.
| Moving with your cats Susan J Donetti |