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BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...

12 Mar 01 - 10:03 AM (#415715)
Subject: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Áine

Gotcha! ;-) No, really, I need some advice on how to make the impending move to our new house the least traumatic for my four cats. I don't expect the two younger ones, Maxie (2 yrs.) and Jack (3 yrs.), to have any problems at all. It's my older cats, Bonzai (14 yrs.) and Tigger (13 yrs.), that I'm worried about.

Bonzai has recently been diagnosed with severe hyperthyroidism, and the condition has caused him to lose 40% of his body weight. I have to watch him carefully for dehydration problems, too. Tigger is my 'under the bed' cat - she does not react well to any change in the status quo. When my old friend, Clyde (the wonder dog), died suddenly in August, she had what the vet called a 'nervous breakdown', losing her hair and breaking out in an ugly rash. She's recovered now, though she's still extremely skittish; but, she's also extremely overweight.

Knowing how many of you 'Catters are owned by your feline friends, I know that I can count on some good advice. The 'big day' is three weeks away, and I want it to go as smoothly as possible for the four-legged, as well as the two-legged members, of the family.

Thanks muchly in advance, Áine

12 Mar 01 - 10:08 AM (#415717)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: SINSULL

How far a move -ine? Overnight travel? Plane ride?

12 Mar 01 - 10:22 AM (#415723)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Believe it or not, there's been a thread on this before! I can't find the thread, but I do remember someone advising Katlaughing to butter their paws as soon as you let them into the room where they will be safe while you unload. They will immediately lick their paws, picking up the "flavor" of the room and enjoying the pleasure of the rare (I hope!) treat!

12 Mar 01 - 10:28 AM (#415727)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Midchuck

This may be off the point, but we had a couple of cats with hyperthyroidism. The older one, who was about 19, there wasn't much we could do for, and he has since moved on. The vet did surgery on the younger one, (who was not that young, she was in her early teens) to remove a portion of the thyroid, and now she's fat and sleek. I don't know how widespread the use of that surgery is, or whether your cat could tolerate it.

Peter.

12 Mar 01 - 10:44 AM (#415731)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Áine

Sinsull -- The trip is just across town -- maybe 15 minutes in the car.

Animaterra -- I think the 'butter-paws' could work with the two younger ones; but, the senior citizens are on restricted diets, and both have very 'squiggy' tummies most of the time.

Midchuck -- We've talked to the vet about surgery and/or radiation treatment. We agreed to try medication first, since Bonzai is very thin and because of his age.

-- Áine

12 Mar 01 - 11:14 AM (#415738)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Sorcha

Aine, do you have cat crates? You might try keeping them in crates most of the time for a few days. Put all their favorite goodies, toys, rugs, etc. in the crate, and put the crate in a quiet place. You'll have to let them out to use the sand box,of course.

If possible, move the cats last, after most everything is set up, so that some things will at least smell correct. Don't bug them a lot for several days, just let them hide and maybe come out at night to do their own thing.

12 Mar 01 - 12:02 PM (#415771)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

Sorcha's got the right idea, Aine, only don't lock them in their cubbies. Just leave the cubbies out for them to explore and go in and out of on their own, with a favourite blankie to entice. That way they get used to them and are not totaly freaked when they do get enclosed.

Leave them til last; the day of, or even the day before, the day of, lock them in a room with their cubbies, food, and boxes, preferably a room they've already been used to being in; leave them there with strict instructions to everyone to NOT let them out. I usually put a big sign on the door and we've emptied that room beforehand.

Once you have darn near everything moved into the new house, put them in their crates and bring them to a specific room in the new one, in which you can lock them and their stuff, until things calm down a bit. Then, as Sorcha said, leave the room open so that they can come out and explore on their own, even hiding out for a few days, just warn everyone to be extra careful with doors, etc.,so they don't get out.

You can get tranqs for them, but I don't recommend it. The dosage can get tricky...I once moved with a loose Siamese and a 2 week old baby in the car. The dose was wrong and she spent the entire time with her claws out lurching around the car clawing everything in site to gain balance, except for the wee one. I drove in the middle of the night, from Colorado to Wyoming, with my coat wrapped around my right arm to keep her from me and driving. Of course, I was a lot stupider in those days and didn't have crates!

I have flown from Wyoming to CT with six cats, a dog, 2 birds, and 3 kids; moved same 5 times from MA to CT; and then driven with 7 cats, one dog, 5 birds and one kid from CT to WY the last big move we made, then one across town move since then.

I've done with old cats, young cats, fraidy cats and bold cats and they have ALL survived, despite frailty and one that fluttered in fear like Aunt Pitty-Pat in Gone With The Wind, whom she was named after.

The best thing you can do for them is be calm and be quick. Get it over with as quickly as possible, the ride I mean, and get them settled. Cats are a lot more adjustable than they would like us to believe and will settle in once they know they are secure with you.

I didn't do the butter on the paws, but food and water, esp. moist food is a very important way to greet them when in the new home. It's a comfort and something they will eventually come out of hiding for.

Oh and my brother's cat has been on meds for over ayear now with hyperthyroidism and is doing really well. He even reminds my bro that it is time and sits to wait for his pill!

They will do fine, honey. Just gve them lots of strokes and reassuring murmurs, but be firm about them being locked up in the rooms and the crates from house to house.

And, please let us know how it goes. COngratulations on getting it!

luvyamehitabel

12 Mar 01 - 12:31 PM (#415786)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Grab

Animaterra, there's a Pratchett book where he mentions that idea. His theory is that buttering the cat's feet works bcos sliding into walls takes the cat's mind off where the walls actually are...

Grab.

12 Mar 01 - 12:36 PM (#415791)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: John Hardly

We worried about the same thing about ten years ago. We moved two elderly cats. We were thrilled to find that it really instilled new life in the cats. They loved new places to explore and they acted years younger than they had before the move!

JH

12 Mar 01 - 12:59 PM (#415803)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C

Sorcha and Kat have the right idea, Aine. I would only reinforce the importance of making sure they don't escape outside for at least a week, and then have a plan for what you will do if they do. If you are moving across town it is not unlikely that one of your cats might re-appear in its old neighborhood and if one does disappear, consider alerting some of your former neighbors or whoever has taken over where you lived. We've been on the reverse end of "who's cat is this?" after someone in the neighborhood has left, or recently moved in. There seems to be a sign on our porch, visible only to cats, that we will provide foster care; our own cats sometimes disagree vehemently! Good luck on your move.

12 Mar 01 - 01:22 PM (#415819)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Wesley S

Aine - I've got two cat carriers that you can borrow if you need them. I'm close to downtown Ft Worth or I work just inside Loop 820 on 121. You can pick them up either place. Let me know. Wesley

12 Mar 01 - 01:42 PM (#415833)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: SINSULL

Aine - I do it exactly the way Kat describes. They will adjust quickly as long as they feel safe. Sign on the door is critical. I had one particularly stupid moving man open the door and the cat went into the fireplace and up the chimney. I ripped the sleeve out of my blouse to get her by the tail. The idiot stood there laughing further traumatizing the cat. Then I had to board a flight with two angry cats and a torn blouse. KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED until all strangers have left and you can go in an reassure them. They'll be fine.

12 Mar 01 - 02:43 PM (#415884)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: gnu

Excellent advice. Now here's one you which you may already be aware of, especially what with the trips to the vet and all, but I'll mention it anyway.

When being transpoted, each of my three cats would let out a rythmic, gutteral, mournful cry which really bothered me. The only things that seemed to soothe them were two : 1) Someone they knew to talk to them and put a finger through the carrier door so that they knew they were not alone during the terrifying trip, and; 2) Being able to see more than a dashboard or the back of a seat.

Even with those two "amenities", they still had a hard time. I urge you to have a friend drive while you soothe the cats. That way, you won't be too distracted from your driving.

Oh yeah, corner slowly. Cats hate cornering if they can't see - try closing your eyes in a vehicle sometime and see how it feels.

gnu

12 Mar 01 - 02:52 PM (#415891)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Hollowfox

You may as well let them see the preliminary packing. If they see things going into boxes, they seem to precieve that as redecorating; if everything disappears suddenly, well, I'd panic too. Get as much unpacked as you can before they're moved, so familiar objects and smells will be there for them. If they have a particular thing that's the center of their safe universe (like Tigger's bed), make sure it's in place before the cat arrives. Now, move the cat box, move the cats, let them know where the box is. Have drinking water ready for them , and food if they're not panicky, otherwise it'll get ignored or thrown up. Once they know they're safe, and that things are settling into a routine again, things will be fine. This is one of those situations where the cats know they aren't in charge, so if you're calm and as efficient as you can in these circumstances, they'll think you are in charge for once, and feel better about it, because they trust you.

12 Mar 01 - 02:55 PM (#415894)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

Good points, gun and generally true. I do have one cowering ninny, though, who just likes to bury his head in the blankies and never see where he is going!**BG** I always put a cover over his carrier.

Just a note about the importance of carriers. My brother was in a very serious car wreck in the middle of blizzard conditions two years ago in January. Out in the middle of the vast Wyoming prairie. Coming home with his cats from a Christmas visit with our mom and sister. If his cats had NOT been in their carriers we would have never found them, of that I am sure. As it was, the people who stopped, put blankets over them and my brother and the tow truck guy took them to town in his vehicle, safe and sound, although incredibly terrified. Really, really lucky they were confined. My brother was in hospital for several days and would never have been able to find them or take care of them.

kat

12 Mar 01 - 03:20 PM (#415921)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

Sorry I missed your posting, Hollofox, while I was writing mine up. Another very good point. Mine actually enjoy the packing up as they play with all of the paper and boxes. They also make unpacking a load of fun! I always spend weeks packing up, so there are boxes stacked all over.

12 Mar 01 - 04:05 PM (#415965)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Wesley S

I forgot to mention that we lost one of our best cats "Sam" many years ago when my sister was moving. He found a cozy place inside one of the trailors and then fell out while we were traveling at high speed. Be careful they don't try to move along with some of their favorite stuff and jump in the moving van or car.

12 Mar 01 - 05:54 PM (#416063)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: GUEST,bekintex@swbell.net

Hi Aine,

We moved from OK to OR, then OR to TX. The first time was with four cats on a plane. All four made the trip fine, but the youngest surprisingly ended up with the liver problems brought on by stress. We ended up putting her down about a month after we arrived in OR.

The second move worked out a good deal better as far as everyone not having any complications.

Also, last summer helped my best friend to move from OK to TN--in a truck. Not fun. Trust me, flying is quicker--everyone is afraid of it, but you arrive with much less stress on your nerves and the cats.

I agree with the statement about carriers. THey are essential. Lock your cats up the morning of the move and keep them either in a carrier or a room with a BIG sign on the door. I prefer to move the cats last, myself. BUT you often do not have that option.

Give them extra love and know you will pAY AND PAY AND PAY for inconveniencing them.

Be certain to have dirty clothing, favorite toys, etc so the cats are quickly familiar with their new environment.

GOod luck!

12 Mar 01 - 06:13 PM (#416077)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Helen

I have regularly used the butter on the paws trick. Part of the reason it helps, I think, is that they have to lick themselves to get it off, and then they continue the wash all over, and by the time they have finished that they feel calm enough for a sleep, and when they wake up the move is all but forgotten and it's time for a nice big exploration of the new surroundings.

Nice reference to Pratchett, Grab! LOL

I usually keep them inside in a safe room or roaming the house for at least a day, or longer depending on how skittish they are.

My latest move meant that my older 'fraidy-cat - she's very gentle, never fights back, prefers to run and hide - was very skittish in the new yard because it is a corner block on a busier street, so the noise of cars and passing dogs, and the big dogs next door all set her quivering. Luckily there is a fence in the back yard dividing off the street-facing side block, so I could shut the gate and know that she was safe from marauding dogs, and there is lots of shrubbery and nooks and crannies for her to hide in. She adapted well, after a couple of weeks.

Another piece of advice, from the woman with the yellow lap: don't make a quick grab for them to put them in the box or nurse them on your lap during the drive. Make sure they have done their litter-box business first. Nothing like a wet lap while driving across town with one hand on the wheel, and one hand restraining a nervous puss. Made this mistake twice!

Helen

12 Mar 01 - 06:15 PM (#416080)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Áine

I knew I could count on good cat advice from 'Catters! Beaucoups thanks to everyone for your sage advice (or should that be catnip advice?). *BG*

Thanks to you all for the congrats on getting the house; but, we ain't there yet . . .

Dear Hubby came back from the termite/structural/roof/foundation inspection this morning with a little bad news. The foundation inspector saw some things 'that could be a problem', and suggested that we call in an independent engineer for a second opinion. Our option period ends at close of business this Friday, and the sellers have been rather tight-fisted about other things; thus, leading us to assume that they may not agree to pay for the second inspection or give us an allowance for any repairs that may need to be done. Now I know why I haven't moved in 20 years . . . if I was a cat, I'd be the one losing my hair and breaking out in a rash!!!

Well, back to the important folks, the cats -- We only have one cat carrier, so I might be taking Wesley's offer to borrow his. As far as keeping them in one room; well, this ought to be interesting . . . you see, I forgot to mention that the ladies, Tigger (fixed) and Maxie (not fixed), do not get along, and it's not a pretty site when they get too close to one another. Any ideas??

Cudos and thanks again for all your great suggestions, Áine

12 Mar 01 - 06:50 PM (#416117)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: GUEST,Dear Hubby

Áine forgot to mention Champ (Wonder Dog II).

Champ is a Dalmation/Boxer.
Champ is about 18 months to 2 years old.
Champ loves cats.
Champ loves to chase cats.
Cats hate Champ.
See cats run.
See Champ run.
Run, Champ, run!

-- Dear Hubby.

BTW, Champ's nickname is 'Scarface' for obvious reasons.

12 Mar 01 - 08:06 PM (#416176)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

LMAO!...I see why you keep him around, Aine! With a sense of humour like that! Good to see you, Dear Hubby. Welcome to the Mudcat!

See Champ on a leash?
See Champ chomp?
See cats tease?
Bad cats, bad Champ.
Lunge Champ, lunge.
Laugh cats, laugh! LOL!!

Aine...separate rooms or in the carriers, no choices but...take Wesley up on his offer. That and getting the other one fixed...the spayed one is probably pissed about the other still being able to...ahem...produce?!:-)

Oh, and definitely keep them in for a week or two at the old and new houses. Mine never go out, except in a cat run we bought. It has saved my heart a lot of aching...

Sorry to hear about the termites etc. Remember, sweetie, if not this, something better.

luvyakat

12 Mar 01 - 08:20 PM (#416190)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Banjer

Hell, it seems with all the pets already involved you could just adopt the colony of termites and train them to eat only wood that you would provide. What's a few more critters amongst animal lovers? **BG**

12 Mar 01 - 08:46 PM (#416208)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

Speaking of critters...it just got suddenly quiet in here..then I checked...my little zebra finch, "Mr. Finch" has passed on...no more little sewing machine songs...that is what he sounded like. We probably should have named him Blackbeard..he was alone because he killed every wife we ever had for him, but I still liked his songs...

I am sure the stress of moving and hanging in a more accessible place for cats (they could make the cage swing in this tiny house) probably didn't help. He was at least 5 yrs., though and I know they say finches don't live much past that.

12 Mar 01 - 08:55 PM (#416213)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Amergin

Im so sorry to hear that, Katdarling.....

12 Mar 01 - 09:16 PM (#416224)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Sorcha

Oh, so sorry kat. You still have the 'tiel, tho, right? Aine, all good advice. Sift through it and mix and match. And get Maxie fixed!!! You don't need the grief of a cat in season every 3 weeks, now do you?

And Dear Hubby, a dear hubby you are. So is mine. He is allergic to both cats and dogs......we have 2 dogs and 4 cats. He tolerates them all, even on his (our) bed.

12 Mar 01 - 10:18 PM (#416285)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

Thanks, NathanDarlin' and Sorcha. Yeah...we still have C-more, the cockatiel. He is looking rather lonesome tonight and very quiet. Funny how the presence of even the tiniest, most unobtrusive pet can have an impact.

kat

12 Mar 01 - 10:50 PM (#416307)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Sorcha

I love birds but I am just not willing to put up with the mess they make. The house is already bad enough!

12 Mar 01 - 11:23 PM (#416324)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: catspaw49

Sorch.......You need a 'Tiel! Compared to our cats, the mess is limited and now that we have two, they are a riot together!

katmyluv, sorry to hear about Mr. Finch. They do have such a pretty song......If C-More needs to hear some friendly voices, I'll give you a call and he can talk with Maddie and Biniebird (who is getting fatter than a hog).

Spaw

12 Mar 01 - 11:27 PM (#416325)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: catspaw49

And Aine, you have plenty of good advice and offers already, so I can safely say, "Take care of your pussy Mrs. Slocombe."

Spaw

12 Mar 01 - 11:29 PM (#416327)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Amergin

Actually, Spaw, I thought that was Dear Hubby's job.....

12 Mar 01 - 11:38 PM (#416330)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Sorcha

uh oh. I knew it would come to this.....I am OUTTA here! LOL!

13 Mar 01 - 12:07 AM (#416342)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: katlaughing

LOL...Sorcha, Spaw is right, cockatiels are one of the cleanest birds to take care of. C-more never spits things out of his cage and never poops in his food dish. Now lovebirds are another stories. Some of the filthiest birds I've ever had; flung seeds, poop, spit, and seeds everywhere, esp. in their water, stunck up the house LOTS more than any cat/s. Finches are pretty clean, too.

Thanks, Spaw, I have a site bookmarked, www.naturesongs.com/birds.html of wildbirds digitally recorded, which he loves to visit with me, as he is hanging just to the right of my desk, so...guess we'll have to surf a bit more over the next few days, at least. I am sure he'd still love to hear Maddie and the hog, too!**BG**

luvyakat

13 Mar 01 - 12:32 AM (#416353)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Sorcha

But what about "bating"....flapping their wings in a panic (or otherwise) and slinging feathers, bird food and bird shit all over everywhere? Maw in law has Budgies, and they are nasty. Ins. Agent here has finches (OK, lots of them) and they are nasty.....What about the cats? Will they harass the birds? Could I let the birds out to play? (I love 'tiels, they seem so affectionate and personal)

The first time I held one, I was so suprised at how it felt and how little it weighed........so, so, Airy, if that makes sense. Just bones covered with feathers....but I can't deal with guano slung all over everywhere.

13 Mar 01 - 09:46 AM (#416536)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: GUEST,reecew@excite.com

We were really worried about traumatizing our four cats on our recent move, but it was the opposite! (Although poor Buster did get carsick just as we pulled into the new garage...WARNING SIGN: If your cat starts licking his lips over and over, he's about to spew...)

We put the litter box in the new master bath, and put some food and water in the bedroom. We opened the crates and shut the cats in there for an hour to go to supper. Little Duncan, the skittish one, immediately shot under our old dresser and stayed there, Sunny stayed in her crate, and Buster and Gracie got out to explore a bit.

When we got back, all the cats were fine, and they loved exploring the new house! Sunny and Buster used to fight and hiss in the old house, but now they curl up together in the morning sun. I think moving to a larger house really helped them bond because they aren't encroaching so much on each other's territory. We thought they'd be under the bed for a good week before coming out, but it was nothing like that.

Hope your move goes as well!

Reece Watkins

13 Mar 01 - 12:50 PM (#416678)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: annamill

When I was young, our family had a cat Named Sugar. He and I were very close. He would wake me in the morning by putting his paws under my head and shaking it. He would wait for me on the front porch until I came home from school and then race me to the top of the stairs to our apartment.

When we moved, we brought him along but he wasn't happy. One day he disappeared for about 3 days and of course I was heartbroken. My mother had a brainstorm and we went back to the old apartment and walked around psss-psssing and calling his name. After about 5 minutes, out comes Sugar so very happy to see me, purring and rubbing hisself around and around my legs. We brought him back home to the new place, but the next day he was gone again. This happened many times and we always went to get him.

One day he just wasn't there..and we never saw him again.

So, if one of your cats disappear after you move, be sure to go and check your old place. We moved a good distance from the old place and we were amazed that Sugar could find his way back from so far a distance. But he did.

Just a warning.

Love, annamill

13 Mar 01 - 02:20 PM (#416738)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: GUEST,Againanon

Oh, it's about cats. More than one of the other I would really like to see. Do your cat meow in English or Gaelic? Those older ones should have that Gaelic down Pat by now.

26 Jun 02 - 12:18 PM (#737438)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)

Refresh 'cause I'm moving 10 miles tomorrow- thanks for the great advice!

26 Jun 02 - 12:31 PM (#737451)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: Catherine Jayne

About a week ago Me and my cat Merlyn moved over 200 miles. She had a cat box with my dressing gown in it (familiar smell). She howled for the first 10 miles then settled down. We stopped on routed for her to have a drink. She came out of her travel box to sit on my knee for half an hour or so. She was fine and is settling in to her new home well.

Cat x (and Merlyn)

28 Jun 02 - 04:35 PM (#739035)
Subject: RE: BS: Help! I'm Moving My Pussies...
From: EBarnacle1

Be very careful about hyperthyroidism in cats. My friend had it and was prescribed a human medicine by her vet. A few days later, she nearly died. When we looked it up in the PDR, the adverse effects were clearly listed.

Good luck with the move. Generally, our cats have moved well. Here's hoping that keeps up.