Rehoming a cat... Ways to lessen impact?
Discussion
Aargh.
Currently feeling mega guilty. Off travelling for at least 6months-1yr so my lovely cat is moving in with some friends. He's an 11yo indoor-based moggy. I am the centre of his world and he is currently on my lap (standard)
He's moving into a nice new place, slightly bigger than here but with no children or other pets. What other things can I do to lessen the trauma of the move?
Currently feeling mega guilty. Off travelling for at least 6months-1yr so my lovely cat is moving in with some friends. He's an 11yo indoor-based moggy. I am the centre of his world and he is currently on my lap (standard)
He's moving into a nice new place, slightly bigger than here but with no children or other pets. What other things can I do to lessen the trauma of the move?
Yep as above and he needs all his toys, bedding, food/water bowl, litter trays, carrier etc to move with him too, rather than new ones being bought; as they will all be 'home' to him.
Also leave some of your clothes with him... wear them around the house (when you are alone) for a few weeks before, so that they really pick up your smell for him (& don't wash them & tell your friends not to wash them either).
Feliway (or Pet Remedy) will help him settle as MC suggested (ours don't react to Feliway).
Also leave some of your clothes with him... wear them around the house (when you are alone) for a few weeks before, so that they really pick up your smell for him (& don't wash them & tell your friends not to wash them either).
Feliway (or Pet Remedy) will help him settle as MC suggested (ours don't react to Feliway).
Thanks, I'm intending to do all of those things. Unfortunately it'll be a new litter tray as the current one has become very stinky but everything else is going with him. I'm going to go to the new home with him so he at least knows I'm there for a while. Just feel mega guilty but he will be well taken care of.
He will do fine esp if you are going to be there for a bit first.My old two had to stay with my parents for a few months, I was there initially but my boy being very nervous took a while to bond with my parents. He actually bonded with them better once I had moved!
I know how you feel but you seem to be doing everything right for him
And as Ali said two trays.
I know how you feel but you seem to be doing everything right for him
And as Ali said two trays.
Edited by bexVN on Saturday 25th July 17:56
It is meant to be a stress reliever. Especially for cats that are very particular about using a tray twice, also if put in different places they are more likely to find privacy when they want to go! (very important to some cats)
If he has always been good with one don't worry too much, however two in a new home wouldn't be a bad move especially if he is to be an indoor cat.
If he has always been good with one don't worry too much, however two in a new home wouldn't be a bad move especially if he is to be an indoor cat.
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