Hey!
My boyfriend and I are moving in together and already have two adult (neutered) female cats.
The apartment is large and has 2 floors.
The ground floor in a completely open floor plan.
Both our cats are quite “messy” and that makes me a little worried.
My cat (4 years) is very attached to me, likes to hang over my shoulder and sleep in bed with me.
If I get a visit, she hides under the bed and stays there for a while before she dares to come out again.
My idea is to drop my cat upstairs and have her drawer in the bathroom up there.
We’ll take my bed with us and it’s her little safe place so that’s why the thinking goes that way.
Thought to let them sniff at each other through the cages and then let his cat be released downstairs and have his box there.
Am I thinking completely wrong in this reasoning or is it a good plan?
Very grateful for help. Feeling worried!
Hi Wilma!
I think it might be a good idea for them to have their own space to begin with. It sounds like the apartment will be new for both cats, it can definitely be an advantage as neither of them has a territory there yet. Remember to be patient and let it take time! For some it goes faster, others need more time to accept the new situation.
Cats are sensitive to change and things like moving, re-furnishing, new cat in the neighborhood, new family member, changed family relationships, disagreement in the cat herd, vet visits, etc. are just a few examples of things that can make your cat stressed. They are complicated creatures and many times it is easy to understand that they are stressed but difficult to understand why.
To try to reduce the cats’ stress and to make the move and assembly as “smooth” as possible, I would use Feliway fragrance emitter 1-2v before moving – both in the new apartment (if possible) and then one with each cat. It spreads synthetic pheromones that mimic the cat’s own “safety pheromones” and helps to make the cats feel safe in their territory.
In addition, I would also give them Zylkéne for about 3-4 days before moving and then for the first time together (about 1-2 weeks). Zylkéne is a non-prescription dietary supplement that has a mild sedative effect and can reduce cats’ stress levels. This allows the cats to stand for a longer time if needed.
It is important that both cats meet their needs and that they both have a box, sleeping area, dining area, etc. Please read a little about the cat’s thirteen sacred needs, ie the needs we as animal owners must ensure that they are satisfied – especially if they are indoor cats or do not want to go out.
If they are not outdoor cats, it is also a good idea to make sure that their claws are freshly cut, so that none of them are damaged by them should they smoke together.
Good luck!