MeOW Welcome to Service Cats and Everything Feline on Furidays. When we started this series back in June of 2016, we had no idea how it would be received. Nor did we know all the directions it would take. But, we knew that cats were often misunderstood and many lost their furever homes due to some of those misunderstandings regarding natural behaviors. And, we’re always looking for the opportunity to share how smart and talented kitties really are. So, a little over 2 years later, we’re still here taking your questions and post suggestions and hoping that we’re helping kitties everywhere. Ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can always ketch up by clickin’ the links on our Training Tips and Everything Feline page in our menu. And as always, you can submit your own questions or topic suggestions by leaving a comment in the comments section or sending us an email via our Contact page.
The following post will be written in human English for reader and translator ease. Our Service Cat posts aren’t intended to be an all inclusive Training Manual but rather Tips, Tricks and Techniques used/developed by mommy A thru her many years of animal training, cats in purr-ticular. And to offer insight into your questions about Everything Feline. Always remember, successful Training is all about Repetition and Rewards.
First up, we’d like to apologize for not posting last week. Mommy had a doctor’s appointment and just wasn’t up to computer time. But, we’re here this week and we’re going to be talking about Moving with cats. We thought our sweet angel Lexi should write this post. After all she and mommy moved 12 times throughout her lifetime.
Thanks Dezi, I’s did see a lot of new homes in my lifetime. Today I’s thought we’d talk about local moves, you know moving from one place to another that’s less than a 2 hour/100 mile drive. These moves usually occur over a couple of days. If you’re renting, Please, never lie to landlords about having cat(s). Inevitably we’re going to end up in a window and be seen; so honesty is the best policy. In our experience, it’s always good if you can get a letter of recommendation from previous landlords regarding your kitties. You know, like kitty is well behaved, didn’t destroy their property and wasn’t allowed to run loose and wreak havoc in the neighborhood. So, moving week is finally here and you’ve gathered boxes, turned on the utilities in the new home, scheduled turn off times for the current place and turned in your change of address forms.
Packing Day:
Most everybody knows, kitties love boxes, so make moving time fun. It will help relieve some of the stress and anxiety kitty may feel as more and more things disappear from shelves, closets and cabinets. Don’t forget to keep a Decompression room or area set up just in case kitty needs to chill. As you pack, talk to kitty about the move. Mommy always says things like, “you’re gonna love the new place.” “Don’t worry, I’d never leave you behind.” “You’re going with me.” “There’s a great window in our new place, you’ll be able to see everything.” Whether kitty understands all the words or not, the positive tone in your voice and the inclusion of kitty will make him/her feel more secure. Lay aside a few of kitty’s favorite toys, blankies/mats/pads/bed for kitty to continue to use. Allow kitty to check out the boxes as you pack. As you start moving boxes, be sure to keep an eye on the door. You don’t want kitty dashing out or escaping. If you have help (movers, friends, etc.) close kitty up in a bedroom or bathroom for safety and let everyone know not to open that door. We also suggest putting a sign on the door that states kitty is inside. Things can get confusing and people do get sidetracked and forget, so the sign is just a little reminder to all.
So many places to play with all these boxes.
Kitty’s New Home:
When you’re finally ready to move the last of your things including kitty, make sure the new home is set up and ready to welcome kitty home. The new place should have a litterbox, water bowl/fountain, favorite toys, blankie/bed and a highly scented piece of clothing from you. We recommend setting these things up in the areas they’ll be once everything is unpacked. You may or may not want to set up a small Decopmpressions Room/Area. Mommy’s never done so and doesn’t think it’s truly needed at this time. Kitty should be part of the last trip from the old house to the new. Because of this, you will be with kitty and that will help to relieve any stress kitty may be feeling.
Now is not the time to deep clean the litterbox, however, we do recommend scooping. We do understand that Jackson Galaxy recommends leaving a few deposits inside, but we don’t find that necessary so long as the box itself hasn’t been cleaned and some of the old litter remains inside. Once you bring kitty in, mommy recommends releasing kitty in the litterbox. Yep, she carries each kitty to the litterbox and sets them down in it. Of course, no kitty stays, but we never forget where the pawtty box is. MOL
Life has returned to normal. We’re together with our toys
and mommy. Nuffin’ else matters.
New Normal:
Hopefully You will have already put away a few things so there’s some semblance of normalcy in the new home. Don’t worry if kitty hides for a day or three or even skips a meal or two. However, you should keep kitty’s schedule as normal as possible. Remember, it’s you kitty is bonded too, not a home or even things. Your calm presence will bring kitty around in no time and you can all enjoy the new place. Local moves are the easiest moves you’ll ever make with kitty. Join us next time, for long haul moves. There’s more planning and chances for things to go wrong, but they can be highly successful and easy peasy when done right.
Thanks sis Lexi, me wouldn’t mind a move and me knows mommy wouldn’t either. Anyways, anypawdy who may be thinkin’ ‘bout movin’ doesn’t wanna miss our next Service Cat posty. Mommy and Shad moved from Texas to New Mexico, to Georgia, to Tennessee, and back to Texas successfully. So, ifin anypawdy has experience in movin’ with kitties, it’s mommy A. Don’t furget to leave your questions or topic suggestions in the comments section below or send us an email via our Contact page. We’re joinin’ Comedy Plus fur Feline Furiday.
Have you ever moved with a kitty?
What questions about moving do you have?
Till the next time……………………………………………….Be Blest!!!
Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses
Deztinee and RaenaBelle
Great tips ! We made a short move from upstairs to downstairs in July during the renovation of the kitchen, and Claire did it to make us feel safe and home. Purrs
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I learn so much here. I also get to see your cute babies.
Have a purrfect weekend. My best to your mom. ♥
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Fank you. Mommy luvs showin’ us off as much as we luv bein’ shown off. Sis Lexi was a real camera hog. She luvved the camra and it luvved her. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Great advice friends. We made a very short move from upstairs to downstairs and all of these suggestions were the same to what we did. When making the move it is very impawtent to not only watch doors but we were put into a room and Dad put a big note on the door DO NOT OPEN CATS. Even friends helping you move do not have the same understanding about escaping kitties that you do.
Another GREAT post. We hope to stop by more as Dad is getting close to the big ReTire! He has decided that 2018 will end his work life with only maybe a week in Jan. Whew Close. Purrs my friend
Timmy and Family
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Moving is hard – but it really depends upon the cat too. For the move to St Louis from Washington DC, Bear threw a fit until I took him out of the carrier … and he passed out on my lap. Kitty wasn’t big on being touched – bit I was surprised how easy it was. She did have a minor diabetic setback – but that was fixed easy enough. I feel so bad uprooting cats for a trip they don’t understand – but what’s the alternative? Leave them behind? I think not.
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Good fur you awnty Kat. Mommy says based in her many years of experience, us kitties would much rather be with you than anywhere else. No matter how nervous we may appear, the calming and luvvin’ voice of our human makes everything alright. We’re glad ya’ll made it okay. And yes, some kitties travel better outside of a carrier and some inside. It’s kind of just knowin’ your kitty. We’ll meow more ’bout that in our long distance move posty next time. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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Great tips that I hope to never need. XO
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MOL We hope you don’t either awnty Ellen. Big hugs
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
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That was great sweet Angel Lexi, we miss you. I hope we never have to move though. Love ya sweeties!
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