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

 

with angel guest, Alexandra (Lexi)