Helping cats move house

[VannaB]

I'm due to move (if it EVER happens-very stressful) soon and have 2 house cats who aren't used to strangers. When I do move, eventually I will introduce them to outdoors as it's a safe environment whereas here it's a busy road.
Anyway, I digress... I am concerned about the moving day. I plan to shut them in the bathroom with food and cat beds when the removal men turn up, but am worried the noise and movement they can hear will scare them and that by the time I transport them to the new house they wil be so stressed out and scared it won't be good for them.
I want this to be as stress-less as possible for them. What does anyone recommend? Is it worth speaking to my vet as can he give them anything to relax them?

[divegirl]

Hi, you can give cats Bach flower Rescue Remedy.....so that should help to keep them calm. It's a good idea to keep them locked in somewhere with all the to-ing and fr-ing involved on moving day....what about putting a radio in the bathroom with them to help block out outside noise. And don't forget a notice on the bathroom door to remind people that they are in there, you don't want some one forgetting and letting them out by accident!
Good luck with the move.
Lisa x

http://www.naturalpetcare.co.uk/flower.htm

[annavc]

I moved house about 6 months ago. Although we did it ourselves rather than having removal men in there was still loads of disruption with boxes everywhere, lots of people in and out etc. We did what you are suggesting - Sam stayed in the living room with his litter tray, food, water etc. and I popped in every hour or so to make a fuss of him then we left him there while we did various trips to the new place and even unpacked a little and sorted furniture out before going back to the old house and collecting him and all his luggage. Before letting him out of his carrier we put his food, water and litter tray, his scratching post and a couple of toys out so he immediately had some familiar things around him.

He was absolutely fine. In fact he loved all the boxes both before and after - so much exploring to do - he nearly got himself packed a few times!

I think what you're suggesting is fine and divegirl's idea about the Rescue Remedy and a radio playing in the room with them is a good one.

Good Luck!

[VannaB]

Thanks for the advice. I'v ealready thought of the sign on the door-I keep having dreams of my cats accidentally escaping and geting lost!!

I just know the cats will love the new house as it's so much bigger and they've never seen stairs before! I just don't want them to work themselves into a state. or maybe that's me working myself into a state?

[wazzaa]

who's freaking out the most, is it the cats or is it you VannaB? The cats can pickup your vibes and respond accordingly, rather like children. So keep cool and they will be better, I heard you say 'that's easier said than done', well post in your experience of the day, as I shall be moving in June, with a 17 yr old cat who happens to be very territorial, going to be next door to 3 cats and 1 dog. It should be fun. Wazza X