Kitty Corner

Keep your feline fine: Kerrie McKeon, Bideawee's Feline Behavior Coordinator shows you how!



Cats bond with their territory in a way that dogs don't, so moving can be very stressful for them. Here are some tips for making the move safely and sanely with your feline friend:

  • Be sure to leave all your cat's "things," such as scratching posts, cat trees, beds, toys, and of course, food, water, and litter box with her until the last possible moment.
  • It may sound odd, but explaining the move helps, too. Speak to your cat in comforting tones, and treat her to extra playtime, brushing, or petting to help her relax and know that all is well.
  • You may want to invest in some Feliway, a synthetic hormone spray that calms and comforts many cats. You just lightly spray your cats bedding and carrier with it an hour or so before the big move.
  • Be sure to have your cats confined to one "safe room" while the movers are in the house. Put a large, clearly written sign on the door telling the movers to please "KEEP OUT!"
  • Be sure that in the new home, the cats' things are in a similar setting as in your last home.
  • Although you may be tempted to let your cat out of the carrier while in the car, don't do it! She may cry through the whole trip, but she is much safer and happier in the carrier than bouncing around the whole interior of your car - or possibly escaping when the door opens.
  • If it is a long trip, have a clean litter box on the floor in the back of the car, and periodically stop at a rest stop, and allow your cat to come out of the carrier and eat, drink, and use her toilet, all while receiving some much deserved praise and petting!
  • Once everything is moved into your new place, you can decide whether to set up a new "safe room," or to let your cat explore the new surroundings right away. If your cat seems stressed and runs to hide immediately, then a "safe room" might be the best place to start the transition.




    • MORE KITTY CORNER COLUMNS:
    How to Get Some Sleep If You Have a Noisy Cat
    Playtime for Seniors! Older Cats Are Frisky Too!
    Ideas for Inexpensive, Homemade Cat Toys


    DO-IT-YOURSELF CAT TOY

    The mystery of where missing socks end up may not ever be solved, but there is finally something you can do with that lonely, remaining sock that has lost its mate to the abyss of the laundry room: turn it into a homemade cat toy! You'll save money and your cat will love you for it.

    Sew Velcro strips into the sock opening so it can be closed up and easily reopened. Next, fill the sock with batting, scrap fabric, or dried catnip, and seal shut. In no time, your kitty will have a new favorite plaything!

    Your cat's playtime can be even more exciting when you attach the sock toy to a length of yarn and pull it along the floor. Thanks to the Velcro, when the catnip loses it potency, refills are easy!



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