Need advice

[catsmeow@yahoo.com]

I need some help. I am looking to relocate to the Texas area, and I'm not sure how to do it with my cats. When I moved to FL from Mn, my siamese flipped out once we got here. He was not the cat I had before the move, he bit my fiance, and growled and hissed if we would walk in the room. He has since adapted, but I am worried about this move, and I now have an 8 month old kitten to move as well. Some friends have told me to get something to relax them for the trip, but I don't want to do that if I don't have to. On the other hand, I am moving to a house where there are young children, and I can't take the chance that either of them will flip out again. Please help if you have any ideas. We leave 4/5/04.

[davet]

i think, with kids involved you would do good to check with your vet and see if there is something new that might help them relax and get used to the new surroundings, and then i suspect it might be a good idea to get, or build a relativlly large cage to keep them in untill they settle...most cats take the moves pretty good,just go into isolation..Ours hid in the attic for about 10 days but was not traumatized enough to not eat cause she ate the food we put in ther for her...after that episode she lasted about 15 years.....but with your previous history i think a cage or a :den: for them to hide it for a while might help

[Yzma]

and some familiar smells from your old place...

here are some info links:
http://www.fabcats.org/is13.html
http://www.cats.org.uk/html/index.php?sect_id=63
http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/Care/Cats/004/07.htm

[catsmeow]

Thank you so much for the info. I am much more comfortable about the idea of moving now. I want them to be as comfortable as possible. You guys are great and I hope to be back soon.

[Guest]

A natural 'tranquilizer' from long ago days: As soon as cat is in the new home and placed in comfortable isolation (as described above) put butter or heavy cream on tops of the front paws - this occupies the cat with grooming and provides a tasty treat at the same time.

BTW, re the otherwise excellent links given here: It has been many years since I would allow a cat to go outdoors, period, let alone in a new location... but I suppose the option has to be included...

BTW #2 - If you should be moving to the Austin area, I can give you some dandy kitty connections!


ExTexan

[E's]

Something strange here - main board indicated I was signed in; post above says 'guest' and bulletin board help says 'sorry, name taken'... Let's see how this works... hmmph oh well. Not the end of the World, just one of those days when I wonder if I really do exist...
Dot B, New Orleans