Another stray showed up

[Tina B and crew]

I would be fine with trading cat carriers, but here's the rub on that one - The one I will use is a pretty large carrier (not your standard size for a cat). It gives him plenty of room to stand, turn around, and stretch out on a long drive. We bought them to use for evacuations in Florida and used them when we moved here so the cats would have stretch room on the long trip. Whatever blankets I have in it will be his to keep. I'll also be bringing the toys he has been playing with. He seems fairly adaptable at this point so I hope he will travel well. I have no problem coming straight there at all Vickie....as long as you trust me. I will send you my phone number in a PM so you will have a way to reach me when I travel.

Traci, I assure you Doc will not be out of his carrier except in the hotel we stay in and only after I have the doors locked and shut for the night. I may shut him in the bathroom even if it is big enough, just to be on the safe side.

I was thinking the same as Traci when it comes to introductions. I think Izzy should get settled first. Doc's world has been kind of turned on its side anyway and like I said, he seems pretty adaptable.

[Cleo]

My apologies for the bad advice. I was just going off of what's worked best for me but given the circumstances on both ends of Slvr and Tina, what's been decided sounds like it'll work best. Good luck.

[Traci]

Cleo, that's not bad advice, not at all. In another situation, it would most likely work very well and as a matter of fact, I've also done it in the past. I'm simply thinking relocation stress - Izzy to a new apartment, Doc to a new person, home, sibling etc. Relocation is the most common form of extreme stress for cats and I always warn owners about the potential repercussions (particularly illness, sometimes leading to serious liver problems - if the owner is not diligent in watching their cats for signs of stress).

[Tina B and crew]

One more quirk if Doc's...he tears up cardboard boxes. I had one sitting here and he's manages to chew the corners of the flaps off. There are cardboard pieces all over the floor...silly boy!

Cleo...ditto what Traci said. Not bad advice at all. I just thought it might be best for Izzy to go first since Vickie is her person first. Hopefully they will both do just fine.

[slvrwhispr]

Here's what's going to happen, I'm almost positive.

Izzy will pitch a fit for about a week. She'll pee on the couch, lick her tail obsessively (that's how I know she's stressed), and ignore my existence. I'll ply her with tuna and let her hide in the closet until she forgets why she was scared and leaves her poor tail alone. Then she'll get over it and be back to normal. That's how she's been with every rehoming, and when I brought Emmy in. If she does anything out of character, I'll get her to the vet. If not, then I'll just keep her calm and not worry.

Doc, if he's as chill as Tina describes, will go, "What's her problem? Sheesh. Well, more cuddles for me."

I'm not super worried about it. I'm sure both critters will be fine. I just wasn't sold either way on whether to let Izzy have the run of the place for a little bit before I brought Doc in or not. Survey says yes, so that's how it'll go!

[Tina B and crew]

I hope he doesn't disappoint!!

[slvrwhispr]

He won't. He can't. I'm thoroughly in love and I cannot wait to have him by my side.

[slvrwhispr]

First night in the new apartment. I would cheer, but I'm too exhausted. Got some stuff put away, but no furniture is moved in yet, so. Just me and the air mattress. Wheee.

Guess we should start making plans, eh Tina?

[Tina B and crew]

Yes, yes we should!! I need to register for classes which start in September so as soon as I've done that I will know my schedule. I'm assuming a weekend is going to work best for you and that should be just fine for me.

Doc seems to look better every single day. He's so sleek and healthy looking! Word of warning...leave no cardboard boxes about where he can get to them.

[slvrwhispr]

Hahaha. Yes, weekends will be best. The weekend of September 22, I will be out of town. All others are open.

Also, my mom asked today if she could keep Izzy. Since I'm getting another cat.

HAHAHAHAHA no. No, and give me my cat. Non-negotiable. Sorry, lady. Lots of critters at the shelter to adopt, though, if you decide you need a pet in the house.