Moving Day for Cat

BeBe will not venture into the bedroom, and if I bring her in there she runs right out. Now Scout is joining us all in the living room so BeBe is running out of territory. She's been staying under the table for the most part. I've never seen my cats behave so territorially, and BeBe has never behaved so timidly. What can I do to help BeBe relax and enjoy the whole house with us?

~~ Christie

Expert Reply

Hi Christie,

The one thing you need to understand is that there is no way to force the situation here. Both cats will require time to make the adjustment. It sounds as though Scout is going to transition sooner than BeBe.

What BeBe needs the most from you right now is to accept her where she is currently at in the transition, and just provide loving support. Let her be wherever she wants to be, as long as it is not a part of the house considered off limits. If you give her enough time, she should gradually come around and decide to do some exploring on her own. As long as she is using her litter box as she should, and eating and drinking normally, there is no need to worry about anything.

I hope this advice makes you feel a little better. Thanks for your question.

~~ Kelly

It's Moving Day for Cat

About two years ago I acquired a cat named Smokey from my neighbor who saved him from abusive owners. I am about to move nine blocks from my current home, and my neighbor has asked that I take Smokey with me because he is moving out of state.

I love this cat, but I am afraid that if I take him with me he'll want to get back to his old neighborhood and become injured in the process. What do I do to keep him home and safe? He is usually a roamer at night, and likes to sleep all day. I am very concerned about his future safety.

Please help~~ Gloria

Expert Reply

Hi Gloria,

Whenever possible, I prefer keeping cats inside rather than letting them roam outdoors. There are just too many ways for them to become injured.

Have you thought about trying to change his routine? You might try gradually lessening the time you let him outside while you're still living at your current home. This will help prepare him for the upcoming move.

Once you're at your new house it should be easier to dispense with letting him outside altogether. As long as you provide a litter box for him inside, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You might also want to provide him with a cat tree and a few new toys so he can get the kind of exercise he would if he was climbing and jumping around outside.

If you feel up to the challenge, you might also think about adopting a spayed/neutered kitten from a shelter to provide Smokey with a new companion to further distract him from his old routine.

I certainly hope you can work things out~~ Kelly