Posted by
whiskey
19 yrs ago
Hi,
I am moving my house cat to our new apartment and was wondering if anyone has any advice on how to get her settled in - any techniques?
Also, I'm a bit worried she might start scratching the furniture - apart from clipping her nails and using a water pistol, has anyone got any tried and tested tips?
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Keep her in one room for the first few days until she gets used to it and gets over the shock of moving. I have 2 very nervous cats and have moved 3 times in 5 years.
They usually hide in a wardrobe or under the bed for a day or so. Also don't leave doors or windows open for the first 2 weeks or she may try to escape and go back to her old flat. Sounds stupid but I have heard of this happening dozens of times.
I think they only scratch when they are happy and comfortable so this won't be a problem at first but you might want to put a scratching post in whatever room they're in just to make sure. Also, mine usually go off their food for a few days but the vet told me this is normal when they are stressed. Good luck.
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Thanks for the advice - can I just ask about scratching in general? Do you get you cat's nails clipped? I'm a bit worried once she's settled in, the sofa and everything else will be fair game!
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This is some advice from a "cat" friend, although her cats are very nosy and demand to be allowed to explore everywhere immediately, so no waiting in a small room for a couple of days as Chiriqui rightly suggests.
Move the litter tray still with a 'gift' or two in it. The cats will recognise the familiar scent in their new home.
Put a dab of something they really like on their paws. Washing relaxes them.
Scratching post is a good idea as cats use the scratching to scent their 'home' (scent glands in paw pads). Again, this will give a familiar, territory smell to the place.
Put the cats in a small room before you move, with all their usual home comforts.
Prepare a similar room in the new place. Put them in it and let them decide when to get out of their carrier.
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Hi whiskey my vet once tried to clip their nails but even he said it was more trouble than it was worth after he nearly lost an arm - mine are pretty feral. I just keep 2 or 3 scratching posts around the flat covered in catnip. I also use a citrus room spray on the sofa and that seems to deter them (cats hate citrus scents).
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