UrbanAnimal

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Dear UrbanAnimal,

We're moving into a new home next month and our cat Adam is becoming alarmed as we pack boxes. He's used to us going away for weekends or even weeks at a time but we've always had a friend come and stay at our house. This time he seems to know that something different is happening. He's happy as an indoor cat but lately he's been trying to race out the door whenever it's opened. He's also been picky about his food and won't sleep on the bed with us which is very unusual as he's slept with us since he was a kitten. How are we supposed to keep packing, get moved and settle into our new home when it's clear that Adam is upset?

Melissa

 

Melissa, it would seem that Adam is indeed a sensitive cat and his behavioural changes may be his way of telling you he's concerned about the different sounds and movements that accompany a move from one home to the next.

He's also most likely mirroring some of your own stress. Animals are uncannily aware of changes in the emotions of other beings in their household which can translate into a stressed animal.

But it may also be that these changes are coincidental, that a medical issue has cropped up concurrently with your moving plans. And of course any changes in household routine can exacerbate a medical problem.

In other words, book an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out any number of illnesses.

When health issues are ruled out, your veterinarian can suggest ways to help Adam feel confident that although things may be unsettling to him right now, he is indeed an important member of the family and he has every reason to feel completely secure in his world. There is an increasing array of calming remedies available - both holistic and conventional - that may help.

Your veterinarian and pet supply store are both excellent resources for aromatherapies, pheromone and herbal and flower products, just to name a few.

In the meantime, try hard to spend as much quality time with Adam as possible. Play with him, brush him, sing to him, lift onto your bed to reassure him that all is well and it's business as usual even if it's a little unsettled at the moment.

On moving day, I strongly suggest you board Adam with a friend, neighbour, boarding facility or your veterinary clinic.

You mentioned Adam is an indoor cat who is currently showing interest in beating a path to the outdoors so it's important he be tucked safely away from all the upheaval at home. As I wrote above, animals are sensitive to change. A few take it in stride, some consider it a wonderful adventure, but most, especially cats, see it as Chicken Little: "The sky is falling!"

The best place for Adam is in a quiet location, far away from the activity of moving day.

Be sure to pack Adam's food, toys and other essentials together to make it easier to create a familiar atmosphere prior to his homecoming. Make sure your new home is clear of strangers, the dust is settled and your own stress level has lessened. When he comes to the new house for the first time, allow him to do whatever feels most comfortable to him.

Some cats head directly under a familiar piece of furniture, emerging only when they're ready, which could be minutes or days. Others set out with their noses, sniffing every nook and cranny. Many others simply saunter around then sit down to consider the situation. Adam may surprise you,

I hope you and your family (including Adam, of course) are happy in your new home for many years to come.

 

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.