I'm not so new a few years back I joined the cat site because my Rhapsody was pregnant and I wanted to be the best mid-wife I could be. Then shortly after her babies left the roost my Trouble crossed the bridge. After losing Trouble I was not going to get another cat for a while and then my husband brings home this black ball of fire, enter Vladamir.
I am here today, as another life change catastrophe is about to happen and I am looking for advice. I did not know where I should post this cry for help.
My husband and I are losing our home, the good news is we are not being left on the street, my parents are allowing us two years to get back on our feet at their home. We have one dog, Buddy, who is in his golden years at aget 13 and the two cats, Rhapsody and Vladamir. My concerns are for the cats as mom and dad have two active dogs a jack russle named Yady and a blue healer named Mistic. But my worse concern is that they are out in the country with of course many stray cats and many big big birds.
Dad would like us to keep the cats outside and mom says well, if they are moving in I have to let my cat in too. Rhapsy and Vlad will win their hearts but Vlad is very sensitive we had work done on our home due to water damamge around the holidays and he licked his belly and legs bare. How to I help them handle this change.
Sean, my husband says that he will teach them to use the doggie door to that they will not be outdoor cats, so that problem solved. But what if they do not come in because of the dogs. I was thinking I would just lock them up in my room until they realize that this is their home and break them into the current pets of the house slowly.
Any advice and where should I post this to get the best help?
DreamWeaver
I am here today, as another life change catastrophe is about to happen and I am looking for advice. I did not know where I should post this cry for help.
My husband and I are losing our home, the good news is we are not being left on the street, my parents are allowing us two years to get back on our feet at their home. We have one dog, Buddy, who is in his golden years at aget 13 and the two cats, Rhapsody and Vladamir. My concerns are for the cats as mom and dad have two active dogs a jack russle named Yady and a blue healer named Mistic. But my worse concern is that they are out in the country with of course many stray cats and many big big birds.
Dad would like us to keep the cats outside and mom says well, if they are moving in I have to let my cat in too. Rhapsy and Vlad will win their hearts but Vlad is very sensitive we had work done on our home due to water damamge around the holidays and he licked his belly and legs bare. How to I help them handle this change.
Sean, my husband says that he will teach them to use the doggie door to that they will not be outdoor cats, so that problem solved. But what if they do not come in because of the dogs. I was thinking I would just lock them up in my room until they realize that this is their home and break them into the current pets of the house slowly.
Any advice and where should I post this to get the best help?
DreamWeaver
Cats adjust just fine to living in a smaller space. You just have to make sure they have as much VERTICAL space as possible - and you have to play with them some extra to make sure they get exercise. 
Bird watching is a favorite activity. We make sure they have window seats at all the windows - and we put up those bird feeders that have suction cups on them that stick on the window. In the summer it doesn't attract as many birds - but they will LOVE it in the fall and Winter! 
(During the summer the squirrels are just as fun to watch at the feeder 
2 - 3 days should be fine. You may also want to purchase some Feliway spray if you can afford it. Feliway is a synthetic hormone that mimics the "friendly" markers in cats' cheeks and will help them feel less stressed during all the turmoil and change in the territory. 
