just moved - cat terrified

ajandtoby

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Hi all. I just moved to a town house apartment.
I brought my two year old neutered cat named
Toby. As I was unloading the uhaul, I put Toby
in the upstairs office area with his food, water,
and litter box plus his favorite toy. Once
everything was unpacked, I tried to bring him
downstairs, but he completely freaked out. We've
lived here now for six days and he refuses to
come explore the new place. I put him in the kitchen,
but he walks around crying and is just so afraid.
I want him to be comfortable, but I don't know what
to do. He's eating, drinking, and using the litter box
perfectly. I've tried giving him treats and petting him.
Nothing reassures him. I've had him since he was 7
weeks old and he is my baby. What should I do?
 

lovemyzeus

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I am no expert however, when we moved from NJ to Florida (8 years ago) I drove my two cats down in a Honda Element, we stayed at a pet friendly hotel overnight, and we did not arrive at our new home until 3AM the next day. When we got to the house I put both cats, their liter boxes, water and food in the laundry room and locked them in their until we came back the next morning.

Needless to say, they were unhappy campers!  They were both pretty traumatized by their 3 day ordeal :(

Once all of the moving was done I just left the laundry room door open and let them come out on their own. They did eventually do so then it was a few days after that day that they finally explored the upstairs.

I would just leave the door open and let your Toby come out when he is ready. Cats are naturally curious so he will eventually be unable to stop himself ;)

It may take a little longer for your kitty to do so but I feel confident it will happen.

I hope that helps :)
 
Last edited:

pusheen

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I would say 100% confine him to his own, quiet room for a few days, if possible (it can even be your bedroom if you don't mind). It should have his food, water, litter, and a safe place to hide, with familiar toys and objects (like his blanket or bed). Visit him often, and let him come out when he seems willing. He's been introduced to a whole lot of new place all at once, which, for a little kitty, is startling. Get him comfortable little by little.
 

Columbine

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A 'sanctuary room' is the best way to go. Set one room up with everything he needs - just like if you were bringing a new cat home. He doesn't need to be fully shut in, but a baby gate might help him feel more secure at first (without totally preventing him from exploring as he gains confidence again).

If he likes cardboard scratchers or scratch pads, get several of them and put them in his sanctuary room. Once they've had a bit of use, move them into other parts of the house. The same goes for other scent soakers, such as blankets, cat beds, pillows etc. The more you can spread his scent around the house, the more confident he'll feel when he does venture out.

Interactive play is essential too. Anyplace a cat catches and eats it's prey becomes its territory, so play that follows the hunt-kill-eat cycle will really help boost his confidence.

Don't forget calming measures like Feliway too. Spirit Essences could also help, as could Composure.

He WILL get through this. Stay calm, don't panic, and let him explore in his own time.
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di and bob

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It just takes TIME. It may well be weeks before he feels comfortable, cats hate change with a passion! Just give him extra attention and love, and maybe a 'calming' treat (I get mine on Amazon) and he'll come around in time, everything is just too different for him right now!
 
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