Hello all!
I have been reading all over the place for the best idea of what to expect and how to to make this move as easy as possible on my Mav. Basically Mav is a senior kitty so I am a bit more concerned about him than I used to be. He has moved a few times - though we have been in this place for over 8 years now. He also has lived with several different cats over the years - so it isn't as if he has never experienced that before. I think he has been very happy to have me all to himself the past 3 years though and not have to contend with any other felines. I am joining forces with my boyfriend who already has 2 cats - both on the younger side (under 5). So here are the stats:
My Mav: 14 1/2 - male (neutered) - DEclawed - has always bit skittish and very needy of me specifically - seems pretty healthy regardless of his age and his last checkup (6 months ago) was great - but he does seem a bit more fragile to me now. He has some recent digestive issues I am investigating and plan another vet trip as soon as we are moved.
Being introduced to:
Nero: 4 - male (neutered) - claws - Very sweet and playful big lug - almost a "dog-cat" - though may want to "play" or pick fights with a new male.
Tess: 4 - female (spayed) - claws - Not the most social kitty. She was a stray - VERY territorial - only really loves my boyfriend and is jealous of anyone or anything else that comes near. She is a tough cookie - after over a year of spending time around her she only lets me pet her a wee bit when we first get home and she is in need of lovin! It is only moments before she is hissing and being very unfriendly. She sort of just puts up with Nero - but he gets his fair share of hissing from her. Every so often they squabble.
So I think the move to the new home should be handled almost separately from the introduction to his new friends. I am definitely planning on trying to acclimate him to the new home (via his own safe room at first) before tossing new pals at him. Hopefully this won't take too many days. Then I can try the introduction phase. While I have read all the details I can on this -- I bring to you my specific details in case anyone can advise me more. I think my biggest fear now is that Mav is older and may be less accepting of changes like these. I hope if I just take as much time as possible -- and maybe even sleep on the floor with him in his safe room -- all will be okay!
Thank you so much in advance!
I have been reading all over the place for the best idea of what to expect and how to to make this move as easy as possible on my Mav. Basically Mav is a senior kitty so I am a bit more concerned about him than I used to be. He has moved a few times - though we have been in this place for over 8 years now. He also has lived with several different cats over the years - so it isn't as if he has never experienced that before. I think he has been very happy to have me all to himself the past 3 years though and not have to contend with any other felines. I am joining forces with my boyfriend who already has 2 cats - both on the younger side (under 5). So here are the stats:
My Mav: 14 1/2 - male (neutered) - DEclawed - has always bit skittish and very needy of me specifically - seems pretty healthy regardless of his age and his last checkup (6 months ago) was great - but he does seem a bit more fragile to me now. He has some recent digestive issues I am investigating and plan another vet trip as soon as we are moved.
Being introduced to:
Nero: 4 - male (neutered) - claws - Very sweet and playful big lug - almost a "dog-cat" - though may want to "play" or pick fights with a new male.
Tess: 4 - female (spayed) - claws - Not the most social kitty. She was a stray - VERY territorial - only really loves my boyfriend and is jealous of anyone or anything else that comes near. She is a tough cookie - after over a year of spending time around her she only lets me pet her a wee bit when we first get home and she is in need of lovin! It is only moments before she is hissing and being very unfriendly. She sort of just puts up with Nero - but he gets his fair share of hissing from her. Every so often they squabble.
So I think the move to the new home should be handled almost separately from the introduction to his new friends. I am definitely planning on trying to acclimate him to the new home (via his own safe room at first) before tossing new pals at him. Hopefully this won't take too many days. Then I can try the introduction phase. While I have read all the details I can on this -- I bring to you my specific details in case anyone can advise me more. I think my biggest fear now is that Mav is older and may be less accepting of changes like these. I hope if I just take as much time as possible -- and maybe even sleep on the floor with him in his safe room -- all will be okay!
Thank you so much in advance!