Moving house with cat

[YBR]

We're hoping to move to a larger house, and I am wondering what to do with the cat when the time comes. She's been with us about 4 years and came from an RSPCA rescue centre. I remember her being very stressed in their cattery, and as a result we leave her home alone when we go on holiday with a neighbour coming in to feed her.

My PiL have moved several times using a cattery for a couple of days during the process. This seems a good idea as the cat won't be underfoot, or disappear at the key moment, or have to be shut in her basket for a long time, however, I'm not sure how stressed our cat will get. Anybody got any experiences/ideas?

Secondly, once we have moved we'll have to keep our cat in and thus provide a litter tray. We don't normally have one as she has the cat flap and goes out. Any genius ideas to keep the toddler (2yo) out of the litter tray?

[Mogz]

We packed everything over a few days, moved it to the new house and set everything up whilst leaving a bowl of food, water, litter tray and the cat flap on the setting that let's them in but not out at the old house. Then once we had most stuff in place at the new house we put food bowl, water and litter tray in the new spare bedroom, went back to the old house got the cats in their carriers and popped them in the new spare bedroom. Left them the for one night to settle then the next morning, making sure all doors and windows were closed, let them explore the house. Kept them in for about 10 days.
You can get covered trays that might keep the toddler out, hopefully!

[YBR]

I expect we'll be part of a chain, and having to leave doors open for loading. I get the impression we won't be able to set up the new place then go back to the old.
Actually, I've no idea how it will work!

Will look out for a new litter tray then, that sounds hopeful.

[RandomMess]

Get a dog crate/large kittening cage. More room than in a basket but keeps them contained.

[YBR]

I'd not want to buy a large dog cage just for one day while moving, but it is a great idea. I'll ask a few people I know with big dogs 'cos borrowing one would be ideal ... or perhaps boarding kennels/rescue centre would "hire" one out.

[cozietoesie]

One of the vets who contribute to the board mentioned that they have large crates that people can borrow/rent very cheaply. Might be worth enquiring of your?

[marriedinwhiteisback]

The litter tray needs to be put in a room with a child gate across it. The cat will get through the bars but the child won't.

We are also moving in about six weeks although the transition is quite gradual. We are wondering if it would be a good idea to take the cats (3) to the new house about 10 days before we move in; with a litter tray and twice daily visits so that they get used to it and by the time we move in they are pleased to see us and we can let them out and they will come home because they want to see us. Not so sure personally and worried about wees on new carpets should they sneak beyond the kitchen into the main house.

Any one done this? Two brothers of 6.5 and an adopted urchin of 5.5.

[cozietoesie]

I wouldn't personally because they might get real antsy at being left largely alone in a strange place for 10 days, particularly at night. I'd do it on the day, taking them first, putting in a room with all their doings and shutting the door. (Am assuming you're close enough to the new house to nip across quickly before the vans arrive.)

[marriedinwhiteisback]

Thanks Cozie - I didn't think it was a good idea either.

[YBR]

Thanks cozie for the suggestion. I've found someone with a large cage for their dog which they don't use, and are very willing to lend.

I expect the safety gate arrangement can be sorted for a while - it's worth teaching DD to stay out of a litter tray in any case as my PIL have a cat who's kept indoors at night and this has a tray.