Tips for moving your outdoor cat to new home

DEAR JOAN: I read your column about moving with indoor kitties; I would appreciate any tips for making a move of 500 miles with a mostly outdoor kitty.

First thing on my list is to get him chipped before the move. Any ideas on how to get him from Point A to Point B in a car?

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Stressed

Los Gatos

DEAR STRESSED: Traveling with pets isn’t always easy, but most do really well. Take deep breaths, we’ll get you and kitty through this.

When you describe your cat as a mostly outdoor kitty, I’m going to assume that the cat comes indoors some of the time and is OK with being picked up, taken to the vet and so forth. At least two weeks before your move, put out the carrier and let the cat get used to seeing it. Encourage it to get inside by dropping in treats and toys.

Start feeding the cat alongside the carrier, and then inside. You want the cat to associate the carrier with good things, not trips to the vet or punishments.

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On moving day, place kitty in the carrier and then in the car. Yes, you may hear some howling and complaining, but don’t worry. Your cat either will get used to it, or you’ll get used to the noise. The cat will forgive you, eventually.

During the drive, leave the cat in its carrier until you’ve stopped some place safe for a potty or food break. Don’t be worried if the cat doesn’t want to do either.

When I moved from New Mexico to California, my cat showed no interest in food or the litter box until we were just outside Los Angeles, when he started throwing a tremendous fit. I quickly pulled off the freeway and opened his crate. He hopped down into the litter box, did his business and went right back into his carrier on his own.

Use the breaks to pet the cat and remind it that things will be OK — but don’t be tempted to let it outside. I love cats, but it would be just like one to run away and keep you searching for hours.

Once you get to your destination, I’d recommend using the opportunity to transition the cat from outdoors to indoors. This is the easiest way to do it as the cat already is dealing with a lot of change and usually accepts the new reality.

If you want to continue letting the cat outdoors, wait a couple of days after you’ve moved before allowing the cat to explore outside. Use that time to scope out the area for neighborhood dogs and cats, traffic and neighbors who wouldn’t be happy to see another cat in their yard. If you live near open space, ask around about coyotes and other wildlife.

If you decide to let kitty remain an outside cat, keep an eye on it the first few times you let it out, making sure it doesn’t wander too far from home and that it knows its way back.

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You may want to leave a favorite blanket or some clothing of yours near the door to help the cat smell its way home.

DEAR JOAN: Someone recently commented about hummingbirds being feisty. One day, I was enjoying a beautiful red-tailed hawk that was perched right across the street on a fence.

All of a sudden, a hummingbird flew faster than the wind out of my neighbor’s yard and went at the hawk from several angles. The hawk soon flew off. It was exhilarating to watch.

Arlene Southern

Oakland

DEAR ARLENE: My Chihuahua thinks he’s a Great Dane, so perhaps the hummingbird thought it was a 747.

Contact Joan Morris at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com. Follow her at Twitter.com/AskJoanMorris. Read more of her Animal Life columns at www.mercurynews.com/animal-life.

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Categories: Outdoor