moving 4 cats to a new house

by Amber
(Oregon)

I know our feline family is smallish but we have some issues. I had two cats: one adult calico queen and a male outdoor-only cat. Two years ago, my partner brought an older Maine coon queen to the mix. The coon has a hard time adjusting to everything and is usually either terrified or angry. She acts out by missing the litter box by about a mile. Last year we rescued a Manx kitten male. He is now grown and pushing everyone's boundaries (bullying). He has started peeing in front of the toilet. The calico is well-behaved for the most part acting "above it all" or bullying the dog.

The question is this: we are about to move the whole lot to a new house. We want to minimize these issues for the new place and hopefully eliminate them altogether - if everyone can be on the same level in the move. How do we do this?

Here is my instinct: Put all 3 indoor cats into a set-up guest room with 3 boxes and 3 carrier dens. And rescue remedy. Let each cat out individually to explore the new home at their leisure, having placed cat boxes in their final places - one on each level of the house for each individual to familiarize with. Eventually let them out in pairs, and then all three together. I'm hoping that they'll bond a bit while they're insecure in the guest room together?

We're also considering training the Manx to use the toilet. He seems to want that anyway.

The outdoor cat will hang in the garage for a couple of days with his cat house before he goes back outside.

Thanks a lot for the advice. We feel totally maxed out with these 4 cats. There must be a better way!

Amber

P.S. All of the cats have been altered. We refer to the girls as "Queens" because they ACT like royalty!

RESPONSE

Your plan is a good one and should help. Moving will stress all of them out and level the playing field as far as territorial issues are concerned. They will all be forced to stake out new territory in a new place. Be sure to play with them and offer special treats so will will associate good things with each other and their new home.
You may want to try the Bach Flower Essence Walnut or, if there is time, Ultimate Changing Times from Spirit Essences. (Click the links on the left for more info) Start them before you move and continue them after. Rescue Remedy will help on the actual moving day or anytime one of them seems especially stressed.
For the outdoor cat, keep him confined for at least 2 weeks to help him get acclimated to his new home. A couple of days is not long enough for him to recognize the sights, smells and "vibes" of his new home. If you can, let him explore inside as well.
As to toilet training the Manx, that is totally up to you! We know of one person that did it with his cat - we have just never wanted to share the toilet with our cats!
Good luck in your new home! By the way, ALL cats act like royalty! It's one of the reasons we love them so much!

Donna
House Full Cats Mom