I (+ my 3.5 year old toe beaned girl) have been living with housemates for the past almost three years. They’re now official cat Aunt & Uncle status, but they were ready to move into their own place and my own place is something I’ve also been wanting for a while.
We’re in London so a gigantic space is not in my range just yet, but I found a great studio that fit lots of my cat needs, like lots of different windows with good perching spots and good high spots. Still, I knew it would be a transition on many levels!
Moving day yesterday was naturally not her favourite day ever, watching all of our stuff disappear and then eventually arriving at a brand new space, but she did really well and I did as much as I could think of to ease the transition for her.
We left a week after said cat & aunt and uncle so it was less of a stark shock being away from them and somewhere new at the same time. I’ve kept all of her blankets and bedding unwashed for good scent markers that I’ve scattered around for now, everything else about her routine the same, and key things unpacked before I crashed into bed were all her important/ favourite stuff. I’ve also booked the week off so I’m here with her all the time while she settles, and can do some test leaving for walks etc to see how she reacts.
It’s the next morning now, and she’s generally been switching between hiding and coming out to tentatively explore and sniff everywhere. She is eating, drinking, and using the bathroom which is all good - but she’s definitely unsettled and isn’t really wanting to play or be her loveable bossy self just yet.
Does anyone have more tips for helping a cat settle into a new space?
Or are there any signs I should look out for that means she’s not settling?
Similarly, any good rent friendly tips for more ways to catify in a studio?!