My cats are bonded. How to separate them for a move without stress?

That's a tough situation for you both to be in! In my opinion, I think it would be best splitting the cats. While it may be tough at first for them to be apart, the stress of moving them back and forth between homes would be even more stressful. They would adjust easier to having separate homes than be moved around all the time, and if either become lonely, you can get another cat to keep your cat company. Another option is one of you take both of them for good, but that may not be feasible. I hope this helps!

They will likely adjust, however they will need a lot of TLC and it will take time. They will be very sad and will miss their companion. I think, however, that time will heal and they might do ok. They will probably be very lonely. Give both of them extra love and attention, and I would set up Feliway in both the places the cats live. This is a plug in diffuser that release calming pheromones that can help with things like anxiety from separation. If one of them is really stressed, that cat may need to see a vet in order to get medication to help. Typically, they do adjust over time and do okay, especially since it's only temporary. I hope this helps.

Hi there, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would decide based on how bonded Cinder is with the other cats, and what would cause the least amount of stress for her. If she is not particularly bonded with the other two cats, then it could be best to move her first and let her scope out the new house while it's still quiet. However, if she is bonded with one or both of the other cats then it's best to move them at the same time so she doesn't suffer additional stress from being separated. I also recommend using Feliway Classic diffusers in the new house for the first several months (you may need several diffusers to permeate the whole house, depending on the layout) to help decrease the cat's stress. Finally, I would add that if you still have a lot of general moving to do (if your boyfriend is moving in first and so there will be several weeks to months of boxes and "stuff" getting moved around) then I'd wait to move the cats. Changing the layout of the house causes additional stress, so it's best to have the new house as put together as possible before adding the cats. Hope this helps!

Moving can be a stressful time for both cats and people. Some cats begin to experience stress when the first box is packed. Try to keep this time as normal as possible for your cat by continuing a normal daily routine and avoid packing your cat’s bed, cat tree, and toys until the last minute. Calming pheromone products, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser or Comfort Zone® Spray and Scratch Control Spray, may minimize some of this stress. When moving day arrives, be sure that your cat is safely secured in a cat carrier before the door opens and boxes start leaving. We recommend plugging in the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser into your old home during packing, as well as in your new home during unpacking and the settling period. If possible, try to move your cat as early in the day as possible and confine them to a bathroom in your new home with their normal bed, litter box, bowls, and toys. This will keep your cat from escaping during the move and may pose less stress if they see less of the action. If your cat is prone to high stress, resulting in self-trauma with overgrooming or inappropriate eliminations, it may be best to discuss short-term anti-anxiety medication with your veterinarian.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I would ask your Veterinarian for an oral sedative for you to give 2 hours before travel. I would use the Feliway spray in his carriage. Once you arrive at your new home, he should be kept in a room by himself away from the other animals for a week then use a baby gate at the door for the him to see and greet the other cat and dog. Do that for a week, then remove the gate. be sure he has access to this room to run away if he needs to. This room can be your bedroom. Use the Feliway diffuser in this room. If there is aggression between the cats use the Feliway Multicat I wish you the best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37241 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37240 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37242

They will likely adjust, however they will need a lot of TLC and it will take time. They will be very sad and will miss their companion. I think, however, that time will heal and they might do ok. The cat which is not going into a multicat household will have more serious problems as she will be very lonely. He will need very much attention and love and likely will search for the missing kitty. Try not to separate them if you can somehow manage. or find a new home that will take both of them.

If Penelope is bonded with you she will likely be fine, but there are a few things you can do that might help make the move easier. Look into Feliway products and start using before the move and at new house. A vet checkup before a major change is never a bad idea since stress can exacerbate underlying illness. Keep food and litter the same as what she's accustomed to using if you make any changes don't do it right away with the move and make sure to change things slowly and gradually over the course of a week or two. Possibly get her some toys or beds now that you will take with you when you move so she has a familiar scent. And make sure that you're being realistic about when and where you're moving, if it will be a good move for Penelope. The fact that you're thinking about it this far in advance means you do have her best interest in mind. But many times pets are abandoned by college age students who don't understand the responsibility of taking care of them; so make sure you're doing what's best for her and hopefully you would be able to visit if you do leave her at home. Good luck with your decision and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.