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Cat help
So DH and I are moving cross country soon and are also having baby number 2. The problem is that we don't feel like we are able to give our 9 year old cat the attention that he deserves and think that maybe finding him a new home would ultimately be better for him.
Best case scenario, a friend or family member would be able to take him but it doesn't look like that is an option. I found an older woman on craigslist who wanted another cat and it seemed like a good fit until we took our cat there and discovered that she lived in a small 1 BR apartment and would be a candidate for the show "Hoarders". We literally couldn't even get in the door!
If we can't find him a good home we will definitely bring him with us but would rather avoid having him go through the long trip if we can avoid it. What would you do in our situation?
TIA
Re: Cat help
Take him with you. He will always be better off with his own family. He may not be "getting the attention he deserves" but honestly, IME, cats don't need/want that much attention on the whole - so he's just fine. Your child/ren will be better off growing up around animals, too.
We've moved cross-country 3x now and honestly, the cats probably adjusted faster to the move than we did. And his age isn't a relevant issue - our oldest cat was 15 last year when we moved. It's just not that traumatic. After the 1st hour in the car, they settle down and go right to sleep.
So take him with you, please. Don't leave any members of your family behind.
Millions of cats are euthanized in shelters every year because there are not enough good homes. It is even more difficult to place a senior. Even if you can find a good home for HIM, you're taking a space in a home that could/should go to a cat in need. Like one at a shelter on death row.
Cats don't require a lot of work, put in some minimal effort and it should be easy to move him. They do have emotions and they do bond to people dumping them like trash b.c. it's easier doesn't reflect well on anyone's character IMO.
He is part of your family - take him with you. Even if you find someone who wants your kitty, it's important to remember that you can't control what they do with him after you turn him over. Being given up by his family would be incredibly stressful for him and could cause behavioral issues that might then cause his new owner to give him up (to a shelter or another person). If a 9-10 year old cat is dumped at a shelter, it's unlikely he'll be adopted, and he could be put down. I can't imagine you would want that to happen?
Thanks for the honest advice. I appreciate it although I do not feel like we are trying to "dump him like a piece of trash" like one person suggested. However, I do see the points that even if we don't feel like we give him enough attention, at least he is now loved, well fed and taken care of while we couldn't be sure that he would have a better home, even if we tried our best to find him another home.
Hopefully he will adjust well when we move once the kids get a bit older, he will be getting a lot more attention again.
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Take him with you. It really bothers me when people give up pets due to children, for reasons others have stated. I have never once thought about giving up my cats. because we are expecting a baby. Am I worried about how they will adjust? Sure. But I know that they will adjust and we will make it work.
I haven't moved cross country with a cat, but I think other ladies have, so they can help you with tips, etc.
If you are worried about kitty being stressed due to the move and LO 2, try using Feliway or Rescue Remedy. I use Feliway diffusers and spray, but both products help calm stressed out cats.
5 cats. 1 baby.
My one cat has been through 7 moves in six years, 20 fosters, 4 new resident animals, etc. He definitely gets less attention than he used to but we make it work and he's a happy guy. My thought process is, he's mine and I love him, if I'm not committed to making it work how can I expect a perfect stranger to take better care of him than me? For the new house I would babygate a cat only space, get a Feliway diffuser, some new toys, and a comfy fleexe blanket for a cat bed. Cat trees are also great for households with kids and cats; being up high is a dominance thing for cats. It makes them feel safe and like they're in charge. It also gives him a chance to watch your kids from a safe perch and get comfortable with their presence.