How to introduce my cat back into my family after seperation?

[Julie Johnson]

My husband is in the USAF and we are currently stationed in Hawaii. We left our one year old cat with my in-laws for 4 months due to the strict quarantine laws in Hawaii. I thought it better to leave him with cat lovers than to have him in a facility here on the island. He is due to arrive here via cargo in about 2 weeks and I'm just concerned about how he will react to being back with us! I know it will already be a stressful trip due to the flight over here. I love my cat and really want to do all I can for his reintegration with us to be successful..There are no other pets in the house! Concerned pet owner.

 

[Sharon Wiliams]

Your cat will remember you and your husband, but you are right, the flight might have been a little disorienting to him.

Before you let him out of the crate, make absolutely sure he won'lt be able to leave the house or apartment. Have a fresh litter box nearby and food with water away from it (no one, not even animals, like to eat where they eliminate). Let him come out of the crate when he is ready. Don't force him or try to coax him.

When he feels relatively safe, he will come out of the crate and explore. Now is not the time to yell at him about anything. Don't be alarmed if he goes under a bed or couch and stays there awhile. That's normal. Just keep things calm without any loud or startling noises.

It may take a few days for him to be totally comfortable with his new home. Be patient, talk calmly and soothingly to him and make sure he doesn't get outside.

I applaud your love and concern for your cat. I wish all people were like you with their pets.

 

[DSaint]

Actually i just had to move my cat as well. We only have the one animal too. Tthe first thing we did was establish where his litter box was going to be. And make sure he used it. You do not want your cat to go to the bathroom on a piece of furniture or on a rug. The smell will never come out. So get his litter box set up, make sure he goes, then you can let him roam free in a portion of your living space. Then when you feel the cat is ready, let him/her explore the rest of the place and become comfortable at his pace. I used these same exact tactics with my own cat. Hope everything goes well.