Need help from the experts Please!

[moosmom]

Laura,

You have every right to be concerned about Miss Boo. Is there ANY way you can have someone stay at your place while you're gone? It would kind of help the "separation anxiety" if there is any.

I'm glad you're taking Miss Boo in. I don't understand why they can't take Boo Kitty with them? My 12 year old Tortie Mollie Rose drove cross country with me when I moved to Michigan and then back to Connecticut.

Good luck in your decision, honey. You're doing a good thing.

[catfamily]

If she gets along with your other cats then after you have her a month and then go back to work she MAY be OK because she has the company of your other cats while your gone.And it would be wise to take her as soon as you get home from work so she has that full non work time to spend with you and getting to know your home and other cats.
I have a very old NEW cat that I just picked up at the shelter and I'm so surprised at how well she is taking to me.She's between 8 and 12.But she's doing great.She's not crazy about my others so I keep her in the mudroom like I did Jasmine at first and eventually I think she'll be OK to come out a few times a day.
But I would give it a shot Laura...if it doesn't work out...someone here on Pettalk would LOVE to take her in if all she wants is human company and sleep all the time.
Good Luck.And I really would at least try it for kitty boo

[Laura's Babies]

My biggest concern is that I will be only 1 week into my trip when they bring her... Maybe we could go get her the first week end I am off after my January trip and see how she does here? THEN ... IF it don't work out, they could pick her up on their way through across country? I don't know why I didn't think of that before...

She is just so special to us since Mama loved her so much and she was right there with Mama when she took her last breath and we feel like she is the last connection we still have with Mama.

[Grace]

Maybe we could go get her the first week end I am off after my January trip and see how she does here? THEN ... IF it don't work out, they could pick her up on their way through across country? I don't know why I didn't think of that before...

I think that is the perfect plan. She will have a chance to bond with you and get used to new surroundings and new friends before you take off again.

[jenluckenbach]

an 11 to 12 year old cat is certainly not ancient. (Monte is almost 13 and I am certain he could adjust to a trip across country OR new surrounding, if he had to)

But the fact that you will not be home is what would worry me. I would definitely either 1) Get her while you are at home or 2) Have her stay with another human until you get home.

I too am glad that you said you would take her, but I truly believe she should move with her family.

[Freedom]

I agree with everything Jen says.

But we don't know the why of her not moving cross country with them

Ruffles moved in with her first owner, Peggy,as a kitten. She lived with Peggy 10 years, unti Peggy died. Then she moved in with a good friend, someone she had known as a visitor, Lucy. Ruffles lived with Lucy until she was 12. Lucy alread had a cat of her own, Topaz. Lucy was moving into senior housing. The only permitted one cat. Ruffles needed a new home. I agreed to take her in. She had never met me before. At that time, I had 3 other cats. Lucy came over one Saturday with Ruffles in a carrier. We opened the door and Ruffles came out and ran behind a piece of furniture. Lucy stayed 2 hours. Ruffles refused to come out and Lucy finally left. Ruffles never saw Lucy again. (I keep in touch with her.)

Ruffles was very depressed for 3 months. She spent her days on the foot of my bed, with a sad expression. Nothing I could do seemed to help. At night, she slept in that spot. She ate enough to keep going, may have lost a bit of weight but nothing noticeable. She got off the bed to eat and use the litterbox. She never left my bedroom unless I carried her out, and then as soon as I finished petting her, she did a slow sad walk back to the bed. The other cats got used to her as a bed object.

After 3 months, one day Ruffles got off the bed and left the bedroom. The other cats were quite alarmed! IT MOVES! Since then, she has adjusted very well, moves about the house at will, jumps in laps and insists on her share of petting, even has to check out the cellar at least once per day to make sure it is still there. Ruffles has lived here 2 years now and is fully integrated with the family.

I would really worry about an older cat being dropped off in a new setting with no one home, based on how Ruffles reacted. Dad and I were both home bodies during those 3 months of Ruffles transition. The cat will adapt at its own pace, not at whatever pace you want / need to set based on your schedule.

I don't know if this helps or not. This is just one cat, one move.

[Laura's Babies]

Freedom, thanks for your input. That may clue me in on what to expect...

The reason why they are not taking her is they are renting one of those big moving vans, a rough, noisey ride and she does not ride well at all and then it is the drastic climate change on a old cat.. From mild winters to rough, cold ones..

Mike suggested I take her younger male Fred and ship him up when the weather permits but I really want Boo! I really want to do what is best for HER..... if only they could stay a week or so with Boo before they leave.

Is anyone here from up around Seattle or Portland (spelling?).. I have not heard from anyone up there since that bad storm went through there the other day.