The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [87]
Once Misha seems comfortable in the carrier, shut her in it and take her out to your car. Just hang out with her for a few minutes without turning on the ignition. Gradually work up to taking her on short car rides.
As moving day approaches, try to stick to as regular a routine as possible. Strange as it sounds, tell Misha about the move and what is happening. Use an upbeat, positive tone. True, she won’t know your words, but she will read your mood and posture. Let her sniff and explore packing boxes, tape, and other moving supplies.
I recommend that both you and Misha take a calming herbal blend called Rescue Remedy. This over-the-counter blend of essential botanical oils is available at pet supply stores and health stores. It is not toxic or addictive. Place a dropperful in a glass of water for you and rub a few drops in the tip of Misha’s ears (it enters her body through the tiny capillaries in the ears). Some cats may require a calming prescriptive medicine — check with your veterinarian.
If possible, mail a T-shirt that you have worn but not washed to the new location. Yes, this is a strange request, but realtors are used to expecting anything. Request that the realtor or landlord rub the shirt across the baseboards of your new apartment to provide a dejà vu scent to your soon-to-arrive Misha.
During moving day, keep Misha in her carrier in an emptied room and post a big sign alerting the movers not to open this door, because there is a cat inside. You might consider having her spend that day at a cat-friendly boarding facility or at a friend’s house where she can have a room to herself.
As you settle into your new place, keep Misha confined in one room with all her amenities (food and water bowls, litter box, bedding, toys). Leave her carrier with her so she can hide in it if she wants. Maybe play a little music to muffle the sounds of unpacking. Let her become comfortable exploring this room for a day or so before you introduce her to other rooms in the apartment.
These strategies help all cats, including high-strung ones like Misha, feel right at home in their new places. Good luck!
Masters of the Ring
FELINE AGILITY, the Cat Fanciers’ Association’s newest and most fascinating activity, has taken off in the United States, Japan, and Europe. While similar in concept to dog agility, there are some distinct differences. When the cat enters the ring with the handler, he is given time to investigate the surroundings and equipment. When his tail goes up, it is the sign he is ready. The ringmaster starts the clock as the handler encourages the cat with a wand, toy, or laser beam to climb stairs and catwalks, to run through hoops and tunnels, and to weave poles as fast as possible.
Pedigreed cats, random-bred household pets, and cats adopted from shelters are all welcome. Watching how cats react to agility has provided unexpected insights into behavioral differences and breed traits.
For example, Abyssinians, a highly active and responsive breed, are “naturals” in the agility arena. They follow the teaser and are capable of running fast, but often lose time because they are too aware. An Aby will stop to look at someone in the audience.
Japanese Bobtails rank as another of the top agility breeds. At a recent show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a six-month-old Bobtail ran the course in 17 seconds. This active breed tends to be extremely responsive to the teaser but can become bored. Exhibitors have learned to skip the allowed practice session and go right into competition.
Among the best competitors are Turkish Vans. These powerful, large, longhaired cats are disciplined and they don’t miss an obstacle. Maine Coons will finish the course but tend to be slow. They are a thinking breed and sometimes pause, perhaps to wonder what might be in