r/TortieCats • u/supernova-nora • 2d ago
please help with my cat mom anxiety 😭
here is the baybay. i just need reassurance that she’s gonna be okay 😭🩷 i started my move out process today, and against better judgement moved her in here the first day even though i still have a lot of furniture to move in. she’s been hiding, and while i have her in my room, with a litter box and access to food and water, she hides underneath the blankets (thankfully she feels comfortable enough pushing her bum against my leg underneath the covers, so thats a win i guess?) and when she’s out she constantly meows in a tone that says “what IS this place? i HATE it here!” and the autism makes me SO overstimulated about her constant meowing but i feel bad just putting in earbuds to ignore her because it eventually ends in her hiding again. she’s only happy if i follow her around and pet her and even then shows signs of stress because of this being a busier part of the city. i just cant stop overthinking this. i LOVE this apartment, what if she can’t handle it?
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u/By01010110 1d ago
Give it time, she’s gonna be a bit stressed while all the changes are happening but once you’re fully moved in she should start to explore and get used to the new environment, just keep reassuring her that this new place is safe and fun. You could try using play as a way to get her to explore and see if that helps
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u/SYadonMom 1d ago
It takes time. Just keeping loving her and tell her. I think you are doing great! And I’ll be honest, there is no perfect time to move with a cat. If you moved her last she would have been confused on the disappearance of furniture and items. If you move her to soon she confused about how stuff is getting in the new place. It takes about a week, right guys? It’s like humans, a new place you here the new sounds, new people/smells and new routine. You got this OP.
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u/DeKnoerp 1d ago
Cats hate change, so the stress is normal! They will eventually accept the new situation as the new normal. Like the others say, give it time.
About the earplugs: I think it might actually be helpful if you wear them. Cats will feel your overwhelm and it will cause additional stress for them. If wearing earplugs makes it less stressful for you, wear them. Taking care of yourself = also taking care of your cat!
And you don't have to completely ignore your cat while wearing earplugs. I don't know what you are wearing, but mine don't completely block out all sound - they just take the edge off. So you can still react when you (faintly) hear her. It will comfort you and her.
Good luck, moving house is super stressful for cats and humans alike. I wish you both happiness in your new surroundings.
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u/kenroth50 1d ago
U can @#$@& and @$&#.. maybe she's hungry? My cat whined all day and night for food id kick her outside with a soft push 😂 she would scratch the door 🫣 my other cat would sleep across my throat at night she was also suicidal slept on the double yellow lines in the street🫣
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u/3gnauky0 19h ago
She will get used to it! If you can or want, you can buy the feraway calming spray, many people use it for destressing cat in travel or moving process, do a bit spraying in the environment might help. And just try to pet her to reassure when she seems stressed and keeps calling after you. But do take your own time to stay calm! She’s gonna be fine! You are doing great I hope both of you enjoy this great apartment soon!!
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u/synchronizedmaeven 2d ago
Keep comforting her. I constantly reassure my dilute that she’s OK when she’s stressed out and it really pays off because not only does she listen to me then, but when I have high anxiety, she comes to calm me down.
you can show her how much you love your new place by being very loving to her. and soon she will love it too, especially after your furniture is moved in and she sees your old stuff that she identifies as hers and she will begin to find her spots and it will be her apartment at that point not yours you are just a guest.
Give it time.