House move and new puppy

[CatUnderTheStairs]

It’s not great timing but there’s reasons. We are moving soon, about 1/2 a mile, and getting a puppy the same weekend.

Cat is 8 years old, spoilt, outdoors, and a bit grumpy and precious. Never lived anywhere else and never been to cattery or elsewhere. I know we have to keep him in but for how long?

He’s used a litter tray on occasion.

Any tips on settling him?

We were planning to use a stair gate at bottom of stairs so he can get out of way of puppy.

Your cat is going to hate you (sorry but it's true)
Mine is similar, ..grumpy, precious, and we got a puppy.

First you will have to keep him in for at least 3 weeks, especially with being so near by... you may find he goes back to the old house once let out so the longer you can keep him in the better.

Then divide the house... puppy downstairs only cat gets the upstairs (or whatever works best in your house!) so will need access to go in and out through a window...he MUST have a way of getting in and out that avoids the puppy at all times. (there is great advice about this on the FB 'Dog training advice and support group'.. I really recommend joining it for the puppy anyway! You'll need a litter tray wherever you decide the cat's space is (but not near his food obviously!)

Do NOT expect them to be friends, do not force the cat to meet the puppy... we have had our puppy 6 months now and the cat will tolerate seeing her and won't run, but still lives upstairs. You might be lucky and the cat will accept the puppy but if you have a grumpy cat it's less likely!

My other cat moved out :( despite our best efforts, Obie moved 4 doors down to our neighbour (he spent a lot of time there anyway because our grumpy cat hisses at him and they are siblings!) so I now pay for a cat I don't even see!

Good luck!!!!! I am hoping that one day my cat will actually accept the dog but I'm realistic and know it will take years!