Читать книгу Cats For Dummies - Gina Spadafori - Страница 15

Well-documented stories abound of cats traveling hundreds — even thousands — of miles to return to an old home after moving. This amazing behavior leads many people to believe that cats prefer places to people. Sadly, the same belief prompts some to leave their cats behind if they move, figuring that the animals are happier at the old house and hoping the new residents take them in.

Most of these abandoned cats join the sorry ranks of the free-roaming unowned— or are taken to the shelter to be euthanized.

Grayheart/Photo by Randy Anderson

FIGURE 1-3: Although cats can seem distant at times, they crave companionship.

That cats are very territorial and mark their own property certainly is true — they even mark you with their scent, as they rub against your legs, hands, or face. Their territorial behaviors don’t mean they prefer places to people, but they do suggest that cats need time to realize the humans they love are in their new home — and may try to find you in your old house until they’re settled.

Your cat loves you just as much in your new home as in your old one — but he needs time to adapt.

Moving a cat to a new home requires planning, patience, and care. For information on how to make the move work for you both, see Chapter 12.