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My friend and I each have a 1yr old cat. When either me or my friend travel, we leave our cat with the other. Because of this, the cats have become really close. For the past two months, they have lived together. In just a few months, I will be moving states and will be taking my cat. I'm wondering how to make the separation as less-traumatic as possible. Can I wean them off each other?

My friend and I each have a 1yr old cat. When either me or my friend travel, we leave our cat with the other. Because of this, the cats have become really close. For the past two months, they have lived together. In just a few months, I will be moving states and will be taking my cat. I'm wondering how to make the separation as less-traumatic as possible. Can I wean them off each other?

Updated On February 22nd, 2022

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

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I think it's wonderful that Atilly has become so close with your friend's cat. It's impossible to know exactly how they'll respond to this separation. Some cats don't seem to notice a difference at all after moving away from a friend or losing a housemate, whereas others go through a fairly notable grieving process. I think that having the cats gradually spend less time together would be helpful, but this would mean keeping them in entirely separate areas so that they can't see, smell or hear one another. I don't know if that is even feasible for you. You can also try using calming pheromone diffusers (Feliway is one brand) for both Atilly and her friend as you move, as pheromones may help to minimize some of their stress from this change. Cats are generally pretty adaptable, so I would wait until a week or two before you leave to begin having them spend less and less time together. Best of luck with your move!

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