The aftermath.
There's nothing better than the first hot shower in your new house the night after you move. Even if everything is still boxed and you only fish for the basic essentials, it still feels wonderfully indulgent. Not to mention having clean hair (I used the husband's Head & Shoulders with my L'Occitane Shea Butter conditioner and his Vetiver Extraordinaire shower gel. Heaven).
Moving the cats was 8/9 smooth. We started with The Orange Menace at 6 am, before he had a chance to get his attitude. Since it's impossible (and might cost you an eye or two) to stuff him into a normal cat carrier, we used a large (almost wardrobe size) moving box. The Blond dropped him inside with catnip and some food, quickly taped it shut (there were enough holes for breathing) and ran to the car. Two minutes later the beast was released in the new house, where he sulked and plotted his revenge.
The big problem was Sir Peter Fluffball. He got away and hid under the bed before I had the chance to grab him. We decided to let him be for the time and deal with the other cats first, which worked fine. Peter would still not come out, so we had no choice but wait for the movers to arrive. What happened was that Peter ran out so quickly I was terrified for a moment he escaped outside or to the basement (all doors were open at that point). But he was just under the entertainment center, from which he was eventually removed, grabbed and stuffed into a carrier, to the great amusement of the Moishe's guys. I hated that he was so miserable, but it couldn't be helped.
The cats spent the rest of the day in the basement (we prepared it for them) until the movers, the DirectTV and the Internet guys all finished their work. Gracie and Betty were the first ones to emerge and take the grand tour. As of tonight, most of them have adjusted. Peter is still unhappy and Buffy spends most of her time behind the washer in the basement, but I'm pretty sure they'd come around in a day or two.
I went to sleep last night wearing Diamond Water by JAR, as the two Precious Ones were in my purse (all the other bottles were carefully transported by us and are well). It made me feel like the happiest and luckiest woman in the world.
I had a lot to be grateful about this Thanksgiving, from the new house to my friends and readers. I can't thank you enough for all the comments, emails, texts and Facebook messages. It means the world to me.
Photo of Giselle checking her new surroundings by me.
Congratulations on your new home and successful move! I have eight cats myself and dread ever having to move again. When I last moved it was only two. I am sure they'll adjust, they are happy to be with you and they'll recognize the smells of familiar furniture, etc., and will come to love having new vistas to explore. Happy Thanksgiving and hope unpacking goes well.
ReplyDeleteCalypso
Diamond Water! Way to go, it's a good beginning in a new place.
ReplyDeleteThe kitties have to check every little thing out to make sure all is ok, then they will relax...
I laughed out loud as I read your cat capers. I have been wounded dragging Savannah out from under the bed, where she grabbed onto the carpet so strongly, it was her or me. I think I would have to grab her in a phenobarb stupor to catch her these days (phenobarb for epilepsy crushed into food).
ReplyDeleteSounds like the kids survived, and I'm sure they will come out once they realize there's food to be had and new things to explore. Would special treats help them lose the fear?
Good luck in your new home! I hope it's all you wished for and more.
You are getting me pumped up for my move this coming March! Two years went by quickly for my family and me - not quick enough when you are in a bad neighborhood!
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