Cat Chat Feline Forum

Dear all
I am facing 2.5 weeks out of my house as I will be in-between homes. After that, my partner and I will be moving in together to a brand new place and merging our cat households (he has a brother and sister 2 years old and pretty social, I have a single male 8 years old and pretty OCD and anti-social) We are just starting to exchange cat blankets to get the cats used to the others scents.
So my choices for this nomadic 2.5 weeks are either put mine into a cattery (for the first time) while I stay with my partner, or do I try to introduce my cat to his two who are already resident? I am unsure whether mine would be more stressed by being introduced on their turf, or whether separation from me would stress him more? He's loves being close to me, nags me to brush him and snuggle next to me of an evening/night.
I may be over-thinking this, as the cats are ultimately going to be living with each other anyway but that's on neutral turf. Does that make a difference? Does anyone have any experience of this? All advice welcome.
Thanks

Hi there and welcome

Personally I'd think chopping and changing from home to cattery to temporary home to new home would be stressful for an already stressy cat; I'd just move him in when you move in, and take things from there even though you'll be moving on again. He'll have you, and also moving the three cats together to the new home might weaken any hierarchies; they'll ALL be starting off in a new home together and yours might not feel so much of a 'new boy'. You might find this helpful too -

https://www.catchat.org/index.php/new-cat-introductions

Hopefully there'll be other people along with more advice, but hope this helps for now, all the very best with your move and your new life together

Thanks Lilith, that makes sense. I think if there is the one constant (me) that should ease the anxiety (mine anyway, and hopefully Bob's) Thanks for the link and the welcome. Much appreciated

I haven't any experience to help here, but it does occur to me that the biggest problem could be the bonded brother and sister ganging up on your boy once they're all together, and it might be a good idea, if possible, to split them up when introductions are made, so Bob doesn't see double trouble from the off

Females tend to be more precious about sharing - at least mine is - so I'd be tempted to start introductions with the two boys - then introduce the female to Bob only after he has established friendly relations with the male

good luck with your new life, and let us know how it goes

Thank you Kay, that sounds like good advice. The siblings are very close and it could easily become 2 against 1. Thanks for your good wishes