Let scared cat emerge on its own

Dear Uncle Matty: We moved from Oklahoma to Florida and arrived at our new home four days ago. Our kitty, "Munchkin," has always been a little skittish when it comes to loud noises and strange people. She is now 5 years old and was just beginning to stay put if I dropped something in the kitchen or if someone rang the bell. We traveled with her in a large carrier that housed her litter and a blanket area, toys and a water dish.

Our furniture had been delivered before we arrived, so familiar things were in place. But the minute we took her inside the new house, she ran under the bed and hasn't come out. We know she hasn't slipped out of the house because she has used her litter box. What should we do? Thanks. — Wanda B., Orlando, Fla.

Dear Wanda: Moving any pet is extremely stressful for the animal. You can't tell them everything about the move and expect them to comprehend. So all the commotion over packing, all the rushing around and the change in your routine are bound to affect your animals.

At this point, the best thing you can do is to remain calm and reassuring. Go about your business, and talk to your kitty when you enter the bedroom. Use a pleasant voice. Adjustment seems to work better when you don't try to coax a cat out of her safe place with goodies or brooms. Put her food and water in the place where you intend to feed her. Keep her litter box in one place. Frequently, cats will come out at night and check things out — a little at a time. Then, one morning, there she is, standing in the kitchen, saying, "Hey. Where's my breakfast?"

Dear Uncle Matty: Until I read an article in your Woof Gazette, I thought a kennel was a kennel. My eyes were opened when I read about Riley, the dog who was being kennel-trained in a carrier. We moved across country not long ago and sent our poodle by plane in a suitable carrier. Then, we had to go through housebreaking again and tried to use the same carrier. Nothing was working. Your article pointed out that when a dog can't see out in the house, it's like being put in a box.

With the new open wire crate, he walks right in — he loves it like it is a little tent with toys and water. He curls up and naps on the sheepskin rug that came with the crate, and we can frequently leave the door to the crate open, and he goes in by himself!

Taking your suggestion, we put "Andy" into the crate when we are home to let him know we

don't always leave when he is inside. We started with only five minutes in the crate at a time, and he is doing very well. Thank you so very much. I have to admit, I didn't think it would work, but it took only a matter of hours to change everything. — Barbara and Dave W., Spokane, Wash.