SideShow Frank’s Journey . . . Of Love, that’s my cat. ‘Frank’ for short – and he came to me already with this name, btw. He’s a mythic cat, thus the long name. From his humble origins, to his hippie days living in a Volkswagon van, to his many friends in the neighborhood and around the globe, he lives his own life. Through a twist of fate, we ended up sharing the bungalow. Every time I’ve ever left town, I’ve left him in the care of a sublettor or house-sitter. This time, though, he’s going with me on the adventure.
Three days left before I leave. And just like every other time, I will leave without him, but only for a few days. Frank knows that something is up. He’s seen this many times before. He’s following me back and forth to my car, watching me very closely, to see what I’m packing.
When I get home from Seattle in a week, I’ll scoop him up and we’ll be off. I have no idea how we will fare in the car together. And then, the new house . . . And then, the dogs . . . I’m wincing. It’s gonna be a whole new world. If anyone has any suggestions for traveling with cats or introducing them to dogs, let me know! I’ve never done this before!
I’m assured that the dogs are ok with cats. I think that part’s gonna be OK. Frank himself, is part dog. A cog, perhaps, or a dat.
Shown above: Frank in Kitty Porn position
Hope you’re feeling better. Re travel with Frank and introduction to dogs . . . well . . . I haven’t met Frank . . . but if he’s anything like my cats, then a cat carrier cage thing will probably be a good idea in the car . . . both to give him a safe-feeling space . . . and also to keep him from getting between your foot and the brake peddle . . . or, more importantly, between your foot and the gas peddle. As for the introduction, I’ve read a bit about it because when I moved to DC a few years ago, I spent my first month here living with a friend who had a dog. The standard advice seems to be putting everything your cat needs . . . food, water, litter box . . . in your bedroom and keeping him in there for a couple of days with the door closed and you in there with him as much as possible . . . to allow him to get used to the smell of the dog in the house . . . but with the security of the door closed. He’ll likely meet the dog through the closed door . . . sniffing underneath . . . paws stuck underneath . . . etc. And after a couple of days, let him out . . . preferably when the dog’s not right outside the door. Another option, of course, is to just let them have at each other . . . but if Frank will have access to the great outdoors, then there’s a chance he’ll split and be too afraid to come back into the house anytime soon . . . so you’ll be lonely and he’ll be hungry and potentially cold. I recommend the slow intro method! Good luck! When do you leave? Travel safely!
Thanks for all the advice. When do I leave? Read on!