Moving with cats soon - any suggestions?

[Hiker]

In less than two months, me and my two cats are moving to a new house. The current owners of that house have two cats and a dog. I went for the inspection today, and there are poo stains all over the basement concrete, within the last 2 weeks.... one angry cat there. My black cat utterly hates the smell of any other cat, and takes revenge by peeing on stuff. So, I'm kind of concerned about the move.

Any suggestions on what to do? I want this to go as smoothly as possible, with the least fecal matter outside the litter box as possible.

My thoughts are on moving day to get one of the bathrooms thoroughly cleaned, then stick the cats in that room and lock it so movers don't open it. They'll remain in there for quite some time. The basement is a disaster thanks to all the current cats, but the mud room looks okay... I'm thinking clean that thoroughly next, then lock them in there for days or longer until they calm down a bit. This will give us time to clean the rest of the house before eventually trying to release them into it.

Is this a reasonable approach? And what's a good cleaning product to deal with the pet smells?

[Jake123]

I'm guessing you will want to post in one of the non-intoduction forums when you are able to. Anyway, my cats would be meowing like crazy in a bathroom (unless there is a window they can look out of to occupy their time).

[CJinCA]

Depends on the rooms..are they big enough and do they have windows? the bathroom may be ok for a very short time to make sure they stay safe while movers are going in and out.

Look for a cleaner with enzymes for pet stains - not bleach, sorry I don't know any to recommend. Is there time to go clean before the move-in?

[Zenith931]

I'd definitely find a way to clean before you move. Especially if it's the room you'd like the cats to have their litter box in and feel safe in. I don't know if playing "kitty shuffle" with them around in the rooms would be the best option. I'd put them in one (a bigger one, ideally) that's cleaned, then let them out when you've finished cleaning.

[Hiker]

Cleaning before the move is not an option; that is not how house sales usually work. Seller vacates on the day that I move in. It is a big mess. I can't go over there before they have vacated, with cleaning equipment offering to clean for them while all their floors are still covered with their things.

The mud room has windows; I think they would be comfortable there, especially if I put the old couch in there that they like to sleep on.

I do use Nature's Miracle, but I thought that was only for spot cleaning. Are there other enzyme cleaners out there that are appropriate for general cleaning of floors and surfaces?

[jpimaging817]

Vinegar! It will take the smell of the feces out as well as urine, stinks itself but only for a short while!