cadre

So, I'm moving into an apartment where I can get a new kitten and I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about that.

I'm moving to Flagstaff, Az where the elevation is roughly 7,000 feet and the closest large city is Phoenix and this is where I live now. The elevation of Phoenix is about 1,000 feet.

I have heard from two people that they adopted kittens from homes in Phoenix and when they took the kittens back to Flagstaff they died. Both of them blame the elevation change. Some of the people I talked to support this theory and some don't so I figured I should ask the wise people of the tilted forums for their advice.

Anyone know if this is true or not? If it is true is there anything I can do about it?

I would like to be able to adopt a kitten from somewhere in Phoenix if I need to because there is a better chance I will find one from a Humane Society.

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kurty[B]

You might be surprised to find out the Humane Society in Flagstaff might have a decent selection?

As far as elevation change. It will have some effect, but being the sole cause of death for a kitty is hard for me to believe. Just make sure they have plenty of water, and are able to get rest when they need it. After a week of being at that elevation they should be rather accustomed to it.

cadre

This is how I feel too but I thought I'd see if there was something I was missing rather than test it.

But yes, I will be looking at the humane society in Flagstaff as well, but it is a smaller town with less cats and I know the humane society around Phoenix is offering incentives for you to adopt their cats since they have too many.

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shakran

the smallest town with an animal shelter will be overflowing with cats. People love to abandon the things.

cadre

Okay, I believe you, but my main question was about the elevation change.

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Sue

I just moved a month and a half ago from Florida (at sea level) to Colorado (5000+ft elevation in my town). I drove cross country with my almost 9 yr old cat in 2 days. She's never had any elevation adjustment issues. I know you're talking about kittens, but just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.

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cadre

Thanks, I'm thinking it would be okay. I mean, I had never had any problems or heard anything about it till recently.

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Acetylene

It should be fine but you should consider the stress of the move. Moving homes is very stressful to animals, especially young ones. You might want to consider the effect that the move will have on your new kitten, and consider adopting one after you have settled into your new home.

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cadre

Oh I've already moved into my new place. The reason for me being in Phoenix is because I have work there. If I adopted a kitten from somewhere in Phoenix I would take it pretty much directly home to Flagstaff with me so I don't think that is any more of an issue than normal, do you?

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Adri

No, I don't think it would be a problem.

I have no idea if this is the same sort of thing or not, but... you know how deep sea divers have to ascend to the surface rather slowly in order to avoid getting "the bends"? In much the same way, I think as long as you are driving the kitten home, you should be fine, because the elevation change won't be extremely rapid... it's not like you are walking from one room at 1000 ft into another at 7000 ft... the kitten will have time to adjust to the elevation on the trip up there. I would imagine...

Here's a piece of unsolicited advice... if you're going to get one kitten, get two. The upkeep isn't any more difficult, and they will amuse one another while you're at work or otherwise away from home.

cadre

Well, thanks for the advice everyone. For the update, I did get a kitten and I did get him in Phoenix. He did fine on the way up here, except for being stuck in a kennel.

Adri, I did consider getting two kittens but I decided against it. Mostly my reasoning was money and the fact that two cats are harder for me to find good homes for if I would have to. My kitten seems to be doing okay though, he has plenty of toys and I think he occupies himself well. I've spent a couple full days at work since I got him and haven't had any problems. Maybe down the road I'll be able to get a second but we'll see when I get there.

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