Four Cats, One Big Leap

Moving four cats from the U.S. to the U.K. might sound like a recipe for chaos, and, well… it kind of was—but it was also a beautiful story of resilience, adjustment, and the joy of reunion.

Each of our cats has a very distinct personality. Ziggy, our giant orange tabby, is as sweet as he is shy. He’d rather be quietly watching from a safe distance than in the middle of the action. Phineas is small but solid, with a strong sense of routine—especially when it comes to mealtime. If breakfast or dinner is late, he makes his displeasure known. Masha is our elegant and aloof queen—she tolerates the rest of us, but her heart belongs solely to our 16-year-old son. And then there’s Lizzie, my little shadow. Her happy place is curled up in my lap, sleeping the day away.

The trip was hard on them. When we were finally reunited after their flight, they were scared and disoriented. The long drive to our new home in the countryside gave them no comfort, and once we let them out of their crates, they vanished into their expertly chosen hiding spots. We gave them space, hoping the new surroundings would eventually feel safe.

That first night, something shifted. As the house quieted and the sky darkened, one by one they crept out—Ziggy cautiously peeking from under a dresser, Phineas appearing at the sound of a snack bag, Masha slipping into my son’s room like she’d been there forever, and Lizzie somehow finding her way under the covers beside me. When we woke up the next morning, every bed had a warm, purring companion. It was as if they knew—this is home now.

Since then, it’s been a joy watching them rediscover the world. They're busy checking items off their imaginary bucket lists—finding the best perches, claiming sunlit windowsills, and exploring every corner of their new kingdom. Masha has already staked her claim on the highest shelf in the house. Phineas patrols the kitchen. Ziggy has found a sunny spot in the guest room he now calls his own. And Lizzie? She’s back in her happy place—on my lap, just as she always wanted.

Bringing our furry family across the ocean was a leap of faith—but every sleepy snuggle, curious tail flick, and contented purr has made it all worth it.