Managing shy cat behavior

I'm looking for specific advice on how to support a cat that is naturally shy or timid during changes. My household is a bit of a mix. Binx is a 3-year-old black cat who is very hyper and energetic. Whiskers is a 7-year-old calico who is arthritic and needs a quiet environment.

I've been dealing with Binx's overstimulation for a while, which is detailed in this thread about his biting history. Whiskers' joint care is also a constant concern, as seen in her routine for mobility.

The main issue is that when we have guests or move furniture, Whiskers hides for days. I want to know how to make transitions smoother for her without stressing Binx too much. Has anyone managed a similar dynamic?

Short answer: separate them. I did this when I moved my cats to a new house, which I wrote about in my introduction thread.

Put the shy one in a small room with their own food and litter. Let the other one roam. It works. Cost is low. Time is the main expense. Don't rush it.

Oh, I feel for Whiskers! Hiding is so common when things change. My Hazel, a 6-year-old tabby, is actually very affectionate, but even she gets skittish if the routine shifts too much.

I made a whole setup of cozy spots for her, which you can see in this thread about her hiding places. It’s not just about having a box; it’s about having a safe, enclosed space where they can observe without being observed. Maybe a covered bed for Whiskers? It sounds like she needs a sanctuary.

Have you tried diffusers? I was skeptical but my bengals are food motivated and a bit destructive when bored or stressed. I used a pheromone diffuser and it helped calm them down during a renovation. Check out my experience with pheromones to see if it’s worth the money. It’s not magic but it takes the edge off.

Thanks for the suggestions. The separate room idea from @dreed makes sense for the immediate move. I haven't tried diffusers yet. I read a post about Bill's reaction to thunder in that thread and it mentioned that sound sensitivity often overlaps with general anxiety. Whiskers is very sensitive to noise.

I'm worried that if I isolate her too long, she'll lose confidence. What is the timeline for reintroducing them? Also, @clairew79, I saw you posted about Milo's anxiety. Did your vet suggest any specific protocols for a shy cat during a move?