Hi Pamela
Moving house is a stressful experience for ALL concerned and to help cope with all the changes cats often try to increase their sense of security by increasing the familiar scent around them. Normally a quick rub around the furniture using the glands in their necks is sufficient but in severe cases the big guns have to be used and the spraying starts. Using the water pistols only adds to their stress thus the problem often gets worse. The more stressed you get the more they pick up on a very vicious cycle occurs. Sedating cats may also increase their stress levels as they might look relaxed but they may feel trapped and now can't even escape the situation.
What they need is their normal life restored and of course this is impossible at the moment. Allow them places they can escape up onto, high shelves, wardrobes, shed, garage etc and try to remain as calm as possible.
Clean the area with biological washing powder and an odour eliminator and make the situation a positive experience when the cats meet. Take an old towel and get each cat to sleep on one each. Then use this "Smelly" towel to top up the scent after folk have been around. So dust the areas around the walls at cat height. You can also use the towels to place the food of the other cat onto so they begin to associate each other with nice things happening again.
Add more soil trays.
A good qualified cat behaviourist might be able to give you extra advice and come and see the cats. Since they are 6 it does seem that a trigger has occurred to change their behaviour rather than a problem due to maturity so you need to sell your house and move quickly. Use the smelly towel to familiarise your carts to their new house.
It should all calm down once you have all settled again.
Good luck
Rosie Barclay
