Moving & Relocation with Your Cat: Tips & Suggestions

Publish by
Reading of minutes

Find food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a dog food that fits your pet’s needs

Find a cat food that fits your pet’s needs

Cats develop strong bonds with their environment so house moves are potentially stressful. Planning ahead will ensure that the transition from one home to another goes smoothly. After all, this is a traumatic time for you and one less worry would be a good thing!

Relocating with catsMoving out and moving in:

  • Before the removal van arrives, it is advisable to place your cat in one room. The ideal location would be a bedroom
  • Put the cat carrier, cat bed, food bowl, water bowl and litter tray in this room and ensure the door and windows remain shut
  • Place a notice on the door so that movers and family members know that this door should be kept shut
  • When all other rooms have been emptied, the contents of the bedroom can be placed in the van last. Before the furniture is removed, your cat should be placed in the cat carrier and put safely in the car to make the journey to the new home
  • The bedroom furniture should be the first to be installed in the new home
  • Offer your cat some cat food
  • Once you're moved in, your cat can be allowed to investigate the rest of the house one room at a time
  • It is important to remain as calm as possible to signal to your cat that it is a safe environment.
  • Ensure that all external doors and windows are shut
  • Be cautious about allowing your cat unsupervised access to the kitchen or utility room as particularly nervous cats will often seek refuge in narrow gaps behind appliances
  • If your cat is particularly anxious, it may be advisable to place her in a professional kennel the day before the move and then pick her up the day after you are established in your new home


Transporting:

  • If your cat is an anxious traveler, you may wish to speak to your veterinarian before the journey; a mild sedative may be prescribed
  • Feed your cat as normal but ensure the mealtime is at least three hours before traveling
  • Transport your cat in a safe container, i.e., a cat basket or carrier
  • Spray the inside of the cat carrier with synthetic feline facial pheromones (ask your veterinarian) an hour before you place your cat inside
  • Place the carrier in a seat and secure with the seat belt, in the well behind the seat or wedged safely on the back seat so that it cannot move around
  • Do not transport your cat in cargo space of a car or moving truck
  • If it is a long journey, you may want to stop and offer water or a chance to eliminate, although most cats will not be interested
  • If it is a hot day, make sure the car is well ventilated; never leave the cat inside a hot car if you stop for a break


Helping your cat settle in:

  • Keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks to get used to the new environment
  • Provide small frequent meals
  • Maintain routines adopted in your previous house to provide continuity and familiarity
  • Help your cat feel secure in her new home by spreading her scent throughout the house. Take a soft cotton cloth (or use lightweight cotton gloves) and rub your cat gently around the cheeks and head to collect the scent from glands around her face. Rub this cloth or glove against the corners of doorways, walls and furniture at cat height to help your cat to become familiar with her territory as quickly as possible. Repeat this process daily until you start to see your cat rubbing against objects
  • Extra care should be given to an indoor cat because a new environment will be potentially unsettling

 

Related Articles

  • Welcoming Your New Kitten: Making Your Kitty Comfortable

    Everybody’s heart melts at the sight of a new kitten. But that adorable bundle of fluff you’re bringing home is going to need looking after for life. And because cats can have nine lives, that’s a long time! Giving your kitten a good start in life is the best way to make sure you’ll both enjoy many years of fun together.
  • Standard Home Health Checks for Your Cat

    Proper kitten care starts at home. Learn the different signs of a healthy kitten and different preventative methods to use to keep her well.
  • Helping Your Cat Overcome Fears of Thunder & Fireworks

    It's not uncommon for a cat to be afraid of loud noises, especially thunder and fireworks. They usually display by hiding. A cat suffering from a substantial fear of loud noises may begin to display anxious behavior before the thunder begins. Rain on the roof of the house, bright flashes of light or even the drop in air pressure before a storm may be enough to trigger anxiety.
  • 10 Important Health Tips for Senior Cats

    However, as much as we value having them in our lives, it’s easy to take our pets for granted. Your senior cat, on the other hand, appreciates every single thing you’ve ever done. Why not return the favor?

Related products