Although cats are creatures of habit and prefer to stick to familiar environments, sometimes we have to move and bring our feline friends with us.
When moving with a cat, it’s important to minimize stress as much as possible. Each cat has its own personality, which means its reaction to a move can vary. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to reduce your cat’s anxiety during the move to avoid developing fear or anxiety-related behaviors in their new environment.
Follow the tips below to make moving with your cat a smoother and less stressful experience for both you and your furry friend.
Keep Their Belongings in Place
Consider keeping your cat’s belongings in their usual spots until the day of the move, as they may become stressed and anxious by the sight of boxes and items being removed. This includes their litter box, food and water bowls, scratching post, and cat bed. Keeping these items in their familiar places can provide a sense of comfort and stability for your feline friend during a time of change.
If you have packed boxes that cannot be left out, consider storing them in the basement or garage to reduce clutter and provide more space for your cat to roam. This will help maintain a sense of normalcy in your home, minimizing stress for your cat and ensuring that they feel comfortable in their surroundings until it’s time to move.
A Comfortable Journey in the Carrier
Your cat will be spending a significant amount of time in their carrier during the move, which makes it crucial to ensure their comfort. If your furry friend dislikes the carrier, you can use this opportunity to make them more comfortable with it before the moving day. Leave the carrier in a room your cat frequents, with its door open, and place their favorite toy inside to encourage them to explore. You can also start feeding your cat treats in and around the carrier and gradually move their food dish inside it. The aim is to associate the carrier with positive experiences, such as treats, toys, and meals, to help your cat feel more at ease inside it.
Maintain Your Cat’s Routine During a Move
During a move, it’s essential to keep your cat’s routine consistent. This includes feeding them at the same time, playing with them, and providing cuddles when they’re used to it. Changes in environment and routine can be very stressful for cats, but you can help minimize their anxiety by keeping their routine stable. Make sure to continue their routine during the move, even on the day of the move.
Tips for Comfortable Transportation
During the move, it’s important to make sure your cat is comfortable and safe. To start, give your cat a smaller meal than usual before transport to prevent car sickness. If you’re moving in one drive, keep your cat in a carrier throughout the move. It’s okay if your cat doesn’t have access to a litter box for up to six hours. This will help minimize any cleanup if your cat gets sick en route.
Introducing Your Cat to a New Home
To ease the transition for your cat, it is important to introduce them to your new home in a slow and controlled manner. When you arrive, place your cat in a small enclosed room where they can feel safe and secure while furniture and boxes are moved in. Do not allow your cat to roam freely around the house immediately. Instead, gradually increase their freedom over the course of a week or so until they feel comfortable and confident exploring the entire house.
Moving with Meow
Moving with a cat can be a challenging and stressful experience for both you and your feline companion. But by taking steps to minimize stress, keeping to a routine, introducing your cat to a new home gradually, and ensuring their comfort throughout the process, you can make the transition smoother and easier for everyone involved. Remember to give your cat plenty of love and attention, and be patient as they adjust to their new surroundings. With time, your cat will settle in and feel right at home in your new abode.
