Moving With a Cat: Helpful Tips to Make It as Easy as Possible

We all know how stressful the move can be. There are so many things to consider, from finding a new home to packing, searching for the right moving crew (or friends that would be available and willing to help), and other small details you have to keep in mind the whole time.

Another reason for increased anxiety during your move could be having a pet, as you have to think ahead and be responsible not only for yourself but also for your furry friend. As any cat owner can imagine, it gets even worse with cats as they are very attached to certain places and, in general, hate change. Here’s how you can make the process of moving less painful for both you and your cat.

Preparation to Move

A well-thought-out preparation for the move with a cat is more than half of success! You should start preparing your kitten for the move way before it happens, so when the day comes, they would be as calm as it is possible. There are a couple of crucial things to do which you might want to add to your checklist.

Get Them Used to the Carrier

No matter if you are moving to another country or just a few blocks away from your current place, one inevitable thing is transporting a pet in the carrier. Most of the cats associate carriers with trips to vets, so they are very suspicious of them in general.

To help your cat get used to it and feel more or less comfortable inside, take it out a week or two earlier and have it open all the time. The trick is to make the cat come inside and willingly spend time there, which you can achieve by putting some of their favorite toys or treats in the carrier. Maybe, you can even trick them into sleeping inside by making a comfy bed using your cat’s fave blanket inside or by putting a carrier next to your bed.

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Visit Your Veterinarian 

Ok, probably, your pet will be fine is the new place if only a few blocks away. However, if you know that your cat is always very jumpy and skittish or if you are aware that the trip will take some time, especially if you have to take them on a plane, make sure to consult with a vet beforehand. 

In some cases, they might prescribe your furry companion some anti-anxiety or sedative medication and instruct you what’s the best way to ensure it’s suitable for your cat. What’s more, you might want to do a medical checkup before a long and exhausting trip to ensure your cat is in good physical condition. 

Don’t Forget to Give Them Some Attention

Your cat will most probably feel that something is off when you start packing, moving around boxes, and do other nonsensical (from their point of view) activities. So, no matter how busy you are, make sure you’re not neglecting your buddy. If possible, spend even more time with them than usual, playing and petting the cat. Also, try to keep your shared routine as normal as possible!

Make Packing Fun

Cats love bags and boxes! You should use this fact to your advantage when getting ready to move. Don’t punish them for investigating and playing in your moving supplies; instead, let your cat get comfortable and inspect them. There are plenty of scary things that will await your pet during the move, so don’t add up to it by freaking out if they playfully attack you from one of the boxes. 

The Day of Move

As impossible as it might seem, try to keep a cool head for both of you! Obviously, you might be stressing a big lot yourself, but take a deep breath and try to relax — here comes the part that requires a lot of your attention and caution.

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Feed Your Cat

As it was mentioned earlier, moving day should be as close to normality as it’s possible. Give your cat food at a regular time, but make sure it’s smaller than the regular portion to avoid nausea and upset stomach later, which can happen both because of the jolting when you transport them or simply due to the stress. Also, if it’s going to be a long-distance trip, double-check you prepared some water and snacks for your kitty. They might not even be interested in any food during the journey, but you certainly don’t want your cat to be both stressed and hungry. 

Keep the Cat Safe

When the moving crew comes to pick up your boxes, lock your furry friend in a separate room. It might not sound like the best advice, as the cat will not be pleased about it, but it is a great deal better than any alternatives. No matter if your cat is extremely fidgety and spends all the time behind the couch when a stranger comes or adventurous and curious. There will be too much commotion to keep an eye on the pet all the time, and you wouldn’t want to wonder every five minutes if they didn’t run out through the open door or hid in one of the boxes. Plus, being a part of the fuss will make your cat only more stressed. And, of course, put next to the cat a few toys and things with familiar smells. 

In the Carrier

Try to place the cat in a carrier as close to the actual trip as possible, so they wouldn’t have to spend more time than needed being locked up. Surround them with familiar smells by placing a blanket and toys from home in the carrier to soothe the pet. Also, you can try to calm them down by speaking in a reassuring voice, but avoid taking the cat out, as it can only scare them more. 

After the Move

Whew, the most tiring part is over! Congratulations on moving to your new home! However, don’t rush to let your kitty out of the carrier to explore each corner of the new place just yet.  

Set Their Litter Box and Food Area

Depending on the cat’s behavior and personality, you can work out the next step when you arrive at the new place. If they have been impatiently mewing for some time already, you might want to let them out as soon as possible. But, before doing so, make sure to quickly get ready their litter box and food space, so they know it from the start. 

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If you have to deal with unloading straight away, act the same way as you did before the move: keep your cat in a closed room and spend at least a few minutes with them as they first come out of the carrier. As the research shows, the presence of the owner makes cats feel more comfortable in an unknown environment. And, of course, keep in mind the importance of familiar smells!

Getting Used to the New Home

Many advise to keep the cat in one dedicated room for a week or so; however, if you know that your furry buddy has an explorative spirit, you can let them check the rest of the house out as soon as they feel interested. It also depends on the area of your new place: a three-story house will seem way more intimidating for a pet than a small condo, so there is no need to keep them in the bedroom the whole time if only other rooms are a bathroom and a kitchen. Just remember to let them get to know the new environment on their own terms!

Hopefully, these tips will make your next move with a cat as painless as possible. One last piece of advice, nobody knows your cat better than you do, so pay attention to your own guts and, of course, to the behavior of your feline companion! And if you are still looking for a perfect place to live, use Rentberry to rent the best pet-friendly property for you!