Tips for Preparing Your Cats for a Move

December 30, 2020
Admin
Moving Tips

Moving comes with many details to manage, and one detail you don’t want to overlook inadvertently is preparing your cat. Felines are naturally averse to change, and a move can be traumatic for them, which can add more stress for you.

Avoid some of the challenges that come from moving with cats by being proactive. Doing some prep work before you go will make the process as safe and painless as possible for your feline.

Over the years, we’ve moved many families who own cats, and we’ve observed a few tricks along the way that can help the move go more smoothly for your furballs. Here are some suggestions:

Update Your Cat’s Tags

Cats are naturally territorial and may look to bolt back “home” at the first opportunity. Before you move, update your cat’s tags to reflect your new address and phone number. If you’re open to chipping your cat, this is also an excellent way to ensure they’ll always return home safely. Remember to keep your current information updated in the database.

Invest in a Cat Carrier

Many pet owners dislike the idea of putting their furball in a carrier because they feel as if they’re sticking their pet in “jail.” But, carriers are the safest mode to transport cats from your old home to your new one. If your cats take an instant disliking to a carrier (and chances are, they will), try familiarizing them about a month or two before your move by placing food nearby, then eventually inside of the crate. Place a toy inside for good measure too. They will eventually adjust to the carrier.

Minimize Packing Disruption

Moving activity will likely upset your furball, and keeping them out of sight will result in less anxiety for them. As you start packing, establish a “safe space” for your cat. Before moving your cat into this room, pack up as much of your belongings as possible, and replace them with your pet’s favorite and familiar things. Then, close the door to minimize disruption as you pack everything else.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a space to isolate your cat, bring out packing boxes weeks ahead of time and start filling them a little at a time. This gives your cat time to poke around and become used to boxes, causing less upset.

Tip: During non-meal times, leave the carrier out, door open, and place treats inside of it for your kitty to explore.

Prepare Your New Home

Before you finish relocating:

Have a plan to ensure your cat’s safety in your new home.
Set up a room for your cat to roam around safely.
Leave out familiar items, along with food, water, and a litter box to make them feel more “at home” in unfamiliar surroundings.
Plan to keep your cat in that designated room for about a week—plan for various family members to visit frequently, so no feelings of abandonment surface.

Over time, you can start to let your cat into other spaces in your new home.

Get Moving

The key to successfully moving cats is to start the process early, so changes come in increments instead of all at once. This significantly reduces your cat’s anxiety, decreases the chance they’ll bolt, and increases their ability to adjust with relative ease.

Looking for a professional mover? Reach out today to learn more about how we can make your move a seamless one.