Moving to a new home can feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Exciting, stressful, and everything in between.
But amidst all the chaos, have you thought about how your cat is feeling? If we’re stressed, just imagine what it’s like for them!
A sudden change in environment can be overwhelming and unsettling for our feline friends.
I’m here to share six unique tips that have helped me make moving with my own cats a smooth and safe experience.
1. Create A Safe Haven Before The Move
When I was getting ready to move last summer, my cat started acting a bit anxious. All the boxes and packing noises were throwing her off and I could tell she was stressed.
That’s when I realized she needed a quiet space to escape the chaos.
Creating a safe haven for your cat before the move can make a world of difference.
Cats thrive on familiarity and setting up a dedicated space can help reduce their anxiety amid all the hustle and bustle.
Here’s what worked for me.
Designate A Quiet Room
I chose a spare bedroom as my cat’s sanctuary. I filled it with her favorite toys, comfy bed, food, water and her litter box.
Having all her essentials in one place made her feel secure.
Add Familiar Scents
I included an old T-shirt of mine in her room. Since it smelled like me, it provided extra comfort for her.
You can do the same with a blanket or any clothing item you don’t mind parting with for a bit.
It made the actual moving day less stressful because she was already used to spending time in her special room.
2. Get Comfortable With The Carrier
If your cat is anything like mine, the sight of the carrier might send them running for cover. My cat used to associate her carrier with vet visits which weren’t her favorite experiences.
I knew that for our move to go smoothly, I’d need to change how she felt about that little plastic box.
Leave The Carrier Out Early
Instead of keeping the carrier hidden away until the last minute, I brought it out weeks before our move.
I left it open in the living room where my cat likes to hang out. This allowed her to explore it on her own terms without any pressure.
Make It Inviting
I placed some of her favorite treats inside the carrier and added a cozy blanket that smelled like home. Occasionally, I’d sprinkle a bit of catnip in there.
Before long, I caught my cat napping inside!
She started to see the carrier as just another comfy spot rather than a one-way ticket to the vet.
Practice Short Trips
To get her used to being in the carrier while it was moving, I started taking my cat on short drives around the block.
At first, she was a bit anxious but with each trip, she became more relaxed.
I’d always reward her with a treat and some affection afterward, so she began to associate the carrier and car rides with positive experiences.
By the time moving day arrived, my cat was much more comfortable with the carrier.
Instead of a stressful battle to get her inside, she walked right in, and the journey to our new home was surprisingly peaceful.
3. Stick To Your Cat’s Routine
In the whirlwind of packing boxes and making endless checklists for my move, I noticed that my cat was acting a bit off.
She would sit by her food bowl at the usual time, giving me that “Hey, did you forget something?” look.
It hit me that while my schedule was all over the place, her routine hadn’t changed.
I made a conscious effort to feed, play and cuddle with my cat at our usual times. Even if I was knee-deep in bubble wrap, I’d pause to take some time to be with my furkid.
On days when I was swamped, I asked my sister to come over and keep her company.
Keeping to your cat’s routine isn’t just good for them, it can be a sanity saver for you too.
Those few minutes spent focusing on my cat gave me a much-needed break and reminded me to slow down amidst the moving madness.
4. Keep Your Cat Secure On Moving Day
When moving day finally arrived for me, the house was in a mess. Movers going in and out, doors propped open and boxes everywhere.
Amidst all the chaos, my biggest concern was my cat, Whiskers. With so many open doors and unfamiliar faces, I was terrified he might slip out and get lost or, worse, get injured.
To keep my cat safe, I decided to place her in a quiet room away from all the commotion.
I also put a big sign on the door that said, “Do Not Open! Ferocious Cat Inside,” to make sure everyone knew not to disturb her.
If you don’t have a spare room or you’re worried about the noise, consider boarding your cat with a trusted friend or relative for the day.
Don’t forget to double-check all windows and doors in the room to ensure they’re closed securely. The last thing you want is for your cat to find an unexpected escape route
Keeping your cat secure not only ensures their safety but also allows you to focus on the move without constant worry.
5. Update Microchip And ID Information
One thing that might slip your mind is updating your cat’s microchip and ID information.
In a new environment, the chances of your cat getting lost unfortunately increase.
To put my mind at ease, I made sure to update her microchip details before the move. I contacted the microchip company and provided them with my new address and phone number.
I also got her a new ID tag with our current contact information. I chose a bright, easy-to-read tag and securely attached it to her collar.
This way, if she ever slipped out and someone nearby found her, they’d know exactly how to get in touch with me.
6. Ease Your Cat Into The New Home
When I finally moved into my new place, the new environment was completely unfamiliar and a bit scary for my cat.
I realized that expecting her to roam freely in a strange house right away might be overwhelming. So I decided to introduce her to our new home gradually, and it made a huge difference.
Let Your Cat Explore At Its Own Pace
I opened the carrier and let my cat decide when she wanted to come out. She was cautious at first, sniffing around and taking in the new smells.
I stayed nearby to offer gentle reassurance but gave her the space to explore on her own terms.
Maintain Familiar Scents
To make the rest of the house feel more like home, I spread some of her blankets and toys into other rooms.
Familiar scents can be incredibly soothing for cats, helping them feel more secure in new spaces.
Gradually Open Up More Rooms
Over the next few days, I began opening doors to other parts of the house. Each new room became an adventure she could tackle when she felt comfortable.
Be Patient And Supportive
I made sxure to spend quality time with her, offering extra cuddles and play sessions to reassure her.
If she seemed hesitant or stressed, I didn’t push her. Patience was key in helping her feel at ease.
By introducing my cat to our new home slowly, she adjusted much more smoothly than I expected.
Within a week, she was confidently exploring every corner, rubbing her cheeks on furniture to mark her territory.
Share Your Story
Have you moved with your cat before? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have! Share your stories in the comments below.
Nora is a passionate writer with a love for books, animals, and gardening.
Her writing is inspired by her two cats and a loyal dog, who serve as her muses, as well as the tranquility she finds in her garden.
With a knack for storytelling, Nora offers a unique blend of book recommendations, heartwarming animal tales, and gardening insights.
Whether you’re interested in paws, petals, or page-turners, Nora’s world is a treasure trove of engaging content.