Moving to a new house is an exciting adventure, full of fresh beginnings and new experiences. However, for our feline friends, the experience can be far from thrilling. It might feel like stepping into a world of confusion and chaos. For your cat, home represents a sanctuary of comfort and security. Therefore, when it’s time to relocate, it can be a disorienting and occasionally stressful experience for both of you.
While your cat might not understand all the logistics of moving, they do feel the changes happening around them. The sight of packing boxes, strangers bustling in and out, strange scents, and rooms becoming emptier by the day can all contribute to their anxiety.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make moving home with cat a smoother transition. We’ll explore strategies to assist your feline companion in remaining tranquil during and after the move, ensuring they adapt comfortably to their new environment. So, let’s embark on this journey together, making your cat’s well-being a top priority!
Before Moving with Your Cat
In the world of our feline friends, there’s a magical scent that signifies safety and home. Cats produce this comforting pheromone when they feel secure, often spreading it around their domain by delicately rubbing their faces on various objects. To help your furry companion feel at ease during a move, you can harness this remarkable power. Plug-in diffusers or sprays are available, which gently release this reassuring pheromone into the air, instilling a sense of calm and security. Keeping your cat relaxed is simpler than trying to soothe a stressed one, so it’s best to begin using the diffuser at least 24 hours before embarking on any home transformations, including the hustle and bustle of packing.
Cats thrive on routine, and this is where their sense of security stems from. While you’re amidst the packing process, strive to maintain your pet’s daily schedule as consistently as possible. This routine, whether loosely structured or more relaxed, provides your cat with a familiar rhythm, reassuring them in their home environment. As the moving preparations unfold, consider creating a haven for your cat. Gradually move their food, water, bedding, cherished toys, and litter box into a tranquil space, such as a spare bedroom. This designated area within your home acts as a sanctuary, especially useful if there’s considerable commotion in other parts of the house. Make sure to establish your cat’s safe haven at least one week before the actual move, granting your feline friend ample time to adapt.
Lastly, when it comes to travelling with your cat, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian if your cat tends to be anxious during journeys. They can provide valuable advice on carrier options, suggest methods to cover the carrier, offer guidance on meal timing, and provide other tailored recommendations considering your cat’s temperament, the circumstances, and the duration of your travel. Your cat’s well-being during the move is of paramount importance, and with thoughtful planning and a touch of patience, you can make this transition as stress-free as possible.
Tips for Moving Your Cats
Before setting out on your journey with your cherished cat, there are several crucial steps to consider, ensuring a seamless transition. Whether you’re moving to a new place nearby or embarking on a more extended adventure, these cat moving tips will ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your furry friend.
1. Scent Swapping: Before the move, try scent swapping. Take a soft cloth and gently rub it on your cat’s cheeks to collect their scent. Then, place this cloth in their new room or travel carrier. It’s a familiar scent that can help your cat feel more at ease.
2. Safe Room Setup: Set up a designated “safe room” in your new home. This should be a quiet, comfortable space with your cat’s essentials – cat food, water, litter box, and familiar toys. By limiting their initial access to just one room, you’re training your cat time to adjust gradually to their new surroundings.
3. Cattery Stay: If you need to leave your cat in a cattery for a while during the move, make sure to choose a reputable one. Visit the cattery in advance to ensure it’s clean, well-staffed, and secure. Provide your cat’s essentials with them, like their favourite blanket or toy, to ease the transition.
4.Create a Cattery Experience at Home: To help your cat get accustomed to their travel carrier, create a mini “cattery” experience at home. Leave the carrier open with soft bedding and some favourite toys inside. Encourage your cat to explore and spend time in it voluntarily, so they don’t associate it solely with trips to the vet.
5. Removals Company Considerations: If you’re using a removals company, communicate with them about your cat. Ensure your cat’s safe space is the last to be packed and the first to be unpacked. Discuss any concerns or special instructions, like marking boxes with your cat’s safe room essentials.
Moving House with an Outdoor Cat
If your cat is used to being outdoors, relocating to a new home might raise concerns about them becoming disoriented or getting lost. To ensure a smooth transition, consider these steps:
1. Keep Them Indoors Initially — When moving home, treat your outdoor cat as if they were a new arrival. Keep them indoors for around three to four weeks. This helps them adjust to the new environment and reduces the risk of them wandering away.
2. Update Microchip Details — Don’t forget to update your cat’s microchip information with your new address. This simple step increases the chances of being reunited if your cat gets lost when they eventually explore outside.
3. Introduce the Outdoors Gradually — When it’s time for your cat’s outdoor debut, follow these guidelines:
- Let them out just before mealtime, as a well-fed cat is less likely to roam far.
- Accompany your cat outside if they appear hesitant, but don’t push them.
- Keep the door open, even if they’re used to a cat flap.
- Start with short outdoor periods, gradually extending the time. Your cat may need time to build confidence in their new surroundings.
During this transition, ensure you have clean litter trays available indoors for your cat. It may take some time for them to feel completely at ease in their new home.
Moving Home with an Indoor Cat
Moving to a new home with an indoor cat comes with certain unique considerations. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition for your beloved feline friend:
1. Prepare a Secure Area: Before you commence the moving process, it’s essential to set up a safe and quiet room in your new home where your cat can stay while the rest of the house is bustling with activity. Make sure to place their litter box, cat food, water, and toys in this room to create a familiar and comfortable space.
2. Introduce Gradually: Once you’ve settled into your new home, slowly introduce your cat to different parts of the house. Begin with a single room and expand their access over time, allowing them to acclimate to the new surroundings at their own pace.
3. Stick to Routine: Cats thrive on routine, so it’s advisable to maintain a consistent daily schedule. Ensure regular feeding times and play sessions to reduce stress during the transition.
4. Bring the Familiar: To provide comfort, bring along your cat’s favourite beds, toys, and scratching posts from your previous home, as these items carry comforting and familiar scents.
5. Ensure Safety: Check all windows, doors, and any potential escape routes in your new home to ensure they are secure. Preventing any unexpected escapes is crucial, especially as indoor cats may not be as street-smart as their outdoor counterparts.
Recognising the significance of a home relocation for your indoor cat is crucial. The steps mentioned above have been carefully crafted to aid a seamless transition, prioritizing your feline companion’s well-being during this process.
House Moving with an Elderly Cat
Moving to a new home can be a significant event for elderly cats, and it requires some special considerations to ensure their comfort and well-being during the process. Here are the top tips for a successful move with an elderly cat:
1. Prior to Home Visit: If possible, make a prior visit to the new home with your elderly cat. Let them explore and become acquainted with the new surroundings. This can help ease the transition to an unfamiliar environment.
2. Stick to Routine: Older cats thrive on routine, so try to maintain their daily schedule as much as possible during the move. Consistency in giving cat food, play sessions, and other activities can provide a sense of stability during this challenging period.
3. Stress Monitoring: Monitor your elderly cat closely for indications of stress or anxiety. These signs may manifest as alterations in their eating patterns, excessive grooming, or increased withdrawal. If you notice any worrying changes in their behaviour, it’s advisable to seek advice from your vet for proper guidance.
Moving House with an Anxious Cat
Cats often become attached to their familiar surroundings, and moving can lead to stress and anxiety, especially for more anxious cats. However, with some careful planning, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible for your anxious cat. Here is some advice:
1. Familiar Scents: Familiar scents can provide comfort to your cat. Consider placing items with their scent, such as their bedding or a piece of your clothing, in different areas of the new house.
2. Pheromone Diffusers: Feliway, a synthetic feline facial pheromone, can help reduce stress. Consider using a Feliway diffuser in your new home to create a calming environment.
3. Keep It Quiet: Limit noise and commotion during the move. Keep your cat in their designated safe space until the chaos settles down. Use soft voices and minimize loud, sudden noises.
4. Be Patient: Understand that it may take time for your cat to fully adjust. Be patient and allow them to explore and adapt to their new environment at their own pace.
5. Show Love and Comfort: Spend quality time with your cat, offering love, affection, and treats. Let your cat know that the new home is a safe and comfortable place.
6. Consult Your Vet: If your cat’s anxiety is severe, consult your vet for advice. They might recommend antianxiety medications or other solutions to ease the transition.
It’s important to remember that every cat is unique, and their response to a move can vary, by following these tips and providing extra attention, you can help your anxious cat transition to their new home with confidence and ease.
Abnormal Cat Behaviour to Watch for When Moving
Moving to a new home can be a challenging experience for your feline friend, and it’s not uncommon for cats to display changes in their behaviour as they adapt to a different environment. While many cats transition smoothly, it’s essential to recognize any unusual behaviour that might signal stress or discomfort. Here are some atypical cat behaviours to look out for during a move:
1. Hiding: Cats tend to seek out secluded spots when they’re anxious or uneasy. If your cat frequently seeks solitude, spending extended periods in secluded spots and avoiding interaction, it could indicate feelings of distress.
2. Excessive Grooming: An increase in grooming, particularly in one specific area, can be an indicator of stress, potentially leading to hair loss or skin irritation.
3. Altered Appetite: A sudden change in your cat’s eating patterns, whether it’s increased or decreased, could raise concerns.
4. Litter Box Troubles: If your cat starts urinating or defecating outside the litter box, it’s often a response to stress.
5. Aggression or Withdrawal: Unusual aggression toward you, other pets, or excessive withdrawal can be a reaction to stress.
6. Excessive Vocalisation: While some cats may become more vocal when anxious, a sudden increase in yowling or meowing may indicate distress.
7. Overly Clingy Behaviour: Conversely, some cats might become excessively clingy and seek constant attention.
8. Destructive Behaviour: Scratching furniture, chewing on objects, or heightened play aggression might become more prevalent during stressful times.
9. Altered Sleep Patterns: Drastic changes in your cat’s sleep habits might be a sign of unease.
10. Compulsive Actions: Obsessive behaviour, such as chasing shadows or excessive paw licking, could be your cat’s way of dealing with stress.
It’s crucial to closely monitor your cat’s behaviour during and after the move. If you notice any of these unusual behaviours persisting or intensifying, consult your veterinarian. They can offer guidance on helping your cat adjust to the new environment, or if necessary, suggest behaviour modification strategies or medications. Remember, patience and empathy are vital in aiding your feline companion as they settle comfortably into their new home.
Helping Your Pet Settling In After a House Move
Here are some fantastic steps to ensure a smooth transition for your cat after moving to your new home:
1. Create a Special Room: As soon as you arrive at your new place, set up a quiet room for your cat. This safe haven shields them from the chaos of unpacking, providing a familiar space to settle in. Take your time introducing them to the rest of the house; let them adjust at their own pace.
2. Cat-Proof Your Space: Ensure the safety of both your cat and your belongings by securing or stowing away electrical cords, chargers, and cables. Lock cabinets, drawers, windows, and doors to prevent any mishaps. And don’t forget to protect your furniture from an active kitty!
3. Gradual Introduction to the Outdoors: Before allowing your cat outdoors, let them become acclimated to their new indoor surroundings. A harness with a lead can make their first outdoor experience more secure and comfortable.
4. Patience and Adjustment: Remember, adapting to a new place takes time. Be patient and give your feline friend the opportunity to settle in and make themselves at home.
5. Play for Relaxation: Regular interaction and playtime with your cat will help them relax and feel at ease in their new environment. This is a wonderful way to aid their adjustment and enhance their comfort in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of putting butter on a cat’s paws when moving a house?
Butter on a cat’s paws is a myth and not recommended. It doesn’t serve any useful purpose during a move. Instead, focus on practical steps and advice to ensure your cat’s well-being when you move.
2. How can I prepare my cat for the move to a new house?
When preparing your cat for a move, start by creating a cat-friendly space in your new home, slowly introducing them to the new surroundings. Utilize scent-swapping techniques and maintain a routine to minimize stress.
3. What can I do to address changes in my cat’s behaviour during a move?
Changes in cat behaviour during a move are common. To address this, offer familiarity through your cat’s belongings and maintain a structured routine. If behavioural issues persist, seek advice from a pet behaviourist or your veterinarian.
4. Should I invest in specific brands or products for my cat’s well-being during a move?
The key is to focus on your cat’s comfort and well-being during a move. Specific brands or products may not be necessary. Instead, consider your cat’s unique needs and preferences when it comes to bedding, toys, and other essentials.
5. How can I locate a cat protection centre or get advice on cat behaviour during the move?
You can seek advice from local cat protection centres or online resources. These organizations often provide valuable guidance on cat behaviour and well-being during a move.
6. What should I consider before leaving my old home with my cat?
Before leaving your old home, make sure to thoroughly check each room to ensure you haven’t left behind any of your cat’s belongings. This will help your cat feel more at ease during the transition.*
7. Is cat neutering essential when moving house?
Cat neutering is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership, but it’s not directly related to moving house. If your cat isn’t neutered, it’s a good practice, but it doesn’t have a direct impact on the moving process.
8. How can I ensure my kitten’s well-being during a move?
To ensure your kitten’s well-being, focus on creating a safe and secure environment in your new home. Keep your routine consistent and provide your kitten with familiar belongings.
9. What is the best way to find advice on cat behaviour when moving?
To find advice on cat behaviour and moving, explore online resources, consult your veterinarian, or reach out to local cat protection centres. They can offer valuable guidance tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
As a removal company with experience, we have handled all kinds of home removals. From those that are simple to those that are challenging due to access or location.