12 Tips to Make Moving More Manageable for the Cat

Moving can be stressful and this stress can multiply manifolds if you own a pet. Many people have dogs and cats, and unfortunately, these pets do not take relocation very well.

Seeing the pet anxious coupled with the hassle of moving can be overwhelming. 

If you are a cat owner, you already may be aware that they do not like change and commotion. However, that is precisely what is going to happen during the move.

Thankfully, as a cat owner, you can take solace knowing that you can make the moving less stressful for your cat (and yourself) by following these few simple tips.

This way, you will have one less thing to worry about when you are relocating to a different home or city. 

Preparation Needed for Moving House with a Cat:

• Try to keep the cat’s routine as stable as you can; starting from its feeding time to playing time.
• Let your cat get accustomed to the carrier. It might be reluctant at first but can be convinced by leaving a comfy bed inside. Keep feeding the cat around the carrier and finally inside it. 
• Don't try to change your cat routine as far as possible. Stability is important when you are moving with you cat. Meals should be given at the same time every day. 
• Consult your vet if your cat is getting easily stressed and skittish as the anti-anxiety medication will make the moving processing easier for the cat.

Moving House with a Cat:

• To reduce stomach issues, feed it a very small breakfast.
• Close the cat in the bathroom with water, food, litter box, and bed to prevent it from dashing out of the door while the movers are doing their job. Place a sign on the bathroom door asking movers to keep the door shut. 
• To prevent any unwanted consequences caused due to a malfunctioning carrier, carry a roll of packing tape in case the carrier requires emergency repairs while on the move. 
• Do not try to open the carrier even to soothe it while moving. Only do so when absolutely necessary and in a secure area. A scared cat will definitely jump out. 

Settling into the New Home:

• Set up cats’ food, bed, litter box in a silent room. Place the carrier in the room before opening it. Allow the cat to explore the room. 
• Keep the cat in this room for several days before allowing it to go to other rooms to let it get used to the surrounding. 
• Cat proof the entire house, i.e., secure all the windows, tuck away electrical cords, ensure that there are no pest-control traps left in the house, and remove any poisonous houseplants. 
• Once you have done unpacking everything, allow the cat to explore the rest of the house, one room at a time. Monitor the cat’s exploration sessions closely. 
• Provide the cat with a second litter box where you will want to keep it permanently. Remove the old one only after the cat is comfortable with the new one. Do not remove it one fine day because the cat will lose track of it. Move it one foot at a time until you get it to the preferred location.

These are some tips on moving house with a cat which has shown to show positive results.

These tips will assure you that your cat will not indulge in escape attempts and aggression caused due to the commotion and change.

Make sure that you don’t shout at them due to their panic-driven behaviour, as this is the time they need your love and assurance the most.