Moving to a New Home With Your Cat

Published Categorized as Cat Guide 1 Comment on Moving to a New Home With Your Cat
Moving with Your Cat to a New Home

For all the concerned feline owners and lovers out there who are on the verge of relocating, we have got your back!

Any kind of moving is stressful, whether it’s a cat moving to your place or you moving out of the house you currently live in. It’s hard on you and your cat. But because we’re tough and have a better sense of handling stressful situations, we can catch up. On the contrary, cats have a more challenging time adjusting to a new place or a new environment; hence we should ensure that their moving transition is as smooth as possible, and to educate yourself for that, keep reading!

Prior To Moving-

You Can’t Go Wrong When You’re Prepared

Preparation for anything will make the task so much easier. Similarly, in this case, before moving, add a tracker chip and an updated collar to your cat. They often feel very uncomfortable in places where there is tension and ones are not aware of, and that’s why they might try to scurry off the moment they find a good opportunity. But this way, you’ll keep track of their whereabouts so that they don’t get lost.

Set a ‘New Normal’

This is an effective way of getting rid of your cat’s anxiety on a sudden switch of objects. Introduce boxes a while before you shift them to your new home. Seeing boxes for a few days might envision it as a normal thing and reduce their stress on an actual day; moreover, ensure your cat’s favorite toys don’t go missing and unpack them as soon as possible so that they feel homey.

Get Them Used to a Cat Carrier

A cat carrier will always come so handy when you are relocating. To make your process free of trouble:

  1. Place your cat carrier in any corner of the house before packing.
  2. Allure your cat to stay in by putting some treats, soft bedding, and cozy blankets.
  3. Please don’t force them to go in; keep the door frame open for them to enter and leave as they wish so that on the big day, they are not hesitant to stay in for more extended periods.
Black cat sitting in its carrier

After Moving-

Settling Your Cat Into the New Home

Now, once you are all set in your new house, you’ll be pretty busy unpacking your stuff, but in the midst of the placement stress, don’t forget to stabilize your cats because they will be uncomfortable for the first few days. Here are some steps that might ease their anxiety level and help them get familiar with the area quickly.

Introduce the Rooms One by One

Set up one room first with some of the cat’s familiar objects and let them stay there for a while, get familiar with the environment, and then take them to the next room. But remember to secure the room before letting them roam about in the house because they might try to escape. Close the windows and doors and check them regularly, especially before sleeping.

The introduced room should be their safe spot temporarily until you are entirely unpacked. You don’t want them to get nervous by looking at the mess. While you’re at it, ensure your cat’s litter is changed frequently, and they always have food and water available at all times in this room.

Give Them Their Own Space

After you are settled, designate a specific spot for your cat in one of the rooms in your new home permanently. This spot should be a part of a room that is either an extra or a room that isn’t excessively packed.

If your new cat is touchy, they probably incline toward a peaceful space where you can visit and sit with them as they adjust to their new environment.

A few amicable and confident cats might feel quiet in the living room, assuming they appreciate being around individuals. Yet, they will, in any case, need time processing the new area to guarantee that their environmental factors are protected and to sort out where all that they require is found.

British cat lying on the floor at home

Surround Them With Familiar Things

The one way to make cats feel most comfortable is to see familiar things around them. Therefore, place stuff they like in the room they are being introduced to; for example, put their favorite blanket or toys around their cat carrier. Due to the fact that cats have a susceptible nose and might rely on smell to ensure everything is okay, you can also put things in the room that smell like you, maybe spray your usual perfume, so they feel close to you and at comfort.

Keep a Stable Routine

Moving will interfere with your routine as you will be pretty busy unpacking and settling but make sure your cat’s pattern does not suffice. Try keeping your cat’s regime as stable as possible by providing them with food, water, and playing essentials on time. Also, be there for them as they need attention during these times. The extra affection, care, and cuddling will instill the thought that everything is okay in your cat.

Gradually Introduce the House

Show your cat the new house once it is settled, but go slow in a very engaging manner, petting it, etc., and then stay there for a while, let them move around and get familiar with the area. Throughout this time, sit and watch tv or read in the room; make sure you are present there in front of your cat, so they don’t feel alone and nervous. While the cat explores, talk to them like you would usually do, offer them treats and additional attention so that they feel loved.

Tabby kitten relaxing at home

Wrapping Up

Moving with an animal will always be challenging regardless of what pet you have. It is essential that you make the process as easy and smooth as possible with cats. One thing that would aid a lot in these times is knowing what your cat likes and dislikes. Your cat’s personality will readily tell you what its specific needs are. Some cats are super clingy and touchy; therefore, they would need affection and cuddles the most, but on the other hand, some need treats, or they like playing, so for those, you need to broaden those options for them.

If you still hold any unanswered queries, don’t hesitate to reach out with the comment section below.

1 comment

Leave a comment