Handy tips that'll make relocating with cats easier

Moving is a stressful and at moments very chaotic process. And if you keep felines as pets, you will need a special approach during a move if you want your furry friends to stay calm and relaxed. Stress very negatively affects animals, and cats are no exception. But if you manage to stay calm and relaxed you will do a good job of keeping your pets calm, too. However, before your residential movers NYC come to pick up your belongings there are many things to do. Of course, having the right plan is a good start. But to be able to make a good plan for relocating with cats in NYC you need to start dealing with it month or two in advance.

Tips for relocating with cats in NYC

There’s a list of valid reasons why relocating with cats and children is famous for being a very stressful undertaking.

As a cat owner, you probably understand that cats are susceptible to any change in their routine. As cats tend to build strong bonds with their surroundings, a household move may be a traumatic experience for them.

Cats are notoriously resistant to environmental change and firmly attached to their familiar and safe surroundings. As a result, a sudden routine disruption may turn your cat into an upset and fearful animal. Also, your feline friend’s anxiety may trigger serious health issues, so you need to be very mindful of your pet’s needs and behavior during this challenging period.

We will gladly share some tips on how to approach relocating with cats.  As it turns out, there are specific measures you can take to reduce the negative impact of the move on your pets. Hopefully, these suggestions will guide you successfully through the relocation with cats.

Stay calm and assertive when relocating with cats in NYC

When you are moving with such sensitive and intuitive creatures as cats are, the most important thing is to stay calm. Of course, during a difficult relocation, it is not so easy to do. Maybe you didn’t know, but your cats observe your behavior and feel your mood which then reflects on them too.

So, your task is not to deal with your cats mood directly but to make yourself feel calm and only that way you will help your cats. So do what you must to stay in good mood. However, the best way to do it is to make yourself believe that you have control over the entire relocation process. And the best way to achieve this is to have a good moving plan.

Prepare a good plan before relocating with cats in NYC

Having a good plan is the most important part of every successful relocation. But it is especially important when you are relocating with cats in NYC. A good moving plan will help you to stay organized and on schedule, which will help you to relieve the pressure from yourself. And as mentioned above, staying calm and relaxed will help your cats to go through this hard period as easy as possible.

Besides hiring reliable Jersey City movers, decluttering, acquiring packing supplies, packing and all that other stuff that you have to organize. One of the first things in your moving plan should be finding and obtaining suitable carriers or transportation boxes for your pets. However, you shouldn’t wait for the last minute to do it. And there is a good reason why you have to do it at least a month in advance.

Prepare the right type of carrier and do it on time

Getting the right type of pet carrier for your cats is not so complicated. There is a vast selection of pet carriers and pet transportations boxes in pet stores and on the internet. So, all you have to do is to find the right size that suits your cats. And the right price that suits your budget.

Nevertheless, the trick is to get the carriers at least a month before your scheduled moving date. That way you can give the cat enough time to get used to the carrier and to make it a home. It will be of much help during transportation. As the cat will feel protected and safe if it is in its own territory, and therefore stay calm and relaxed as much as it is possible in that moment.

How to help your cat get used to the new carrier

When you bring the carrier to your home for the first time, do not try to force your cat inside. Leave the box opened close to the food and water and throw some toys or treats inside. Moreover, it would be best to just ignore the box in the oncoming period, and give your cat space and time to do it in its own pace. It should take long for your cat to get used to its new home. And you will be ready for relocating with cats in NYC without much hassle.

Be careful during the packing process

The most complicated and hectic phase of the entire relocation process is packing. And you can be sure that your cats would feel it too. Especially if you hired packing and unpacking services NYC. That means that beside all that rush and chaos your home is occupied by some strangers. And that could really affect your felines. That is why, if you are relocating with cats in NYC, during packing you should constrain your cats in carriers. Or, you can find appropriate facility and leave them there until you finish with packing.

Keep your felines together during a move

Keep your cats together, that is one of the best ways to make the move easier for them. Even though cats are not very social, they will certainly find comfort in a fellow companion. Keep them in the same carrier at all times during your relocation. And if you can, make sure that the cats face each other while they are in a transportation carrier.

Relocating with cats in NYC

One of the most difficult parts of relocating with cats to NYC is transportation. As you probably already know, your local movers NYC cannot take your pet in a moving truck. So, you will have to find a way to transport your cats. Of course, the best way is to take them with your own vehicle. Of course, if you are moving short-distance you won’t have any problems. If you are moving long-distance, besides staying relaxed, your main task will be to provide your companions with enough water. Avoid giving them food during the trip, as they could get urges or even get sick.

Of course, if you are traveling for a few days, then you will have to feed your cats. But try to minimize it as much as possible.

Is there a right approach to relocating with cats?

While moving with cats may pose a lot of difficulties, you can still work out an action plan to make a move easier on them.

-Get your cat’s medical records and certificates in order and up to date. Whether you are moving locally or long distance, your cat’s physical well-being will help her endure all moving challenges. In the event of an interstate move, get your cat vaccinated according to local requirements.

After visiting a vet, you may also learn how to deal with your cat’s potential reactions. Traveling is rather stressful for cats, so consider getting a prescription for some sedatives or anti-anxiety medication to make the moving easier on your feline friend. In addition to that, your vet will be able to recommend a reputable vet practice in the city you are moving to.

– Attend to your cat’s emotional and physical needs. With so much going on, you may easily neglect your cat’s needs and potential signals. Try to keep your cat’s routine undisturbed in spite of the pre-move hustle and bustle. Make your lovely pet feel safe and secure during this period of transition.

– Bring a carrier a couple of weeks before the move so that your cat has enough time to get used to it. A spacious and comfortable moving carrier equipped with your pet’s favorite items may provide a sense of security during transportation.

– Stress can be contagious. As it turns out, cats tend to be more vulnerable to absorbing the emotions of their owners. They can easily pick up on moving-related anxiety and negativity, so try to keep your mixed feelings under control.

How to survive moving day with your pets around

The process of relocating with cats can quickly get messy if not appropriately planned and ahead of time. As we all know, moving day is a notoriously overwhelming event both for you and your dear animal friends.

With the movers operating through your house on the chaotic moving day, your cat may quickly get upset. So, make sure either to confine your pet in a designated room far from the high foot traffic area or to ask a neighbor to give you a hand. As it turns out, a scared and stressed out cat can dash out the door, so inform your movers and helpers to stay away from this room by putting a proper sign on the door.

Also, bear in mind that reliable movers may significantly relieve the moving stress. Choosing from a variety of moving companies is not easy. Still, the timely strategy and the right mindset can go a long way towards hiring dependable movers who happen to provide quality pet relocation services. Unless you are moving overseas, the best transportation means for a cat is your own car. Not only will your pet be perfectly safe, but also your presence will provide reassurance and peacefulness.

Also, consider packing your pet’s essentials kit along with your travel bag:

• pet’s food
• fresh water
• favorite toys
• medications
• anything that may make relocating with cats less stressful

Once you hit the road, it’s highly recommended to resist to urge to let your cat loose inside your car. Open the carrier only if absolutely necessary. If you are planning an overnight stay on the way to a new home, make sure pets are allowed there. However, in the event of moving overseas with a cat, you will need to retrieve a health certificate for air travel and a proper shipping carrier.

How to help your cat settle into a new home?

Once you reach your new home, let your cat explore the place one room at a time. Remember, no matter the size of your new place, a cat may find it huge, unfamiliar, and disturbing. So, in spite of the sizeable post-relocation checklist, take some time to re-establish your cat’s sense of security.

Bring cat’s food, water, traveling carrier, favorite toys, litter tray to a specially designated room to recreate familiar surroundings. While you are tackling unpacking and arranging, bear in mind that your feline friend needs your attention and dedication.

Let your pet explore the interior of the house for a couple of weeks before letting him out. But, have his microchip updated before letting him explore the outdoors. In addition to that, make sure to cat-proof the entire place by tackling potentially dangerous spots and removing items that may cause trouble.

The chances are that you will be able to recognize your pet’s need to pass to another adaptation stage. Just be patient and pay close attention to possible signs of your cat’s post-relocation depression. Your unconditional love and care may speed up the adaptation process and ease the effects of transition.