Tips for relocating cats to a new home

Moving a pet-friendly household may pose a series of totally new considerations and challenges. As it turns out, relocating cats to a new home is anything but easy especially if it’s situated in another state. Cats are likely to develop a strong bond with their environment, which can complicate the transition further. They are known for being territorial beings, so changing homes can be stressful for them in so many different ways. To be honest, moving is stressful for every living creature, so you can at least try to understand how your pets feel about moving house.

Even though moving stress is almost inevitable, there are things you can do to properly prepare before relocating cats to a new home. Some planning ahead of time will ensure a smooth transition for your furry friend. Reducing traumatic effects of the move on your pets and loved ones is a major consideration. So, learn how to ease the transition with a few extra steps.

Preparation stages before relocating cats to a new home

How your feline friend will react to the relocation process depends on their personality as well as on the complexity of the move.

• Maintain your cat’s daily routine. In the middle of the moving hustle and bustle chances are you may forget to eat and hydrate regularly. However, no matter how busy you are, try to maintain some stability to your cat’s day-to-day routine. Take the time to play and cuddle with your feline friend as much as possible both before and after the move.
• Introduce your cat with a carrier. Whether you are traveling by car or airplane, it’s your responsibility to make your pet feel comfortable with the carrier before moving day. Using special treats can also be helpful while trying to help your cat familiarize with the carrier.
• Consider using pheromone therapy when relocating cats to a new home. There are various pheromone-based products that can mitigate your pet’s stress and anxiety level. That way you may restore the sense of security and comfort all pets are fond of.
• Keep your pets away from the chaotic pre-move activities. In order to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being consider confining him to a quiet and less chaotic room providing all commodities in terms of meals, water and toys.
• Talk to your vet prior to moving day. If you are moving long-distance talk to the vet about introducing a mild sedative. Both you and your overly anxious pets may actually benefit if they are calm on moving day. Also, you may get some helpful behavioral tips on how to keep your kitty at ease in spite of all moving chaos.

Moving cats to a new place – moving day challenges

When moving with kids and pets, your top priority is to keep them out of harm’s way on moving day. Ideally, you will find a reliable person who can take care of your little ones while your movers are doing their job. That way there will be no distractions or obstacles on your movers’ way.

• Attach your cat’s new ID that contains your contact details. As we all know, cats may easily sneak out of the house and run away while you are being busy with packing, loading and heavy lifting.
• Keep your pet’s medical records with you so that you can find a new vet after you settle into a new place.
• Confine your pet to a separate room before movers arrive. You can keep him inside the carrier even before you hit the road to your new home if you think that someone might open the door of the room in spite of your specific instructions.

Helping your cat settle into a new home

• Cat-proof your new home by making sure all windows are secured and there are no potentially dangerous objects.
• Let your cat explore a new place gradually and slowly, one room at a time. First off, set up a quiet and comfortable place for your cat. Display all his favorite objects like toys, litter box, water and food bowls so as to recreate familiar environment.

When you think your cat is emotionally prepared to investigate the rest of your new household, let him venture out of the house. How quickly you’ll allow it depends on your pet’s unique personality. Also, in order to provide additional motivation you can place some cat treats around the new place.

• Re-establish your cat’s routine. Offer your cat attention by arranging some playtime and cuddling. Making your feline friend feel comfortable into a new environment is a key factor for his physical and emotional well-being.
• Don’t leave your cat unsupervised for a long time. Nervous cats are likely to get into trouble, so keep eye on their behavior after the move. When relocating cats to a new home you should pay special attention to any sign of unsettling and disturbing feelings your pets may be struggling with.
• When decorating your new home it’s always a good idea to set a special place for your cat equipped with his favorite items. Recreating familiar scents can also go a long way toward making a cozy and comfortable living space.

Bonus tips when moving with pets

After relocating cats to a new home, both you and your furry friends need some time to familiarize with the new surroundings. The adjustment process takes both time and patience, so take things slowly. As a matter of fact, you’ve gone through a major life-changing event and now you can set your own pace. Whether you are going to unpack everything immediately or explore your new neighborhood depends on your current needs and mood. No two household moves are the same as each one of them has its own unique requirements. Assuming that pets may react to the household moves differently, a timely preparation may ensure your peace of mind down the road.