15 Tips For Moving House With Cats

Let’s face it, most cats believe they’re in charge. If you’re moving house with cats and didn’t ask their permission, of course they’re going to get uppity. So here are some top tips to reduce feline stress when relocating.

Before The Move

Microchip

Make sure your cat’s microchip is updated with your new address, then if they do get lost, there’s a really good chance they’ll be returned to you.

Bedding & Toys

If might seem tempting to wash everything before the move, but don’t. Familiar scents on bedding, blankets and toys will reassure Mr/Ms Boots that this new place is ‘home’, to help them to adjust to their new surroundings.

Cat Hotel

If your cat doesn’t cope well with change and your move is likely to take more than one day, it might be less upsetting to book them into a  cattery until the dust (and moving boxes) have settled.

During The Move

Safe Space

To keep your cat calm during the chaos of moving day, place them in a safe room with the door shut and a sign preventing strangers, such as the removals men, from entering. Make sure to they have their toys, bedding and access to food and water as well as a litter tray.

For particularly nervous cats, plug-in pheromone diffusers (readily available at pet stores and online) can also help keep them calm.

In Transit

Car Safety

Make sure your cat is in a cat carrier or basket. This should be securely fastened with a seat belt or packed in so that it can’t move. For longer journeys, place the basket (securely fixed) in a dog cage, so your cat can have breaks outside the basket with access to food and drink.

Never let your cat travel loose in the car. Even if your cat is a good traveller, they’ll have no protection if there’s a accident.

Familiar Smells

Let your cat travel with familiar items such as blankets or toys that have its scent.

Breaks

Give your cat breaks on long journeys. If you have to leave them in the car in hot weather, park the car in a shaded spot and ensure the it’s well ventilated. Remember the sun moves, so if it’s going to be a long stop allow for the direction the sun will be in by the time you return.

At The New House

Safe Space – Part II

Like on the way out of the old property, at your new home create a ‘cat zone’ where they can hide away, separate from the noise and chaos, clearly marked to keep strangers in heavy boots away.

Once again, pheromone diffusers can help cats settle more easily.

Scent It

Another tip for nervous cats, gently wipe their face with a cloth, then brush the cloth on cat height surfaces in their safe room so it already smells like their territory. You can repeat this in other rooms once the movers have left and your cat’s ready to explore.

Tell The Neighbours

If you’re moving a short distance and it’s likely your cat might find it’s way back to the old house, speak to your neighbours and the new occupants. If he/she does go missing, check with them first as puss might have made its way ‘home’.

A Door You

Once you’re ready to open the door and let your cat explore your new home, don’t leave every room open. It can be overwhelming with so many new places to explore at once. Equally, as you’re getting to know your new home, it’s all too easy to mistakenly shut your cat into a room or cupboard. Double check rooms and cupboards before closing that door.

Too New

Moving home can be pretty scary. You woke up in your house full of all your favourite smells, suddenly it’s new sights, new smells, big men with noisy boots and totally different geography. After everyone has cleared off, give your cat a little bit of love to let them know that despite the obvious changes, you’re still there.

No Rush

While you’re excited to make yourself at home, your cat might not be quite so enthusiastic. Let them explore their new surroundings at their own pace. Don’t pick them up and give them the grand tour or carry them into the garden. If they do decide to stay put don’t worry, they’ll go for a wander once they’re ready and feeling a little more confident/curious.

Comfort Food

The first time you let them out, do it before you feed them, they’ll naturally return when ready for food. Once they’re outside, make sure the door is open so they can get back inside easily when they want to.

You could also reduce the size of their meals, feeding them smaller amounts more often. This will encourage them to keep coming back and not wander too far while they scope out their new neighbourhood.

Escape Artist

Some cats are escape artists and will do a Houdini at the first chance they get. For house cats, make sure your new home is escape proof, that windows and doors (internal and external) are kept closed and that everyone in the family knows the new cat-safe rules for the first few weeks until your feline family member has adjusted to their new home.