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Essential Tips for Moving to a New House with Cats

Parul Solanki
Moving to a new house with a cat can be a traumatic experience for both you and your cat. Here are some great tips to help you with this.
An old wives' tale is that when you move to a new house, put butter on your cat's paws! This will apparently stop it from roaming and getting lost.
No one really likes change except cats... they just hate change. Moving to a new house is not just stressful for the owners, but also for their furry four-legged friends. Although some cats may take the move in their stride and not react negatively at all, most of them hate even short trips.
Cats are territorial animals, and having their territory and routine disrupted can result in quite a lot of stress for them. The strong bonds that they develop with the house and the environment around it can make the move to the new house extremely traumatic for the cat.
Moreover, if the moving requires long hours of traveling, then it makes things worse for the cat. Cat owners need to be prepared for the stressful days ahead. This will not only help in easing the cat to the new neighborhood but also keep it safe and secure for days. Here are some essential tips to make it easier for you to shift to a new home with your cat.

Tips for Moving in with Cats

Preparing for the Move

Buy a cage, cat carrier, or crate for your cat. The carrier should be large enough for the cat to stand up, sit down, and turn around.
Let the cat get used to its carrier. Most pets just hate the sight of carriers as it reminds them of the horrible vet visits. To ease this fear, leave the carrier door open, and place a comfortable cushion with familiar blankets or toys inside.
You can also start placing the cat's meal dish next to it. Slowly, the cat gets used to the carrier and is more comfortable in it. This is especially useful for a long journey, where the cat is confined to the carrier for a long time.
Do not neglect the cat's daily schedule which includes feeding at the right time and their normal playtime.
If you are traveling state to state, then make sure that you have a copy of your cat's vaccination record. It is also a good idea to check if the cat's vaccinations are up-to-date.
Get ID tags for the cat's collar. This should have the address and phone number on it. This can be handy when the cat tries to run back to its old home and gets lost in the process.
If the pet is extremely stressed out by the idea of moving to a new house, then ask your veterinarian to prescribe some antianxiety medications.
It is important for cat owners to stay calm. Packing and shifting can be a stressful time. If the owner is stressed out, then the cat automatically follows suit.
Before moving in to the new house, check the place for potential dangers, such as windows and doors without screens, or some insect baits in hidden places. Make sure that your new home is cat-proof and ready to welcome your feline buddies.

On the Day of the Move

Cats can panic when they see all the stuff lying here and there, or might want to dash out when the movers are going in and out. Before the removal van arrives, place the cat in a room, with the doors and windows closed. Provide food, water, and their bed inside.
Also, make sure that their litter tray is around. Keep the door of this room shut, and instruct everyone not to open the door.
Once all the rooms are emptied, place the cat in its carrier. If you are traveling in a car, make sure that the carrier is placed safely in the car and secured with the seat belt while you are traveling. Do not transport the cat in the boot of your car or in the removal van where it can panic and try to escape.
For long journeys, it is essential to keep the car well-ventilated. When you take breaks, offer the cat some water, and allow it a chance to use the litter tray.
In the new house, place your cat's bed and blankets in a room. Open the cat's carrier door, and allow it to explore the new surroundings. Most cats will try to hide. Do not worry or try to get the cat out by force. Instead just offer some food and water, and keep the cat confined in the room for some time.

Helping Your Cat Settle Down

After a few days, when you are done with all your unpacking, allow the cat to explore the other areas of the house.
Spread the items with the cat's scent, such as its blankets or playthings, throughout the house. Furnishing the new home with the cat's scents helps it get over its insecurity while settling down. If possible, keep the cat indoors for a couple of weeks so that it gets used to the new surroundings. This helps the cat in establishing its territory.
Feed the cat regularly, and shower it with lots of extra attention and care.
When you feel that the cat is ready to explore outdoors, take the cat out for short periods of time. Do this every day to help the cat adapt to the new place.
When you let the cat out, make sure it has a collar with ID that displays proper identification with new contact information. If the cat has a microchip, ensure that the details are current. In case your cat tries to run back to the old house, tell the owners of your old home not to welcome or keep the cat.
Despite all your efforts, if you find extreme signs of stress, such as less water intake, constipation, or excessive howling, consult the veterinarian. Above all, it is important to be patient. Your cat needs time to cope with the change and with all your love and care, it will be able to do so.