6 Tips for Moving With Cats
Let Your Cat’s Moving Experience be Purrfect!
Moving with cats can be a daunting task. Cats are often creatures of habit and can be sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Expecting a cat to remain calm while they are in a moving vehicle will often lead to a loud, messy, stinky, and scratched up (you receiving the scratches) experience. They are tiny tigers after all, and disturbing their peace with a radical change in their routine will almost certainly disturb yours if not done responsibly. However, with the right preparation and approach, you can make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible for your feline friend.
LET’S GO!!
Here are six tips for moving with cats:
Keep your cat confined on moving day
Gradually introduce your cat to their new home
Maintain your cat's routine
Use pheromone sprays and diffusers
Make sure your cat is properly ID'd
Give your cat time to adjust
Keep your cat confined on moving day
On moving day, it's best to keep your cat confined in a secure carrier in your car to avoid any potential hazards or escape attempts. This will also reduce your cat's stress levels and help them feel safe and secure during the chaos of moving. Make sure the carrier is big enough to maintain a litter box, bowls for food/water, and a couple of toys.
2.Gradually introduce your cat to their new home
After you've moved into your new home, it's important to gradually introduce your cat to their new surroundings. Start by confining them to one room with all of their familiar belongings, such as their litter box, food, water, and bedding. Pick a room that does not give your kitty any place for them to crawl under and hide from you. The laundry room, closet, and bathroom are fantastic options for this. Once your cat is comfortable in this room, gradually introduce them to other areas of the home, one room at a time. Leave the living room for last. We have been called multiple times to help retrieve a scared cat hiding under the heavy couch. Seriously.
3. Maintain your cat's routine
Cats thrive on routine, so it's important to maintain their regular feeding, play, and sleeping schedules as best you can while in transit and at your new home. Try to keep their routine as consistent as possible, even if it means temporarily setting up their food and litter box in a less than ideal location. There is a good chance your cat will not eat while on the road. Bring a bottle of Nutrical just in case this happens, especially for small cats and kittens as the can get hypoglycemic, which can be fatal. Nutrical will give necessary sugar, calories, and vitamins that your cat needs at the minimum and will increase their appetite at the maximum.
4. Use pheromone sprays and diffusers
Pheromone sprays and diffusers can be a helpful tool in reducing your cat's stress levels during the move. These products mimic the natural pheromones that cats produce when they feel safe and secure, and can help to soothe your cat during the transition. The dodo has a fantastic article in different calming sprays where they break down competing relaxants by category. We have personally used Feliway before and noticed it does help significantly with anxious cats.
5. Make sure your cat is properly ID'd
During the move, there is always the risk of your cat escaping or getting lost. Make sure your cat is properly ID'd with a collar and tag that includes your new address and phone number, as well as ensuring their microchip information is up-to-date. To learn more about microchipping, check out this article by 4 Paws Veterinary Care.
6. Give your cat time to adjust
Moving can be a stressful experience for cats, so it's important to be patient and allow your cat plenty of time to adjust to their new surroundings. Offer plenty of love, attention, and treats, and give your cat the space they need to explore and get comfortable in their new home in a safe manner
Moving with cats requires some extra care and attention, but with these six tips, you can help make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for your furry friend.
Delifurry Pet Transport offers ground transportation services for pets, which can be ideal for cats who don't like flying. Our team of professionals ensure that your cat is safe and comfortable during the journey with customized plans that meet your specific needs. They also offer door-to-door service, competitive pricing, and flexible scheduling options.
With the help of Delifurry, moving with your cat can be worry-free and smooth. Remember, a little extra love and patience can go a long way in helping your cat adjust to their new home.