Moving is notoriously one of the most stressful things we do in life. It’s just as hectic for cats. “Cats are very attached to their territory, so moving house is often a very stressful experience for them,” says Lucy Hoile, a certified clinical animal behaviourist.
If you’re about to move, you’re probably wondering how to help your cat feel comfortable in the new house. Being prepared is super important! A good plan for packing, moving, and the first few days in your new home will make things easier for your cat. It will also keep them out of the way while moving heavy boxes and furniture.
Read on to discover the best ways to help your cat cope with moving house and make the experience as stress-free as possible.
How To Prepare Your Cat For A Move
The sooner you start helping your cat get used to the idea of moving, the easier moving day will be. Cristy Brusoe, a certified cat behaviourist from Cat Training by Cristy, says starting a few weeks before the move is a great idea. Here are some things pet owners can do to help their cat get ready for the move:
- Keep a routine. Even though you might be busy packing and making phone calls, try to keep your cat’s routine the same. Feed them, play with them, and do other things at the usual times. This will help them stay calm.
- Get your cat used to the carrier. If your cat gets nervous when they see the carrier, get them used to it a few weeks before the move. Leave the carrier in a place where your cat hangs out, and put toys, treats, and a bed inside. This way, your cat can see the carrier as a safe place.
- Introduce new smells slowly. Bring something from your new home to your cat, like a blanket, to help them get used to the new smell. If you can’t do that, try using a cat-friendly calming diffuser in your current home. Then, bring it to the new house so your cat has something familiar to smell.
- Bring out packing supplies early. Before packing, put some boxes and bubble wrap around your home so your cat can get used to them. This way, the sudden appearance of packing supplies won’t be so scary.
5 Moving & Transportation Tips for the Big Day
Here are some easy steps to help keep you and your cat calm during the move:
1. Keep your cat safe
On moving day, lots of people might be going in and out of your house. To keep your cat safe, Brusoe says to put them in a quiet room with the door closed. This way, they won’t accidentally get out or be scared by all the commotion.
Hoile also says they should have everything they need to feel comfortable, like a bed, litter box, food, water, and a cosy hiding place.
2. Use a comfortable carrier
When travelling, Hoile says to make sure your cat is in a secure carrier, especially if you use public transportation like a train or plane.
The carrier should be big enough for your cat to stand, turn, and lie in. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and contains items to keep your cat calm and happy:
- favourite toys
- snuggly blanket
- water
- treats
- litter box (especially for longer journeys)
- calming products, such as a spray or diffuser
3. Think about how you’re travelling
Moving your cat to a new house will look different depending on how you get there.
- Car: if you’re driving, Hoile cautions against putting the carrier near heavy boxes or furniture. Instead, place it next to someone who can watch over your cat during the trip.
- Train: trains can be noisy, so cover the carrier with a towel or blanket to help your cat feel safe. Keep the carrier close to you and check on your cat often.
- Plane: navigating airports and plane journeys can be challenging enough for people, let alone cats. Hoile recommends working with a pet transportation company that knows how to help cats travel safely.
4. Check on your cat frequently
If you’re on a long trip, Buscoe says to take breaks every hour to check on your cat. Give them some comfort, food, and water if they need it.
5. Consider boarding them or using a cattery
If moving day seems too stressful for your cat, you might want to put them in a cattery (a safe place for cats) or board them for a few days. This will give you time to unpack and relax before bringing your cat to their new home.
How to Help Your Cat Settle In After a Move
Moving to a new place can be scary, and it’s even more overwhelming for cats because of their strong sense of smell. Here’s how you can help your cat feel more comfortable in their new home:
Set up a ‘safe’ room
Instead of letting your cat explore the whole house right away, give them one ‘safe’ room to stay in for the first few days. Brusoe says this approach helps them slowly get used to the new environment. Here’s what to put in the room:
- Familiar items such as bedding, toys, and other things with their scent
- Hiding places they can retreat to to feel safe, such as boxes or a cave bed (you’ll have plenty of those!)
- Other essentials such as food, water, a litter box, and calming diffusers or sprays
iStock/Aksenovko
Take things slow
After a few days in their ‘safe’ room, let your cat explore the rest of the house, one room at a time. Don’t rush it—“Allow your cat to explore the new home one room at a time,” Brusoe says.
This way, your cat won’t feel overwhelmed and can gradually get comfortable in their new home. Leave a day or two in between introducing each room.
Keep things familiar
This might seem tricky when you’re in an entirely new space, but Hoile reveals it is possible. For instance, she says: “Keeping the same furniture will be a huge help, as it will smell familiar and will be like bringing a small part of their previous territory with them. This is particularly important with their own belongings such as scratch posts, beds, blankets, and litter trays.”
Maintaining a consistent routine was important pre-move, and it’s just as vital after. “[This] will help make your cat’s environment predictable and will keep stress to a minimum,” Hoile notes.
Watch their behaviour and health
Keep an eye on your cat for signs of stress or illness. Unfortunately, “it’s not always obvious when a cat is unhappy or in pain,” Hoile says. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when a cat is upset or not feeling well because they might hide or act differently.
Other signs that your cat is unhappy, in pain, or anxious include:
- change in how much they meow
- eating less or more than usual
- grooming too much or too little
- scratching or biting a lot
- stiff or tense body language
- changes in how they use the litter box
- panting or shaking
If you notice these behaviours or if your cat doesn’t recover after a few days, it’s a good idea to talk to a vet.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Cat Safe During a Move
If your cat likes to go outside, you might worry they’ll get lost in their new neighbourhood or try to find their old home. Helping your cat get used to their new outdoor space is just as important as making them feel comfortable inside.
Be sure to follow these steps:
Keep them inside at first
Wait at least two to three weeks before letting them outside, advises Dr Wayne M Johnson, VMD at Birdneck Animal Hospital in Virginia, USA. “This gives them time to adjust to their new environment and prevents the risk of them trying to return to their old home,” he adds.
Build up supervised time outside
Once your cat is settled into their new home, be sure to join them on their first trip outside—and keep initial sessions short and supervised, recommends Dr Johnson. He suggests practising recall with treats or cues in the early stages.
You should also only let them outside:
- During daylight hours while they get used to the area
- Before mealtimes, to encourage them to return home for food
- If your new garden is free from hazards (eg ponds, toxic plants)
- If the new neighbourhood is safe. Proximity to busy roads or the risk of predators may be reasons to enclose your garden with a cat fence or build a catio.
Spread their scent in the new outside space
Rub your cat’s scent on objects like plant pots and garden furniture, so they feel more familiar. Also, consider sprinkling some soiled litter around the garden perimeter to help them establish their territory.
Be aware of old scents
Even if you have moved far, your cat might still be able to smell your old home and try to return. If you’re worried about this, tell the new owners to watch for your cat.
