Moving With a Happy Cat – Can it Be Done?

 

Sometimes life makes it necessary to relocate to a new place.  That means you and your pets may have a trip ahead of you, whether across town or across the country.  This prospect can be really stressful as a cat parent because cats are notoriously not good about moving.  So, the question is, can you move with a happy cat?
 
Long-range planning and taking very specific pre-moving day steps can make things easier for your cat, and, by extension, you, too!   First, it’s important to know what your cat’s general personality is – laid back or nervous?  Whichever it is, you should know that your move is going to be a big interruption of your cat’s routine, and we know how cats love their routines!  A large part of a pet cat’s happiness revolves around a set routine that includes where they are, the people they see and when things happen in their lives. 

The most important thing, then, is to keep your cat’s routine normal as much as possible throughout the process - from the start of packing to settling in to your new home.  Take note of the times you generally feed your cat, when you tend to have lap time or play time, what time you both head for bed and what he tends to sleep in if not on your bed.  Once you have a handle on these things, you can do your best during a longer move to keep things on that schedule.  Once the move is underway, make sure your cat’s favorite bed, blanket and toys are with him all the way to provide familiar and comforting smells.

Chances are, if you’re moving a cat carrier will be part of the process.  Most cats associate carriers with a visit to the vet and will resist having to get in one.  If that’s the case for your cat, help him get used to the carrier by leaving it out and open in your house for a good while before your move.  Our blog about helping cats get used to carriers has lots of good tips. 

As you prepare for the move, there will probably be moving boxes around your house.  Leave a couple out for your cat to explore and play in.  Put a few favorite toys inside the boxes or even a treat to help him adjust.  Hopefully by doing this, when the rest of the actual moving boxes come to be packed, your cat will not panic at seeing them all.  

As you prepare to move, makes sure your cat’s identification information is updated.  If you have a long drive with stops, it’s always possible that your cat could escape the carrier (if it’s not closed properly) and the car.   In that situation, updated information is critical.  When the day you leave arrives and it’s a long trip, give your cat a light meal so as not to fill him up too much and cause him to need a litter box before you can stop.

A move for a pet doesn't stop when the van arrives at your new home.   A new home can be just as stress-inducing as the trip to get there.  So, when you’re in your new home, take some additional steps to make sure your cat’s introduction to it is as stress-free as possible.  Have animals lived in the house prior to you taking it over?  Then you might want to give the home a really deep clean.  Cats have a very acute sense of smell and will pick up on any previous animals who lived there.  Make sure your cat has a safe room that is away from all the activity of settling in.  It should be quiet, have a litter box, familiar bedding and toys, food, and water bowls and even a box or small house your cat can retreat to if things get to be too much.  When you’re settled and things have largely been put away and placed, open the room, and let your cat explore at his own pace.

As always, if you think your cat might benefit from some extra help getting through a move, call your veterinarian.   There are medications available that can help a cat relax.  While you’re there, if you’re moving to a new town or state, get your cat’s medical records and take them with you!  It will help a new vet get to know your cat’s history quickly.

Dailypaws.com has a great rundown of nine helpful hints you can use when moving your cat.  CLICK HERE to read the full list.

Moving.com has a great detailed check list to help you get organized for a move with your cat!