Moving with cats

Moving house is undeniably a stressful life event. But have you ever considered how stressful it might be for your cat? Feline friends are often viewed as independent creatures, but in fact, they are quite sensitive. Their environment is important to them and any sudden change may prove unsettling.

This is why it is of utmost importance to incorporate a ‘cat plan’ into your moving strategy (one more detailed than a checklist of all their belongings!). This means considering what the impact on them will be when your home becomes a maze of boxes. It means thinking about how they will manage the journey to your new home, and how they will feel about exploring it – and their ‘new’ outside.

It’s important to consider as well, the administrative aspects of moving with a pet: updating your cat’s microchipping information, changing collar tags (if linked to an address) and if necessary, registering at a new vet nearer your new abode.

All these things should be worked out in advance in order to ensure your cat – and by extension, you – experience a smooth transition from one home to the next.

For a comprehensive plan on how to move house with your cat, keep reading.

If you are concerned the disruption created by your move will be altogether too much for your cat, it might be a good idea to send them to a cattery for a few days. Book their place a month or so in advance to make sure there’s room for when moving week arrives.

If this is your preferred POA, skip to the ‘Moving Day’ section below to find out how to introduce your cat to your new home.

If you decide to keep your cat with you, however, read on.

With moving day approaching, it’s likely all thoughts will be on The Packing Strategy. Your cat is likely to sense a shift in atmosphere and it is important you are sensitive to this.

Involve your cat in the lead-up by introducing a few boxes into your home a week or so before they are needed. This will allow your cat to familiarise themself with these ‘alien objects’, so that when more arrive it will be less alarming for them.

With two weeks to go, it’s time to grit your teeth and start packing. First and foremost, create a comforting space for your cat to go; somewhere familiar they can retreat to when things start to change a little too much for their liking.

Pick a room you can either leave until last to pack up or one which will still feel familiar even when soft furnishings and other small household items have been removed. Make sure you secure all windows and that the door can be firmly shut. Place some of your cat’s familiar belongings around the space: their toys, a water bowl, litter tray, food and even their basket. It might be an idea to start feeding them in that space as well, to ensure they feel as comfortable as possible.

During the packing period, make sure you give your cat lots of attention. As their familiar environment starts to change, it is likely they will need reassurance. Play with them often and show them lots of love.

If your cat is prone to disappearing for a few days, now is the time to start thinking about restricting their outdoor access. The last thing you want is for moving day to arrive and to still be awaiting your cat’s return.

By now, your cat should be used to their new comfort space. Put a sign on the door so when the removal team arrive, they know not to go into that room – you don’t want a runaway cat at that stage.

With your cat safely indoors from here on in, it’s ok to change their microchipping information so the new contact details become those of your new address. If their collar tag is linked to your home, make sure that is updated as well. Depending on how far you are moving, you may also want to register your cat at a new, closer vets.

At this point, you should also figure out what your cat’s next comfort space will be in your new home. The idea is to secure your cat in that space (preferably a room) on moving day, and leave them to quietly explore it, away from the hustle and bustle outside. It would also be a good idea to check that your new place is cat-safe – for instance, that no poisonous plants, like daffodils or tulips, have been left behind, or that any building or decorating work still in progress won’t prove hazardous for your pet.

If you are transporting your cat to your new home in a carrier, now is also the time to introduce the carrier into your cat’s comfort space. This gives them a week to get used to it – and if you put a few treats in on occasion, it should further warm them to it.

What would make moving day more stressful? Forgetting where you packed that specialist cat food and having to tear open every box in sight on arrival trying to find it.

Make sure your cat’s must-have items are packed in a separate bag and that these go with you in the car on moving day. Things to think about include: a basket, favourite toy, litter tray, a few day’s worth of food, a water bowl and perhaps an old piece of your clothing (more on this later). You might also need paper towels and pet-friendly cleaning tissues or disinfectant in case your cat has an accident en route in their carrier – or in your new home.

First thing on moving day, secure your cat in their comfort space. Make sure they have lots of water, that all the windows are secure, and the door can be fully closed. Double-check that a note to the removal team – warning them not to enter – has been firmly attached to the door.

If you are travelling far on the day, feed your cat a reduced breakfast so as to alleviate the possibility of them getting carsick on the journey. When it’s time to leave, coax your cat into their carrier – do not force them – and take them to the car. Make sure the carrier is secure in your vehicle and won’t move around during transit. If possible, strap it in with a seatbelt.

Top of the list when travelling with your cat should be: temperature and hydration. If it’s a hot day make sure the air conditioning is on or a window is open, so your cat gets plenty of fresh air. Although, don’t open the window unless your cat is safe in their carrier – there is a chance they might try to escape.

Depending on the length of your journey, you may need to stop to give your cat some water. If it is a long journey, make sure you stop at regular intervals. You may also need to let your cat out of the carrier to stretch their legs and use the little tray. Ensure all the car windows are shut when you do this, so as to prevent your cat leaping out.

When you arrive at your new home, take your cat (in their carrier) into the area you have designated as its comfort space. Arrange its toys, basket, water bowl and litter tray around the room, and position your old item of clothing (which should smell reassuringly of you) somewhere too. Open the carrier door, then leave the room and shut the door. This will enable your cat to explore it in their own time.

You know your cat best. When you think they can manage it – maybe the evening of moving day or a few days later – let your cat out of their comfort space and allow them to explore another room. A good idea would be to wipe a cloth around their face and neck, to pick up their scent, then wipe that same cloth around your new house (at cat level). This will make the new space smell familiar to them. Limit your cat’s exploration range to one room at a time.

It is important not to let your cat out of the house for at least 2-3 weeks after moving in. Check with your vet if you’re unsure how long to leave it. They have to get used to their new home and introducing them to a ‘new’ outdoors will only compound the unfamiliarity. During this time, make sure your windows are not opened too wide or any front or back door left open unguarded, as it’s possible your cat might get out.

If your new house doesn’t have a catflap, this would also be a good time to get one installed. Make sure it is bolted however, or at least secure, until you are ready to use it.

This step only applies to outdoor cats (obviously!). When you sense your cat feels settled in their new territory you can introduce them to the outside. As before, make sure their microchip is linked to your new address, their collar tag has been updated and you have registered with a nearby vet.

If your new garden is enclosed, it might be a good idea to rub the cat cloth referenced earlier around the garden walls, so as to let neighbouring cats know this is not their territory. It will also help your own cat feel more relaxed. Scattering some of your cats used litter outside is an alternative approach.

A good way to start introducing your cat to the outside, is to do so a few minutes before feeding time. Open the door to your garden and see what happens. Do not force your cat to go outside as this has to be an organic process. When they feel brave enough to step outdoors, watch them closely for a few minutes, then call them in for food. Repeat this a number of times over the next few days or weeks until your cat gets to know your outside space well.

If you’ve not moved far from your old address, there is a chance your cat might return there. First up, ensure the new owners are aware and tell them not to welcome your cat in or feed them. Make sure you tell your old neighbours too.

If you sense your cat might try to go back to your old house, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors for a little longer before letting them out, just to allow them time to build up a bond with their new territory.

Give them lots of attention during this time as well – so they want to stay close to you. Feeding them little and often is another way of ensuring they don’t venture too far away when they go outdoors.

If you have any problems or worries about moving home with your cat, speak to your vet for advice.

Sources

bluecross.org.uk (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/moving-house-and-travelling-cats)

cats.org.uk (https://www.cats.org.uk/uploads/documents/cat-care-leaflets-2013/EG03_Moving_house_JUN14.pdf)

pets.webmd.com (https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/moving-new-home-cat#1)