How to keep your cat calm when moving house
My cat loves change. Said no one ever! Cats tend to like a predictable routine and familiar spaces. However, the reality is most cats will need to undergo a house move at some stage in their life. We know they won’t love it, but how can we make the transition as seamless as possible? I’ve put together some steps to help, planning is essential and it all starts a few weeks prior to the actual move.
- Get your kitty comfortable with the carrier
Have it sitting out with the door open, try placing treats inside so they are tempted to go in. Try feeding their meal in the carrier, starting slow next to the carrier and slowing placing the food further inside the carrier over a couple of weeks. Don’t shut the cage, let them wander in and out as they please. - Routine
Keep it the same or as consistent as possible leading up to the move, whilst packing and of course on arrival to your new abode. - Make sure your fur kid cannot escape on moving day!
This step is often forgotten, your cat knows things are not normal and fleeing might be their favoured option. Keep them safe in a small room with food, water and litter tray and instructions on the door so everyone knows there’s a cat on the loose! - Pheromones
Feliway is a synthetic happy and calming pheromone for cats. It comes in a spray and a diffuser that plugs into an outlet. I’d be using this on the carrier like cheap perfume! Pre, during and post move. - New home
Confine them to a quiet, smallish area in the new place initially. Open the carrier in the new spot and let them come out when they want, keep the carrier in there. This is less stressful for your cat as they become familiar with their new space. This allows exploration without it becoming overwhelming. Ensure the new safe spot is preferably non carpeted, in case of inappropriate peeing or pooping in response to stress. This will be their safe spot and they should stay in here a number of days. Or until they are feeling more confident and your unpacking is finished. Then you can slowly increase their freedom. - Enrich her environment
Plenty of spots to hide (cardboard boxes with an entry and an exit is a great trick), try cat grass for chewing. Favourite toys. You. Spend plenty of time with them, you may just sit and read, don’t put any pressure on them to come out until they’re ready. - Same, Same
Litter tray/s with the same substrate, same food bowl, same bedding, same mat, you get the idea. - Medications
If you have a very stressed or anxious cat it may be necessary to have medications prescribed by your veterinarian. These are best started pre move and really depends on the temperament of your kitty. You can speak to one of our vets online 24/7 to discuss the best process for your next house move.
