How to Move House with Cats
If you’re moving house, it’s important to take your cats into account as well. Cats can be very sensitive to changes in their environment and may become agitated or run away if not handled correctly.
In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to move house with cats so that everyone stays safe and happy!
Tips For Moving House With Cats
Moving house can be a stressful time for everyone involved, including your feline friends. Some cats get so stressed that they run away long before the moving date. To prevent any harm from coming to your feline friends, here are some tips to make sure that your cats are as comfortable as possible during the move:
Plan ahead for moving with cats
If you have cats, you will need to have a plan in place for your cat long before starting your move. Here’s what you need to do:
– Get a cat carrier: If you don’t have one already, get a carrier big enough for your cat to move comfortably in. You will need to check your cat’s height before buying. Cat height can be measured by measuring the distance from the snout to the start of the tail and from the top of the shoulders to the floor.
– Get them used to their cat carrier: A few weeks before the move, start placing their carrier in different parts of the house with the door open so they get used to it being around. Pace some food or toys inside the carrier to encourage them to go in on their own. Make sure to keep the door open until they are completely relaxed inside. This will make it a familiar space for them on moving day.
– Keep your cat indoors: Once you start packing up for the move, keep your cats indoors so they don’t run away. If you have an outdoor cat, start getting them used to indoor life a few weeks in advance so that they’re comfortable being indoors on moving day.
– Make sure your cat’s microchip details are up to date: In case your cat does run away during the move, make sure they’re microchipped and their information is up to date. This will help you find them if they do get lost.
– Talk to your vet: If your cat is particularly skittish or has health conditions that could be exacerbated by the move, talk to your veterinarian in advance. They may have some advice on how to make the move easier on your cat and what to watch out for during the transition.
– Set up one room just for the cats: Once you start packing, set up one room that’s just for your cats. This will be their safe space during the rest of the packing and moving period. This room will keep them out of trouble, away from any dangers such as being stepped on or having heavy furniture dropped on them, and keep them from escaping while the movers are working. Put your cat’s food, water, litter tray, cat carrier, and some toys in this room so they have everything they need.
On moving day
Moving day will be extremely stressful for your cat. There will be unknown noises and lots of activity that can unsettle some cats. Here are some tips to help with keeping your cat calm on moving day.
– Keep them in a quiet room: On the day of the move, keep your cats in a quiet room away from all the commotion. This will help minimize their stress levels.
– Give them plenty of food and water: Make sure they have enough food and water for the day, as they may not have access to their usual food and water sources during the move.
– Limit their time in the carrier: If possible, only put them in their carrier when it’s time to actually leave for the new house. This will minimize the amount of time they spend in a stressful situation.
The New House
Once you arrive at your new house, your cats should be your number one priority. Here’s what they’ll need:
Set up another safe room in your new home
– Set up a safe room: Just like on moving day, set up a quiet room for your cats where they can feel safe and secure. This room should also have all the things they need, such as food, water, a litter tray, and their cat carrier with your cat’s bedding. Let them stay in this room until you’re completely unpacked to keep your cat safe and let your cat settle in a new environment.
– Let them explore at their own pace: When your cat is ready, let them out of the room to explore the house at their own pace. Don’t force them to come out or explore if they’re not ready. Just give them some time and they’ll come around when they’re comfortable.
– Keep an eye on them: Even if your cat seems to be settling in well, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on them for the first few days. This way you can make sure they’re adjusting okay and that they haven’t gotten into any trouble.
– Give them plenty of love and attention: During this whole process, it’s important to give your cats plenty of love and attention. This will help them feel safe and secure in their new home.
Moving a highly strung cat safely
If you have a stressed cat, things can get out of hand quickly.
Settle your cat in slowly
If your cat is highly strung, it’s best to settle them into their new home slowly. Start by keeping them in their carrier for a few hours so they can get used to the new environment. Then let them out for short periods of time, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend out of the carrier.
For the first few days, it’s also best to keep your cat indoors so they don’t run off and get lost in their new surroundings.
If you have an outdoor cat, start by letting them out for short periods of time so they can get used to their new home. Then gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors.
Use scents to soothe your cat
Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell, so using scents can be a great way to help them feel more at ease in their new home. Try putting some of your cat’s bedding or toys in their safe room so they can have a familiar cat scent around them. You can also put a few drops of lavender oil on a cloth and put it in their carrier to help them relax.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make moving house with cats a stress-free experience for both you and your feline friends. Just remember to give them plenty of love and attention during this time, and they’ll be settled into their new home in no time
When to let your cat outside?
You might have heard a few horror stories of cat moving house. Just because others had bad experiences, however, doesn’t mean moving house with your cat will be the same.
If you have a free-roaming cat, you might now be wondering when the best time will be to let your cat outside. Many owners fear their cats will run away if let out too early. Here’s what you need to do.
It’s important to give your cat time to adjust to their new home before letting them roam indoors only. Start by letting them out of their safe room for short periods of time and gradually increase the amount of time they spend free inside the house.
Once they seem comfortable and have stopped hiding, you can then start letting them outdoors. This will usually take at least three weeks.
Do make sure to update your cat’s microchip details before you let them out. You’ll also need to get them new tags with your contact details and new address. Keep them indoors until their collar with tags arrives. This way, if they do run off, you have a better chance of getting them back home safely.
FAQs
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new home?
For healthy cats, it usually takes between three and ten days to get settled into the new home and to be comfortable with it. It could take as long as a month for highly strung, skittish cats to get used to a new environment.
Are cats OK with moving house?
Generally, cats don’t like change. This is why it’s important to give them time to adjust and to make sure they have a safe place where they can feel comfortable.
Do cats get sad when you move houses?
Some cats may be quite delicate, resulting in mild depression from things we think are small things. The most significant change that can cause cats to become depressed is the move to new homes or apartments. Don’t fret, however, they’ll get over it in a few weeks.
Conclusion Moving house with cats can be a stressful experience, but if you’re prepared and take things slowly, you can make it work. Just keep your cat’s needs in mind and give them plenty of love and attention during the whole process. Do you have any tips for moving house with cats? Share them in the comments below!
