Moving can be a traumatic experience, both for you and for your cat. Therefore it is vital to avoid stress to both of you.
Steps
Step 1. Confine your cat in a room while you are in the preparatory phase, eg
fill the boxes, move the furniture, etc. This way the cat will calm down and you won't have to waste time looking for it. If you can find someone to keep him company.
Step 2. On the journey to the new home, try to keep the cat calm by carrying an object dear to him
Always make sure you have food and water. Calm your cat with a reassuring voice. NEVER put your cat in the moving van, trunk, etc. During the trip, also make sure that the cat is still and safe. Put it in a comfortable and dry basket with towels, food and water. Cover the basket with a towel so your cat feels safer. Bring extra towels in case they get dirty.
Step 3. When in the new home, confine the cat back to the room where it will sleep
Don't put it in the garage as it will need to be around people for the first 3 months. Don't subject him to too many unusual situations. Again, if you can find someone to keep him company even better.
Step 4. 2-3 days after the move let the cat explore the house; one room at a time otherwise the cat will be overwhelmed and may try to escape
Step 5. If your cat goes outside, take him out after 2-3 weeks
Try getting him to wear a collar or a microchip. Stay outside with the cat and reassure him. Do not let him lack water and food while he is out.
Step 6. You can also try a trick:
put butter on the cat's paws. Being annoying, the cat will lick its paws. Do this when the cat is out of the house so that, while licking, it becomes familiar with all the smells and atmosphere of the new environment.
Advice
- Place a towel over the cat's basket. In this way the heat and darkness will calm him and he will fall asleep.
- For longer journeys or for very frightened cats, it is advisable to consult your vet in time so that you can get some calming medications. This way the travel stress will be limited. Some cats are able to sleep throughout the journey with simple medicines. Mix a pill with food and the cat will most likely eat it instantly.
- If your cat sleeps on your bed it is recommended that you use the same sheets for a couple of nights in the new home. In this way the cat will feel at home and will settle in more easily.
- If you have to stay at the hotel during the move, make sure the cat is kept in a confined place. In addition, the cat must have a basket in which he feels safe and where he can hide whenever he feels uncomfortable. Don't forget to keep the doors closed - you certainly don't want the cat to run away to a hotel or an unfamiliar area! Keep your cat in the bathroom if you have people coming and going all the time, especially if you are dealing with family members of all ages.
- Similarly, it may be useful not to completely wash the litter box, so that some of the cat's odor remains. In this way it will settle down a little better. And don't forget to show him where the new litter box is!
- Stock up on cat food ahead of time and be sure to store it separately from all other things (put it with all other cat items). This way you will always know where the food is and you will not risk running out in the middle of the night!
- If you need to travel by plane, call the airline ahead of time to find out how to get your cat on the plane. Also ask who will be in charge of the food and water. Remember to bring something the cat likes with you, such as their favorite blanket. Collect the cat immediately at baggage claim and make sure there is someone the cat knows to collect it.
- If possible, leave the cat at a cat boarding house while you are in the middle of the move. It may be much less traumatic for the cat, and arriving at the new home with the items already in place may help them adapt more easily.
Warnings
- NEVER put your cat in a sack, bag or container without holes. Cats always need to see their surroundings, otherwise they get scared and impossible to manage, and they will never forgive you. The cat needs to get to the new home confident and safe. In addition, the holes on the container help circulate the air. Without air the cat could choke to death.
- Always administer medicines as directed by your veterinarian. It may take some time for the cat to calm down, but don't increase the dose without the veterinarian's permission, or the cat could be really sick.
- Be prepared for loud meows during the car ride - for many cats the car is disorienting and weird and they will start complaining as a result. Unless passengers are prepared for such an event, this can be very distressing and could even distract the driver.
- Make sure that any closets, holes or small spaces where the cat can take refuge are closed. Moving can be very scary for a cat and will most likely try to hide.
