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\nMoving is a stressful time for everyone, but imagine how stressful it is for your cat who has no idea what is going on. What are all these boxes? Why am I in a new house? Where do I poop?!?! Don\u2019t let Mittens get all their fur in a fluff. We\u2019ll walk you through how to make moving easier on your cat.<\/p>\n
In the days or weeks leading up to moving with a cat, there are a few things you should do to prepare kitty for the journey and ease their stress and anxiety.<\/strong><\/p>\n No matter how far you\u2019re moving, your favorite feline will need to be safely transported, which usually means that they\u2019ll ride in their carrier. So it\u2019s best to start getting Mittens comfortable with being in the cat carrier prior to the move. Place the open carrier in a central area in the weeks leading up to the move. Add treats and toys to the carrier to encourage your cat to get into it and get reacquainted with the enclosure. If your cat dislikes their carriage, they might need more lead time to get comfortable with their new temporary enclosure. If you suspect that your cat will <\/em>be nervous about their carrier, you\u2019ll want to start this process earlier. If they\u2019ve ridden in it before with little or no issue, you can likely wait until closer to moving day.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably noticed your cat\u2019s love of cardboard boxes. Now that you\u2019re moving, you\u2019re going to have a fortress of boxes for your furry prince or princess. Use all that extra cardboard to take their mind off the big move.<\/p>\n As you\u2019re putting together boxes, let them explore at their leisure. Consider giving them a box or two to play in while you\u2019re packing. Adding treats, toys or catnip to a box can also help them get over any uncertain feelings they may be exhibiting. It may just be unfamiliar smells that deter them at first.<\/p>\n We know getting ready for the big move can be a busy time. However, amid the chaos, it\u2019s important to maintain your cat\u2019s routine. Moving can be stressful on pets due to rapid changes in their environment and schedule. Keeping a routine with meals, play time and kitty cuddles can help Mittens ease into the upcoming changes. Following your normal routine can also provide you with a constant among all the adjustments, too. It\u2019s a comfort for both pet parent and feline alike.<\/p>\n In the days leading up to the move, scout out a room that Mittens can stay in while you\u2019re loading everything onto the moving truck. Take as much out of that room as possible ahead of time, so it can be the last room to be cleared out. The week of the big move, place your cat\u2019s food, water, toys, litter box and carrier in that room to help get them situated. On the day of, make sure Mittens is OK on all their necessities and close the door to keep them from bolting out of the house while the furniture and boxes get moved. If you or someone in your moving party can sit in that room while everything is being hauled out, that\u2019s great! However, if it\u2019s not possible we recommend checking on your lil\u2019 buddy once an hour to assure them everything is OK with all the racket they may be hearing. Plus, this gives you a great excuse to catch your breath and take a ten-minute break in between hauls.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve made it to moving day! As you\u2019re getting your cat ready in their safe space, we recommend feeding them a smaller meal than normal. Stress can induce all kinds of bodily reactions in your cat \u2014 including stomach concerns. A lighter breakfast can reduce the chances of your cat experiencing an upset stomach or getting sick during the travels.<\/p>\n Next, let your moving crew know which room Mittens is in so they avoid opening the door and letting them out. You\u2019ll want to load your cat in their carrier right before you\u2019re ready to hit the road. Keep a cool, calm and collected composure as you load them in their carrier and gather all their belongings. If they pick up you\u2019ve got moving stress, they\u2019ll begin to feel uneasy, too.<\/p>\n When placing Mittens in your vehicle, secure the carrier with a seat belt or other means to make sure they don\u2019t slip and slide around. Place their favorite toy(s) in the carrier for comfort. Some cats prefer to look out and others do not, so don\u2019t be alarmed if they stay toward the back of the carrier or face the wrong way. Keep a light blanket or cloth handy for the drive because you may want to drape it over the carrier to ease their fears. You may also want to pack some earplugs for your travels since Mittens could meow loudly throughout the drive. Talk to them in a calm tone throughout the trip to reassure them all will be alright.<\/p>\n For long-distance moves, identify pet-friendly hotels ahead of time and incorporate water and bathroom breaks for Mittens along the route. Make sure your pet has a leash<\/a> or collar on when stopping for potty breaks.<\/p>\n Once you arrive at the new location, be sure to first unload your cat, their box, food, water and other items of comfort. Place them all in a room that you don\u2019t mind unloading last, and let your moving crew know not to open the door so Mittens doesn\u2019t bolt out. You\u2019ll want to check on Mittens a bit more frequently throughout the unloading process since they\u2019re in completely new territory. If someone Mittens is familiar with could sit in the room while everyone else is unloading, that would be ideal.<\/p>\n Whew! You did it! You and your feline are all moved into your new place. Once everything is situated the way you want it, place your cat\u2019s food, water and litter box in their permanent designations. Show your cat which rooms everything has been moved to, and allow them to explore at their own pace.<\/p>\n It\u2019s going to take some time for your cat to get familiar with their new space. Try to keep your routine so they have at least some familiar aspects of life before the move. They may cry, hide or seem a little skittish as they adjust. These are normal cat reactions. You can be there for them in these times of need with extra petting, calm reassuring words and patience.<\/p>\n If you notice your pet is still not adjusting well after a couple of weeks, make an appointment with a local veterinarian<\/a>. They can provide possible solutions<\/a> to make the transition easier. Sometimes stress can lead to lack of appetite, gastrointestinal system issues, urinary tract concerns or behaving in a way that owners have not seen before.<\/p>\nCarriage of Comfort<\/h3>\n
Have Fun with Boxes and Piles of Items<\/h3>\n
Keep Your Routine When Moving with a Cat<\/h3>\n
Find a Safe Spot for Moving Day<\/h3>\n
During the Move<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t Play \u201cWhere\u2019s My Cat?\u201d<\/h3>\n
Moving Time for Kitty<\/h3>\n
After the Move<\/h2>\n
Let Them Explore Their New Home<\/h3>\n