Essential Tips for Moving with Your Cat

You finally found the perfect new place to call home. Exciting as this new chapter may be, if you have a feline companion, the thought of moving with Fluffy can be daunting. Between the stress of packing and the logistical challenges of transporting a cat, ensuring your furry friend’s comfort during this transition should be a top priority. Fortunately, moving with a cat can go smoothly with some advance planning and preparation. 

Prepare Your Cat Mentally  

The move to a new home can be stressful for anyone, including your feline friend. To help your pet handle the transition smoothly, it’s important to prepare them ahead of time. 

Start by leaving the carrier out in an area your cat frequents. That way, they can explore it on their own terms. Place some treats, toys and a blanket inside to help them associate it with positive experiences. Take your cat on short trips in the carrier to get them used to car rides. All of this will help reduce stress on moving day. 

Keep feeding, walking, grooming and play times standard in the weeks leading up to the move. Familiar routines provide comfort and stability for cats.  

Choose the Best Mode of Transportation  

When it comes to moving day, choosing how to transport your feline friend may be one of the trickiest parts of the whole process. There are a few options to consider based on your cat’s temperament and the distance you need to travel. 

For most cats, a sturdy carrier is the safest method. Look for a carrier that has plenty of ventilation and space for a litter box, food and water bowls and a blanket. Allow your cat time to get used to the carrier before the move by leaving it open with treats or toys inside. This can help reduce stress and anxiety on moving day. For nervous cats, you may also want to ask your vet about calming aids. 

If your cat does well in the carrier and car, you can transport them in the vehicle itself. However, only do this if you have a cat harness and seat belt to safely secure the carrier, or if you have an extra set of hands to keep your cat contained. Make sure to block access under seats where your cat could hide.  

Give Your Cat Their Own Space 

When you first arrive at your new home, set up a small room — such as a bathroom — just for your cat with everything they need, including food, water, the litterbox, a cat bed and toys. Give them time to adjust before slowly introducing them to the rest of the place. Spend time with your cat in the designated room so they know you’re there and everything is okay. During this timeframe, it’s best to keep your pet isolated. Allow your pet time to acclimate to the new environment before introducing more people and pets into the equation to help minimize anxiety, 

After a couple of days, start opening the door to let your cat explore the new place on their own terms. Make sure to supervise in case they find hiding spots you don’t know about yet. Give lots of praise, treats and playtime when they come out of the room. 

It can take days or even weeks for some cats to get comfortable in a new home. Be patient and understanding. Try leaving multiple litter boxes, food bowls, scratching posts, hiding spots and toys around the place to encourage exploration. 

Slowly Introduce the Rest of the Home 

As your cat begins to explore your new home, supervise them in case they seem stressed. Provide encouragement and rewards to help them build positive associations. 

As you settle in, stick to your cat’s regular feeding, exercise, play and grooming routine as much as possible. Familiar routines will help them feel more at ease in the new surroundings. Spend extra time cuddling, petting and playing with Fluffy. Gently reassure them with a calm, loving tone. Help build their confidence in the new space through positive interactions and rewards. Pretty soon, your new place will start feeling like home — for both you and your furry companion. 

Looking for more ideas to help your pets settle into your home? Be sure to check out our blog for a wealth of ideas that help make your new house a home.