Everything You Need To Know About Moving With A Cat

We love our cats so much. They are a part of our families. But have you ever tried to move homes with them?

It can be hard. Cats are not known for their love of change. In fact, I have had a cat hide in the crack in one of the walls of the house for two days as we were moving.

It can be such a stressful time for your cat, and for you.

How can we make moving with cats less stressful for everyone? Here is your complete guide on moving with your furry friend.

Create A Home In The Carrier

Before the move even happens, you need to ensure the cat feels safe wherever they are.

Take their carrier out and place it somewhere your cat can smell it and explore it. Let them get comfortable with the carrier on their own terms.

They will most likely be a little freaked out at first but remember that is why you are doing this. They are used to the carrier meaning a trip to the vet or other scary places.

Start giving the cat treats by the carrier and in the carrier. You can even feed them meals there. It will get them going in and out of the carrier regularly.

The overall goal is to have your cat associating the carrier with treats and food. The good stuff! Not with anything stressful or scary.

Moving Boxes Are Fun

Thankfully, cats love moving boxes.

Take the time to get some boxes out early and play with your cat. Grab their favorite toy and spend some time with them playing in and around the boxes.

If your cat is acting nervous around the boxes, this is most likely because of the unfamiliar smell. You can try and put a catnip spray or another pheromone sprays that help alleviate stress.

It's Moving Time!

You have done everything that you can to prepare for the big day. Now it is time.

Understand that today will be a little anxiety-ridden for everyone, but that it will be okay.

Careful With The Doors

While you are moving things out of the house and into the moving van you need to make sure that your cat is somewhere they can not escape. Typically a small room like a bathroom or spare bedroom works best.

Do not forget to put a sign on the door saying that a cat is in the room. Sometimes a mover or friend can open the door on accident.

With the doors opening and closing so much you do not want your cat running out or getting scared by the commotion.

Its Officially Time

The last step of the process, once you are finished getting everything out of the house and into the moving van, it is time to pack up your furry friend.

Take them from the room they were in and put them in their carrier. Make sure to put their favorite blanket or toys in there with them for comfort.

Resist the urge to let your cat out of the carrier! The ride over to the new house can be hard. You are most likely going to want to let the cat out of the carrier or give them some love.

While this sounds nice, the cat just needs to huddle in their carrier and feel as secure as possible, and letting them out could be sensory overload for them.

You Made It

Once at the new house, you need to repeat the same process as at the old house.

Make your cat feel comfortable in a smaller space. Set up a litter box, a little bit of food, water, and some toys in a room for them.

You can even place treats scattered around the room to help encourage the cat to explore the new space.

Don't Forget!

Your new home may have had other animals living there. Do a deep clean of the house so that your cat can feel like the space is theirs.

Cats have an incredible sense of smell! They can pick up on general animal smells and even smells of the other animal if they were stressed. This can increase your cat's stress which is not what we want.

Make sure that you set up a permanent litter box space for your cat.

Keep the litter box that was in their "home-base" room that they were originally in. Then add a second one where you would like to permanently have it.

After a few weeks, you can remove the litter box in the "home-base" room.

If your cat is having problems using the litter or going outside the litter box after a few weeks, make sure you talk to your vet and get your cat the help they need.

Your Cat Knows All!

Remember, your cat will tell you everything you need to know about it's well being during the move.

Watch their body language, their eating habits, and overall behavior. Let that be your guide. Give them love and spend time with them. Make sure they know you are there with them.

Let them explore on their own terms and never force them to do anything. If your cat sees you at ease, they will feel like they can relax and be their curious self.

Cats Are Family

Moving with cats can be stressful. But it does not have to be an awful experience for everyone.

The experience can be one that bonds you with your cat and ends with a happily ever after.

Here is to a purrfect move for you and your cat!