How To Make Moving Less Stressful For Cats

Moving can be a stressful time for everyone, including our furry friends. Cats are especially prone to stress and anxiety during times of change, so it’s important to do what we can to make the transition as smooth as possible for them. 

As someone who moved a lot when I was younger, I’ve learned how to make road trips and moving with cats more pleasant.

If you’re like most people, you probably think of your cat as a member of the family. So, when you’re moving to a new home, you want to make sure that your feline friend is as comfortable as possible. In this article, we cover some great tips on how to make moving less stressful for your cats.

Preparing For Your Move With Cats

Before you even start packing, try to keep your cat’s routine as normal as possible, and definitely keep your cat indoors leading up to the move. Continue the same feeding times and play times, and continue to sing the same cat songs. The more change your cat experiences, the more stressed he or she will be.

As the saying goes, “a little preparation goes a long way.” The same can be said for making a move with your cat. By taking some time to acclimate them to the idea of moving beforehand, you can help reduce their stress and make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Here are a few tips on keeping your cat calm before you move.

Start packing early: Don’t wait until the last minute to pack up your home. Begin packing gradually, a few weeks in advance if possible. This will give your cat time to get used to the idea of change and reduce their anxiety about all the commotion on moving day. You can even leave the carrier out early if it will help your cat become more familiar.

Keep their routine: As much as possible, try to keep your cat’s routine unchanged during the move. This means feeding them, playing with them, and putting them to bed at the same time every day. 

Cats Don’t Like Strangers

On moving day, you may have friends or movers helping you move. If possible, keep your cat in a separate room until everything is settled. The last thing you want is for your cat to bolt out the door and get lost in the chaos.

Moving Day With Your Cat

On the big day, keep your cat in a quiet room away from all the commotion. Be sure to provide a safe space during all the commotion. If possible, have someone stay with them so they’re not left alone in the midst of all the commotion. Once everything is gone, it’s fun to let them out gradually to explore the empty space.

Don’t Forget Their Essentials

When you’re packing up for a move, it’s important to not forget your cat’s essentials. This includes their food, water bowl, litter box, favorite toys, and favorite treats. Having these things easily available will help your cat transition smoothly and reduce their stress levels.

Here are some of our favorite cat essentials you should definitely try!

Some Cats Like Road Trips. Some Don’t.

When it’s time to hit the road, keep your cat in a carrier and place the carrier on a stable seat. This will help minimize your cat’s stress levels and make them feel more secure. Here’s one of our favorite extra large carriers, which is great for road trips.

It’s also a good idea to have a blanket or towel handy to put over the carrier. Covering your cat carrier can significantly reduce their stress almost immediately.

You may want to consider a mild sedative if your cat is extremely anxious or you are transporting them a long distance. Ask your Veterinarian for a medication that’s right for your cat.

How To Keep Your Cat Comfortable In The Car

Stop for play breaks: Every few hours, take a break from driving and even try to let your cat out of their carrier. Let them explore the car or cab of your moving truck, stretch their legs, and use the litter box.

Food and treats: Make sure to bring along your cat’s favorite food and water bowl. They may not be hungry during the drive, but having their food and water nearby will help them feel more comfortable.

Keep them calm: Put on some soft music or turn on the radio to a calming station to help keep your cat calm during the drive. 

It’s also very important to take things slow and be patient. Many pets don’t do well in the car.

Settling Your Cat Into Your New Home

Due to the commotion of moving day, it might be best to introduce them to the new space one room at a time. After you’ve moved into your new home, give your cat two weeks or more to adjust.

Some cats are not as brave, and they may not come out of hiding or their carrier right away, and that’s okay. Just be patient and give them the space they need to feel comfortable in their new environment.

It’s Ok For Cats To Hide

If your cat is hiding when you first arrive at your new home, don’t worry. This is perfectly normal behavior, and they will eventually come out when they’re ready. Just give them some time to adjust and settle in.

Provide plenty of hiding places. Chances are, you’ll already have plenty of boxes still around. Make a few cat-forts out of blankets and furniture to entertain your kitty. Forts will also give them a safe space to retreat to when things get too overwhelming.

Your Cat’s First Night In The New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, set up a quiet, safe room for your cat with all of their essentials – food, water, litter box, bedding, toys, etc. Let them adjust to their new surroundings at their own pace. If needed, confine them to one room for the first few days until they’re feeling more comfortable.

This is also a great opportunity to begin thinking about your new cat room! Here are some ideas for setting up a room purrfect for your cats.

A Little Exploring Is Expected

Once your cat starts feeling more comfortable in their new home, they will start to explore their surroundings. This is perfectly normal behavior and a good sign that they’re adjusting well. Place their food and water in a safe location near their hiding spot to help them feel comfortable.

Make Your New Home Cat-Friendly

Make sure your new house is cat-friendly before bringing your furry friend home. Do a thorough check and remove any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, small spaces that a cat could get stuck in, loose electrical wires, and so on.

Never let your cat outside (especially after moving)!

If your cat is used to going outside, it’s important to keep them indoors at your new home. They may be confused by the new location and wander away, which could put them in danger. Get them a new scratching post and some new toys to help keep them entertained indoors.

Best Places To Put A Litterbox

The best places to put a litter box are in a quiet, out-of-the-way location. Avoid putting it near their food and water bowls, as this can deter them from using it. For multi-cat households, make sure there is one more litter box than you have cats, and you space them throughout the house.

Find A Local Veterinarian 

It’s a good idea to find a local veterinarian before you move. This way, you have someone to turn to in case of an emergency. Ask your friends or family for recommendations, or look online for reviews. Once you’ve found a few options, call and ask about their services and prices.

Update Your Cat’s Identification

If your cat isn’t microchipped, it’s a good idea to get a microchip or a Pet ID card before you move. If your cat escapes during the moving process or gets out at the new house, it’s a great idea to have their records and microchips up-to-date with your new and current information.

Stressed cat remedies

There are some great natural remedies you can use to keep your cats calm during this stressful time. If your cat is feeling stressed, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better.

Conclusion

If you follow these tips, moving with cats can be a much less stressful experience for everyone involved. Just remember to take things slow, keep their routine as normal as possible, and provide plenty of love and attention. With a little patience, your cat will soon be settled into their new home sweet home.