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The following tips will help to ease the transition and ensure that your cat suffers the least amount of stress possible.
What to do on The Day of The Move Before the removal van arrives, place your cat in a small room, such as a bedroom, on its own.
Put all of his, or her, belongings, such as bed, food bowl and litter box, in the room, too.
Ensure that the windows are closed and the door is firmly shut.
It is advisable to inform people that are assisting with the move that the room with your cat in should be kept closed.
Offer your cat a small meal and clean the litter box.
Then, get his, or her, carrier ready.
Some cat owners find that a pheromone spray is effective in calming their pet at times of stress.
Alternatively, you may choose to place catnip into the carrier.
Do not place the cat in his, or her, carrier until everything else is packed.
Then, move your pet and its belongings into the car.
Remember, if you are traveling a long distance, you may need to bring extra blankets in case your cat makes a mess in the carrier.
When cleaning your cat and its carrier, ensure that he, or she, does not have an opportunity to make a break for it.
What to do During the Journey Cats can become very stressed when traveling.
To reduce your cat's anxiety ensure that he, or she, is placed in the front of the moving van or passenger seat of the car.
Never place him, or her, in the back of a van or trunk of a car.
In addition, ensure that the crate is secure; you may need to use the seatbelt.
If the journey is long, you may like to make provisions for breaks.
However, it is wise not to leave the cat alone in the car.
Of course, you may have to provide food and water for your cat, too.
So it is advisable to purchase a cat leash before travel.
Your cat should be allowed to become accustomed to a leash before using it on the day of travel.
If it is a warm day, ensure that you keep a window open at all times.
What to do in The New House Reverse the packing procedure.
In other words, the cat and its belongings should be removed first.
Again, he, or she, should be confined to one room, and all windows and doors should be kept closed.
It is advisable to place a piece of furniture in the room with the cat, such as a chair, because the familiar smell will be comforting to your pet.
Additionally, you may like to use a cat pheromone spray or catnip to enforce the notion that the new home is a safe and comfortable place.
Once everything is unpacked, ensure that all doors and windows are closed and then allow your cat to explore the house.
However, it is wise to avoid rooms that provide places to hide, such as utility rooms and garages.
Ensure that everybody in the house is calm while the cat explores its surroundings.
This will reassure him, or her, that the new environment is safe.
If you allow your cat to roam outdoors, it is wise to keep him, or her, indoors for at least two weeks.
Be sure that your cat is comfortable in its new home before letting him, or her, loose.
These tips are designed to reduce the stress of a cat when moving home.
Of course, you may find other techniques that are more effective for your pet.
Bear in mind that each cat is an individual and will therefore react to moving house differently.
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