Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone. Still, for pet owners, the added stress of ensuring the safety and comfort of our furry friends can add an extra layer of anxiety. For cat owners, in particular, packing their kitty’s familiar surroundings and introducing them to a new home can be overwhelming. However, with some planning and preparation, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your feline companion. Our friends from Demenagement Crown in Montreal have provided some tips on how to do so.
How to move with cats?
The first Step in moving with a cat is to ensure they have a carrier they’re used to and comfortable in. It would be best if you started getting them used to the page a few weeks before the move, so they’re not as stressed when it comes time to transport them.
Choosing the best cat carrier
When choosing the best cat carrier for moving, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Size: The carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably.
Security: The carrier should have a secure door or latch to keep your cat safely inside.
Ventilation: The carrier should have adequate ventilation to keep your cat comfortable during transport.
Durability: The carrier should be made of durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of moving.
Convenience: Look for a carrier with handles or straps for easy transport.
Based on those criteria, some of the best cat carriers for moving include:
Petmate Two-Door Top Load: This carrier has a secure door and top-loading design, making loading and unloading your cat easy. It also has a convenient handle and ventilation on all four sides.
Sherpa Original Deluxe: This carrier is made of durable nylon and has a top-loading design for easy access. It also has a shoulder strap for easy transport.
Petmate Compass Plastic Kennel: This carrier is made of durable plastic and has a secure door. It also has ventilation on all four sides and a convenient handle for transport.
Ultimately, the best cat carrier for moving will depend on your cat’s size, preferences, and specific needs. Choosing a carrier that is the right size that your cat is comfortable with and provides adequate ventilation and security is essential.
Your Step by step Moving Tips for moving with a cat
Keep in mind that when moving to a new home with pets, if it is not a long drive, you can transport your cat or other pet to the new home before the moving day. Once you have selected your cat carrier, use this easy-to-follow guideline for moving with cats.
Step 1. Start preparing your cat well in advance:
Begin getting your cat accustomed to their carrier a few weeks before the move. This will help reduce their stress when it comes time to transport them.
Step 2. Make sure the carrier is secure and well-ventilated:
The carrier should be secure and have enough ventilation to keep your cat comfortable during transport.
Step 3. Include familiar items in the cat carrier:
Place a familiar blanket or toy in the carrier to help your cat feel more at ease during the move. It fits consider your cat’s favourite little cat bed or cat blanket
Step 3. Keep the carrier in the dark and quiet place during transport:
This will help reduce the cat’s stress and make a move more comfortable for them. Most cats will have a difficult time if the moving truck or vehicle is too bright and if it’s a long distance. You can speak to your vet about maybe providing a mild sedative on moving day and help keep your cat asleep.
Moving with a cat to a new home
When moving with cats to a new home, it’s important to give your cat time to adjust to their new surroundings: Once you have arrived in your new home, it’s important to keep your cat indoors and in one room. Keep your cat in a small, confined space, such as a spare room, until they’re comfortable enough to explore the rest of the house.
Ensure to provide everyday items such as food, water, and a litter box: This will help your cat feel more at ease in their new surroundings. The cat will need some time to adjust, so make sure to leave the kitty litter box, a few treats, and any calming to reduce stress.
Keep your cat’s health and well-being in mind: Make sure your cat is up to date on all of their vaccinations and has a collar and ID tags on them. Nervous and anxious cats might need to be separated, so check the following section for tips on moving with a nervous cat.
Moving With Multiple Cats
The first step when moving with cats would be to handle safe transportation. Follow the steps above when moving with cats in a car or in moving trucks.
Moving with multiple cats can be a bit more challenging than moving with just one, but it can be done successfully with the right approach. Here are a few tips for helping multiple nervous or anxious cats adjust to a new house:
- Set up a quiet space for each cat: Each cat should have their own small, quiet space in the house where it can retreat if they feel stressed or overwhelmed. The small room should feel like a safe room and include a litter box, food, water, toys and a comfortable bed.
- Gradually introduce them to the new house: Once your cats have settled into their quiet spaces, slowly introduce them to the rest of the house. Start with just one room at a time and give them plenty of time to explore and get used to each new area.
- Provide familiar items: Bring items from your old home that your cats are familiar with, such as their beds, toys, and scratching posts. This will help them feel more at ease in their new surroundings.
- Keep their routine as similar as possible: Try to keep your cats’ routine as similar as possible to what it was in the old home. This means feeding them simultaneously and providing them with equal playtime and grooming activities.
- Give them plenty of love and attention: Make sure to give your cats plenty of love and attention during the transition period. This will help them feel more secure and less stressed.
- Provide individual time for each cat: Even though you have multiple cats, it’s important to provide personal time for each cat; this way, you can check on each cat’s behaviour and mood and help them adjust more easily.
- Consult a vet: If nervous cats continue to be anxious or stressed after several weeks, consider consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions contributing to their stress.
It’s important to remember that the adjustment period can take time and that every cat is different, so don’t be discouraged if your cats don’t adjust immediately. A cat adapts to a new environment differently, and most cats handle the moving process well, especially if it’s a kitty. With patience and understanding, your cats will eventually feel at home in their new surroundings.
Following these moving tips for a perfect move!
In conclusion, moving with a cat can be challenging, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be done successfully. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help reduce the stress on your cat and keep them calm on the big day! Remember to prepare your cat well in advance, keep plenty of treats and have at least one of the boxes designated in calming aids such as toys or familiar items that will keep our feline friends calm and happy.
