As exasperating as moving can be, no one in the household feels this more intensely than our feline friends. As creatures of habit, the noise of moving and adjusting to a new environment can make them anxious.
Here are a few tips to help reduce the stress your cat feels during a move.
Before the move:
- Taking out their crate/carrier a few days prior helps them get used to it and be more comfortable with the idea of getting into it.
On the Day of:
- Before you start loading up your truck clear out a room as far from the noise as possible and set up their things (litter, food, toys, etc.). If possible, its best to set them up in a room where one of these things is usually housed, the idea is to be surrounded by as many familiar things as possible.
- Once you’ve got your stuff all loaded and its time to ready the cat, I find it best to get their stuff packed up (in an easily accessible box) and then get them into their crate.
- During the drive to your new home leave them in their crate, this prevents them from dashing out of the car when you stop and keeps them in a familiar/safe space.
- Once you have arrived at your new home, set your furry friend up in a room of their own with a door that closes, let them get used to their new surroundings slowly. Make sure to set up the litter, food and water, even put a few toys.
I hope this is helpful when you plan your next move!
Written by: Melanie, ACA
