Every so often we have to move. Whether it is to simply a larger home, a new city, or a new country, we have to figure out the best way to not only get ourselves and our stuff there, but also our pets. Dogs are a little easier to move than cats, but with a bit of planning, you can easily make your move with your cats be quite simple.
Moving will definitely cause a bit of anxiety in your cats. This is due to you disrupting not only their routine, but also their territory.
Pre-Move
Make sure that your cats are the last thing that you move. Ensure that all of your furniture is in the new house and set up as best as possible. This will give the cats a sense of familiarity and a good smell in the new house. Also make sure to keep the litter boxes in the old house until the very last minute.
Before you move, check the new home for dangerous things. Make sure all windows and screens are complete and not broken. Check for rat or insect bait on the ground. You may wish to treat the new home for fleas if the previous owner had pets.
If you have an outdoor cat, you will want to confine it inside for a couple days prior to the move. Do not leave without it and plan to come back. Make sure you have all of your animals with you when you move.
Moving Day
On the day of your move, confine the cats to a single room where people will not be moving in and out. Make sure that they have water, food, and a litter box as well as a blanket. I also place my cat carriers in here-often the cats hide in them, which makes it convenient for when we have to leave!
Once you are ready, place the cat carrier(s) into a vehicle (not in the back of a moving van/truck) and leave. If your cat tends to get feisty or very upset, then you may wish to ask your vet for a mild sedative for the trip.
After the Move
Once you have arrived at the new house, again confine the cats to a safe room. Make sure they have all of the necessary ameinities. Once they have come out and seem to be curious, you can let them explore the rest of the house. Some cats you can do this one the same day, others you may have to leave in the safe room for a week or so. Try to keep to the same feeding schedule as you have
always been on.
To keep a calm atmosphere in your new home, you may wish to use Feliway
