Humans and pets alike experience worry when moving to a new home. Moving is one of the most traumatic situations a cat may go through because most cats are sensitive creatures who loathe change. Your cat's health and behavior can be negatively affected by stress. There are, fortunately, techniques to lessen your cat's anxiety before, during, and after your move.
Prior to the Transfer
As you prepare to move, your cat will notice changes and may become stressed before you even finish packing. This may trigger the cat to flee, hide, or conceal again. Even if your cat regularly has access to the outdoors, make sure he is restricted indoors for a week or two before you move. For safety reasons, consider keeping your cat indoors all of the time.
In fact, keeping your cat's carrier out all the time with soft bedding inside can make it easier for you to take your cat to the vet when the time comes. It will be easier to place your cat in their carrier when it is time to go somewhere if they regard it as a safe hiding location.
Your cat's tendency to hide is quite natural. You only need to be concerned if they are hiding more frequently or in potentially dangerous situations. Speak to your veterinarian for more ideas on how to make safe hiding locations for your cat, as well as advice on when you should be concerned about your cat's hiding.
Try to maintain as much of your normal routine as possible. Feed your cat at regular intervals. Keep your cat's belongings, such as litter boxes, bowls, and scratching pads, in their customary locations until the transfer.
If your cat, like most cats, enjoys playing in boxes, you may make this procedure more enjoyable for him by placing empty boxes around for him to play in as you pack.
During the transfer, your cat will most likely need to travel in a carrier, so utilize this opportunity to help your cat become acclimated to it. It should be kept open in an area where your cat spends a lot of time. Inside, place a nice bed and some catnip or goodies. If your cat has formed a positive bond with the carrier, he may be less stressed during the journey.
Spend additional time with your cat playing and bonding. This can make your cat feel more at ease and confident on relocation day.
During the Transfer
While boxes and furniture are being moved, confine your cat to one room of the house. A litter box, cat bed, food/water dishes, toys, and a scratching pad should all be present in the room. Before your cat enters the room, remove any items that need to be moved. When you're ready to move, gather your cat's belongings and put them together for quick setup in the new place.
During the trip, your cat will need to be restrained, most likely in a carrier. You may be able to restrain your cat with a pet car seat and seat belt if he is used to a leash and harness and tolerates car drives. A cat, on the other hand, should not be left unattended in the automobile for the sake of everyone's safety. The cat might get stuck under a seat or hide beneath the brake or gas pedal.
A calming aid could help your cat relax during the trip, especially if you have a lengthy drive ahead of you or if your cat is easily anxious in the car. Consult your veterinarian about cat calming aids. There are a variety of natural calming supplements available over-the-counter. For a particularly anxious cat or long-distance travel, your veterinarian may prescribe a prescription sedative.
Following the Relocation
Make a "safe area" in the new house with a litter box, cat bed, scratching pad, toys, and dishes for your cat. In the room, place one or two empty boxes for hiding or playing.
Scents that are familiar to your cat can help it relax. To retain your smell close by, leave some of your own clothing in the room. Bring a blanket or towel that smells like your former house.
Make sure the room is safe and secure, with no access to a crawl space or other places where your cat could become caught or escape.
This is where your cat will stay until he adjusts to his new surroundings. Depending on the cat, this could take anything from a few days to many weeks.
Bring the carrier inside the room that is closed and open it. Allow your cat to emerge from the carrier on his own; do not force him out. Continue to stay in the room while he sniffs and investigates. Some cats will want to investigate, while others will hide in the carrier or elsewhere in the room.
Feliway, a feline relaxing pheromone, can assist your cat is adjusting to the new surroundings. Place a pheromone diffuser in the room or spray pheromones on your bedding. The pheromones send relaxing signals to cats, which can aid in stress reduction.
While moving in, unpacking, and organizing the house, keep your cat in a secure room. Check-in on your cat on a regular basis, and spend time playing and bonding with him or her so that he or she grows accustomed. As much as possible, try to stick to the regular feeding schedule.
Following the relocation, your cat may not eat as much as normal. Feed him warm, moist cat food and treats to encourage him to eat. If your cat hasn't eaten in two days, contact your veterinarian.
Getting Used to Your New Residence
You can let your cat explore other areas of the house while he is eating and appears relaxed. Your cat might be interested in what's on the other side of the door. Allow your cat to adjust to his new surroundings gradually. Introduce one more room at a time if possible, and block off locations where you don't want your cat to hide. A scared cat can flee and seek refuge in a basement or attic.
Allow your cat to hide if he flees and hides (as long as it's a safe spot). Every cat adjusts at his or her own rate. A courageous cat, on the other hand, could be willing to have the run of the house. Some cats will be adamant about leaving the secure room, while others may want to stay.
Patience is a virtue when it comes to cats. Even the boldest cats will be stressed when they move to a new home. If your cat is still stressed after a few weeks, you may require professional assistance. Consult your veterinarian or a feline behaviorist for assistance on behavior.
If you want to let your cat outside at the new house, make sure there are no hazardous plants in the backyard first. Make sure your cat's tag is up to date, and that any microchip registration includes your current contact information. Keep your cat inside for at least the first two weeks. You can expose your cat to your yard if he or she appears to have adjusted to the inside of the new home. Begin by taking your child outside for supervised ten-minute exploration. Gradually increase the amount of time your cat spends outside until he or she appears to be at peace in the environment.
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