Cats are not known for their affinity for change. Most cats are highly territorial creatures who prefer to spend their days in familiar surroundings and are not sensitive to new routines. But unfortunately for our feline friends, we have to move every now and then, and that means they have to move too.
Moving with a cat is all about minimizing stress where you can. How your cat reacts to the move has a lot to do with their individual temperament, but as their benevolent human, it’s your responsibility to minimize the anxiety of the situation as much as possible. By taking the time and effort to minimize your cat’s stress during the move, you can help ease the transition and reduce the likelihood that your feline companion will develop fear or anxiety-based behaviors in your new home.
Read the tips below to learn how to make moving with a cat less stressful for both your feline companion and yourself.
Before the move
Preparing your cat for a move starts long before the day the moving truck arrives. This is usually the easiest part of the process, because your cat is still in its normal environment and is curious rather than stressed about what’s going on. However, it’s important to get your cat used to the nuances of moving early on so that it’s better prepared on moving day.
Make your cat comfortable in its carrier. Your cat will be spending a lot of time in their carrier on moving day, so you want to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible. You’ve probably experienced how your cat reacts to their carrier during vet visits, so if you know your cat hates them, this is your chance to alleviate that dislike—at least a little—before the big day.
Leave the carrier with the door open in a room that your cat frequents and allow them to explore the carrier at their own pace. Place their favorite toy inside to encourage them to enter, and begin by giving them treats around and in the carrier. If your cat is very reluctant to go near the carrier, start by giving them their normal meals next to the carrier, and after a few days, move their food bowl into the carrier so that they have to step into it to eat. Move the bowl further back each day. The more fearful your cat is of the carrier, the sooner you will want to begin this process. The goal is for your cat to become comfortable going in and out of the carrier on their own, and to associate it less with fear and more with fun things like treats, toys, and meals.
Fun with moving boxes. Cats love cardboard boxes, and that’s actually a huge plus for you when it’s time to pack. Bring a few boxes with you early and let your cat explore them at their leisure. If you notice that they’re skittish, grab a favorite toy and play with them in and around the boxes or hide a treat inside. If your cat is acting anxious, sprinkle some organic catnip spray on a box to make it more appealing (preferably one you don’t plan on using, as catnip spray can cause your cat to scratch or bite it), or use a spray like Feliway, which contains synthetic feline pheromones that can create a sense of comfort.
Keep a routine. Just like with dogs, it’s important to maintain your cat’s routine during the move. That means meals, playtime, and cuddles at the times they’re used to. Moving is stressful for cats because of the rapid change in both their environment and routine, and while there’s not much you can do about the former, you can take active steps to maintain the latter. Make sure you maintain your cat’s routine throughout the entire move, including moving day.
Talk to your veterinarian. Some cats are naturally more anxious than others. If your cat is prone to stress and anxiety, talk to your veterinarian before the move about how to manage this. There are a number of cat-specific products designed to help ease these feelings, including anti-anxiety medications, supplements, prescription diets, and sedatives. Combined with the behavioral tips mentioned above, these can go a long way toward reducing the stress of the move and making your cat feel more at ease.
During the move
Once moving day arrives, your number one priority will be keeping your cat safe and secure. There are still things you can do to help ease the stress at this point, but you’ll also need to accept that this day will likely be a little scary for your feline companion. Luckily, with a little attention and kindness, you can help make things at least a little easier on them.
Provide a small meal. Stress and anxiety can be felt throughout the body, and the stomach is no exception. Reduce the chances of your cat getting an upset stomach or vomiting by limiting their meals that day. This will also help if your cat tends to get carsick while traveling.
Keep your cat confined. You’ll be opening and closing your front door a lot when it’s time to load the moving truck, and the last thing you want to risk is your cat darting out. Make sure your cat is restrained at all times, especially if you’re hiring movers and there are unfamiliar people around. You don’t have to put your cat in their carrier until it’s necessary, but you should keep them in a safe place.
Before you load the truck, completely clear out a room—it can even be a bathroom—and put your cat in there with some food, water, and toys, as well as their bed and litter box. If friends or movers are coming to help you move, put a sign on the door stating that the cat is inside and that the door must remain closed. While your cat may not like being cooped up, at least you can rest assured that they are safe, and have the comfort of familiar possessions and scents.
Time in the travel basket. Load your cat into their carrier just before you are ready to leave. Resist the urge to let them out during the journey, even if they are clearly unhappy about it. Stay as calm as possible, as animals are experts at picking up on our body language - the more comfortable you are, the more comfortable your cat should be. Only open the carrier to let your cat out when you are in your new home and in a room with a closed door. Then repeat what you did at your old home, keeping your cat safely in the room until all the boxes are in and the front door is securely shut. Make sure you put the same familiar items in the new room (a small amount of food, water, toys, bed and litter box) so they have comforting smells around them. Scatter some treats around the room to encourage them to explore while they are in the room.
After the move
The worst is over! Now all that remains is to get your cat used to the new home as best as possible.
Follow your cat's example. The more stressed your cat is, the more gradually you’ll want to introduce them to the new space. It can be overwhelming for a stressed cat to have free reign of the house right away, especially since they’re learning a new litter box in an unfamiliar environment. Set up a home base for your cat in the beginning, and keep their belongings there, including the litter box. Also, spend plenty of time in the room interacting with your cat and doing other normal activities. As your cat settles in, curiosity will replace fear and they’ll be ready to expand their explorations.
Thorough cleaning. This is especially important if you had other animals in your home before you moved in. Cats have a strong sense of smell and can pick up not only general animal odors but also stress in those animals, which can amplify their own scent. Shampoo and deep clean your carpet, vacuum every square inch to remove any remaining fur, and use a Clorox wipe on all counters and surfaces.
Set up a permanent litter box. Once your pet is ready to explore more, you’ll want to create a permanent litter box space. Place one litter box in the room where your pet lives, and place another litter box where you want the litter box to be. Leave both for a few weeks, then remove the litter box so that the only thing left is the permanent litter box.
If you find that your cat is not adjusting after a few weeks, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to ease the transition. Hopefully, being present and aware will be enough to reduce your cat’s stress about moving. Show your cat that there is nothing to be afraid of, and gradually they will adjust to their new surroundings.
