You might be coming up on a day that most people would rather avoid: moving day.
Moving homes, especially out of state, is an event that can add a lot of stress to your life. It can also give your pets a lot of anxiety. They will see you packing boxes and radically changing the landscape that they have known for a long time. It’s certain to stress them out as much as it stresses you.
Here are some ideas to help your cat cope with such a large change.
Tips for Moving with Cats
A move is difficult for everyone, but here are some tips for moving with cats.
Before the Big Day Comes
First off, try to help your cat see the fun in a move like this. If you are going to start packing away belongings in boxes, be sure to leave an empty box or two laying around for your cat to play with. Cats love playing hide and seek and exploring the new terrain.
You can even consider making a little rest area in a box, so your feline friend can get nice and cozy.
Another important thing to consider is your cat’s schedule.
You’re certain to be busy packing away all your belongings and making plans. Don’t let that interfere with your cat’s daily life. Make sure you are still giving your cat their morning and evening attention. Also make sure they are getting the same level of exercise, so they stay content.
Finally, be certain that your cat’s tag has your current contact information. The last thing you would want is for your cat to get scared and take off. This becomes even worse when someone finds your cat but can’t contact you!
What to Do on Moving Day
Once the big day arrives, you’ll have to form a plan of attack for moving all your belongings. It’s important to plan what will happen with your kitty.
With all the people moving things around in your home, your cat is sure to get a little anxious. Place your cat into room by themselves. You want to make sure your cat has a nice quiet place to rest before your big move. You can even go as far as to mark the door, so everyone knows that’s where the cat is resting before the move.
Once everything is packed up, it’s time to move kitty. Make sure you get a car-safe carrier for your cat. Car rides can be another source of anxiety, so you want to make sure the carrier you choose is extra secure.
If your cat is already anxious to begin with, you might want to talk to your vet about the use of sedatives. A mild sedative could be a good way to help your cat rest through most of the move.
If your cat is extra anxious, you can consider boarding your cat as well. This will allow your cat to miss out on the commotion of a big move. This will also allow you to set up your new home a bit. Make sure your cat has a comforting place that they can relax in.
How to Help Your Cat After the Big Move
Remember that it’s important to take it slow. If you’re moving into a new home, consider keeping all the doors closed. You’ll want to confine your cat to the smallest area you can, at first. This gives your cat time to explore and become familiar with their new surroundings little by little. Once your cat shows that they are dealing with the move, you can start opening up rooms for your cat to explore.
How quickly you open the whole home to your cat will depend on your cat. If they like exploring, this will probably happen faster. If your cat is pretty shy, it will take longer. It’s important to keep it at their pace so they are comfortable.
From day one at your new home, you’ll want to set aside a “cat room.” this means you’ll have a room set up with everything your cat will want. It is like a safe space for your cat. They can go back there whenever they feel the need to chill out.
While it’s important to let your cat explore at their own pace, you can aid them by showing them around a bit. Give them some cuddle time or try out a treat in a new room. This can help them feel comfortable while getting acquainted to their new surroundings.
Another one of our tips for moving with cats is to try and spread their scent around the new home. Grab a sock and rub your cat about the mouth with it. You’ll be able to use that sock to spread your cat’s scent. Rub it on corners around the home at your cat’s level so they’ll be able to get the scent. This can help your cat get acquainted to your home more quickly.
Final Tips for Moving with Cats
The last of our tips for moving with cats is to check out your new home completely.
Make sure all windows have screens Make sure all doors close securely when you close them. It might not seem like much, but if your cat is exploring, they may be able to find themselves a way out of the house.
Also check behind all appliances and other nooks and crannies. These small alcoves are the perfect hiding spots for scaredy-cats, but they can also be real threats if there are loose wires or sharp corners.
With proper precautions and a bit of training, your big move can be a breeze for you and your pets.