It’s a new year and many people are looking to find their dream homes. So how exactly is the best way to do this when you have a cat.
Moving homes is stressful, there is no doubt about that. Your home is filled with moving boxes, items are being removed and what once was your home, is now a maze and mess. We understand what is happening, but chances are your poor cat doesn’t. The uproar and unknown, can be scary for a cat, as most don’t like change. They’re territorial animals and we are taking them away from all they’ve ever known.
So, how can we make this a less stressful process?
What to do before you move.
Pack up your furniture and belongings slowly. Your cat is less likely to freak out if this is done over time, rather than everything being swept up in a weekend. Make sure their items are the last to move, you want to delay stress for as long as possible.
Keep your cat contained to one room of the house, while shifting furniture. This way, your cat can’t sneak outside when no one is looking, and they won’t get scared by loud noises.
Make sure your cat is microchipped and is wearing a collar, don’t forget to update the address on both – to the new home. If they escape, this is your ticket to being reunited with them.
To transport your cat ensure they can be locked up in a sturdy carrier/cage and if possible, place their bedding inside with a few of their favourite toys. Keep the carrier in your house for a few days before the move, so that your cat can get used to it.
Finally, ensure the new house has been cleaned, so that the scents of any previous cat have been removed. Your cat is not going to be relaxed if it thinks it’s moving in on another cat’s territory.
What to do once you get to the new home.
Keep your cat confined to a small area or room. Let them take in the sights and smells slowly. Increasing the area one room at a time. This may take several days. Most cats will likely want to hide for a time, before looking around.
Your cat may not eat food when you offer it. This is normal. Give them time, they’ll eat when they’re ready.
Try and keep as much routine in your cat’s life as possible. For instance, if you usually feed your cat when you make your morning coffee, then keep doing that, change as little as possible.
Your cat will become more comfortable as time goes on.
Using a product like Feliway replicates the pheromones that cats use to send signals, helping to comfort and reassure cats. This helps reduce the signs of stress in your cats such as urines spraying, scratching, fighting or hiding.
If your cat is normally an outdoor cat, buy an outdoor cat enclosure. That way they can develop a sense of their boundaries without having immediate free roam, which could lead them to running away. If this happens, ensure you have a way of contacting the new homeowners of your previous house in case your cat has returned. This is where microchipping and collars are extremely important. Once you have your cat back begin the process over again and do it for longer.
Hopefully by following this guide, you and your cat will have an easy transition and you can go about enjoying your life together in your new home.
