Moving houses can be thrilling, however, it can also be challenging for cat owners. Cats do not like to embrace new environments or change for that matter for a fact, right? But do not fret! It’s possible to make the experience more enjoyable for you and your kitty with some preparation and time. Here’s how to do it without losing your mind (or your cat).
Moving Calendar: Create and Stick to It
To avoid disappointment, everyone needs to prepare for “the day”. Your cat can probably sense that something’s up, so try to keep their routine as normal as possible. Here are a few tips:
- Start packing early. This will ensure that by the time moving day works around your cat won’t go in a panic at the sight of the boxes.
- Pack up all cats’ toys and bedding last, and do not put them away until moving day. Familiar smells can help ease anxiety.
- Prepare documents for alteration of the microchip and ID of the cat. It’s better to take precautions than to regret later.
It’s The Big Day: To Be or Not To Be
Today is Moving Day! It is going to be very busy! And here’s how to reduce the hustle and bustle for your cat friend:
- Prepare a room where your cat will stay within your new location. Place the litter box, food, water, and a few toys in that room. It also keeps them out of harm and moving dangers as it is still an “active” area.
- Try to not give food to your cat right before the moving day. A full stomach with car rides is not the best combination possible.
- Always utilize a plastic cat carrier to transport your cat. A mellow kitty varies as well as how chilly a cat has been, so the moving day is the end of every day to test extreme adventurous spirit in them.
- If it is a long journey in the car, you should prepare a travel kit for your cat. Include food, water, a small travel litter box as well as any medicines that require to be consumed.
Settling Down: Home, Sweet Home
Wow it’s quite a place you have, isn’t it!? For your kitty, however, the expedition is only just taking off. So here is how you can assist them:
- Make a safe room within the new house just as you had done previously on a moving day. This means the cat has a safe place from which to begin to investigate the surroundings.
- Keep your cat in this room for the first few days. It might seem mean, but it’s less overwhelming for them.
- Stick to their usual feeding and play routines as much as possible.
- Gradually let your cat explore the rest of the house, one room at a time.
- Use synthetic feline pheromones (available at pet stores) to help calm your cat in the new environment.
So, When to Call in the Pros?
Now let’s shift to another aspect that can make your move a whole lot easier – hiring movers. I know what you’re thinking: “But won’t that be expensive?” Well, here is some good news. There are cheap movers companies in the market who can be of help without you spending a lot of money.
Look for a credible, cheap moving company that has the services that you are looking for. Furthermore, many cheap movers provide good moving services without overcharging their clients. They will do the backbreaking work so that you can attend to your cat during the move.
When you are hiring a moving company, let them know that you will be moving with a pet. Some of them even specialize in getting your pet moved and may give you extra tips or services that may lessen the hassle.
The First Few Weeks: Patience is Key
A few modifications will be necessary in the behavior of your cat as you settle into a new place. There is no reason to panic over this lingering discomfort. Here’s what you can do:
- Interact with your cat more than usual. Play with perfect purrs, cuddle, or just be with them…
- When in a new environment, your cat needs to have many tall surfaces to jump up to and look down upon their territory from…
- Try to avoid fussing over them too much if your cat looks overwhelmed. More often than not, an act like nothing is the issue is the way to go.
- When the time is right as per your vet, take the cat outside in an enclosed yard for them to roam around (outdoor cats). Commence with a few quick and watched ones.
When Things Don’t Go Purr-perfectly
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, cats can have a tough time with moves. Keep an eye out for these signs of stress:
- Not eating or drinking.
- Excessive meowing or hiding.
- Changes in litter box habits.
Should any of these be there, or should the over a few weeks of absent normalcy of your cat be observed, the time is nigh for the downpouring with your vet.
It is never, ever a disaster when you have to change location and take along a cat. With enough planning, a good amount of patience, and perhaps some cheap movers on standby, you and your cat will have settled down in a new dwelling. You should bear this in mind; cats don’t stay depressed for long. Given a little time and enough care, they will soon be wondering why they haven’t been using your new house as their own all along. Good luck with the move!
