Many families and individuals across the UK share their homes with a cat. However, it can be easy to forget the impact of moving homes on our furry friends. Cats are not big fans of change; they like routine, and are quiet and extremely independent.
Although moving with a cat is not always the most straightforward task, the following tips are designed to make the process easier and help your cat feel at home in no time.
Read our other moving with pets guides:
Preparing for the move
Stay calm
Moving homes is never a relaxing process, even more so when cats are involved. If you are tense, your cat will be even tenser. So, it is essential not to lose your composure and remain calm for the sake of keeping your fluffy companion relaxed.
Keep your routine the same while you pack
In the lead up to moving homes, your day to day routine will most likely change. However, for the sake of your cat, try not to change their feeding schedule. In addition, don’t move their litter tray or scratching posts until you are just about to move.
Introduce new things
It is a good idea to take your pet to visit your new property before moving day, preferable after its pre-tenancy clean. Let your cat explore the house. Cats love to look around and get a smell and taste of their new home.
Moving day
Isolate your cat in a quiet, empty room
Moving day is hectic and highly stressful for our feline friends. So choose an empty room, and confine them there. The room should have a litter tray, a bowl of food and water and a couple of toys to entertain them.
Place the cat in the carrier
Ensure your cat’s carrier feels like a safe space. Place a soft cushion and their favourite toys inside, and keep your cat in their carrier enroute.
Don’t feed your cat enroute
It is essential not to feed your cat en route. You may give them a couple of treats if the journey is long, but too much food may make your cat sick.
Stay close by your cat
Hearing a familiar voice is often enough to calm down your feline friends enroute to your new home.
Helping your cat settle in your new home
Leave your cat alone in a room for a short while
Once you arrive at your new home, leave your cat alone in a room for some time. Ensure there is a food bowl, their bed and favourite cat toys in there. Let them get used to that room before letting them explore the house. You don’t want your stressed cat to run away, so ensure all doors and windows leading outside are closed.
Once your cat calms, let them explore
Once your cat has calmed down, it is safe to let them explore your new home.
Use pheromones
Cat pheromones will help your cat to settle in faster. You can spray cat pheromone products on doors, tables and chair legs.
Keep things the same
As already mentioned, cats don’t like change. So keep their feeding routine the same and keep their old cat bed and toys. It is also important to keep their litter tray in one place.
The team at Brycelands can help ensure your move runs smoothly and efficiently. We offer an industry-leading range of removals and storage services for Hertfordshire, covering domestic removals, business and office relocation, comprehensive packing and storage solutions. We understand that along with impeccable service and superior value for money, our clients expect friendly and personable service. To find out more, contact us on 01462 675 555.
