Pawsitive Moves: How To Move House With Your Cat

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from planning and packing to settling in, ensuring a smooth and stress-free move for both you and your beloved feline. We'll even explore how self-storage can be a game-changer, making the entire process more manageable and less daunting for your cat.

Before the Move

Planning Ahead: Essential Preparations for Your Cat's Move

The key to a successful move with your cat lies in careful planning. Start well in advance, giving yourself plenty of time to organise everything. Begin by researching your new area, including local vets and pet shops. Consider the layout of your new home and how it might impact your cat's routine. Think about where their food and water bowls, litter tray, and scratching post will go. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you and your cat will be.

Packing Purr-fectly: What to Do with Your Cat's Belongings

When packing, keep your cat's essentials easily accessible. This includes their food and water bowls, litter tray and litter, a favourite blanket or bed, toys, and any medication. Pack these items in a clearly labelled box that you can easily find on moving day. Resist the urge to wash their bedding right before the move, as the familiar scent will provide comfort in the new environment.

Decluttering and Storing: Gradual Change For A Stress-Free Move 

Moving is a fantastic opportunity to declutter. Getting rid of unwanted items not only lightens your load but also creates more space in your new home, which can be particularly beneficial for your cat. Consider using self-storage to make this process even easier. You can gradually pack and store non-essential items, furniture, and boxes, creating a less chaotic environment during the move itself. This also allows you to pack up the contents of your house at your own pace, letting your cat adjust to the change without being overwhelmed by boxes everywhere. A less cluttered home is a calmer home, and a calmer home means a calmer cat.

Creating a Safe Space: Your Cat's Moving Day Sanctuary

On moving day, designate a quiet and secure room as your cat's sanctuary. This could be a spare bedroom or a room that's not being heavily used. Place their essentials in this room, along with a comfortable bed or carrier. This will be their safe haven amidst the chaos of moving day. Keep the door closed and ensure they have access to food, water, and their litter tray. Decide in advance which room at the new house will be the cat’s safe room when you arrive.

Travel Arrangements: Ensuring a Smooth Journey for Your Kitty

Whether you're driving or hiring a pet transport service, ensure your cat travels safely and comfortably. A secure cat carrier is essential. Make sure it's well-ventilated and large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Line the carrier with a familiar blanket or towel. If your cat is prone to travel sickness, consult your vet for advice.

Updating Microchip Details and Vet Records

Before you move, update your cat's microchip details with your new address and contact information. Also, inform your vet of your move and obtain a copy of their medical records. Research local vets in your new area and register your cat with a new practice as soon as possible.

Moving Day

Keeping Calm: Managing Moving Day Stress

Moving day can be stressful for everyone, including your cat. Try to remain calm and composed, as your cat can sense your anxiety. Keep the noise levels down as much as possible and stick to your cat's routine as closely as you can. Offer them reassurance and comfort throughout the day.

Safe and Sound: Securing Your Cat During the Move

Never let your cat roam freely during the move. They could easily get underfoot, escape, or become injured. Keep them securely in their carrier or in their designated safe room until you arrive at your new home.

The Big Reveal: Introducing Your Cat to Their New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, take your cat to their designated safe room or a quiet room you’ve prepared for them. This should be the first room they see. Let them explore this space at their own pace. Don't force them to come out of their carrier if they're not ready. Make sure there is food and a litter tray in the room and their favourite toys. Shut the door and let them adjust in peace for a while.

First Impressions: Making Your Cat Feel Comfortable

Make the initial introduction to the new home as positive as possible. Speak to your cat in a calm and reassuring voice. Offer them treats or their favourite toy. Let them explore the safe room thoroughly for a few days before venturing out into the rest of the house.

After the Move

Settling In: Helping Your Cat Adjust to Their New Surroundings

Adjusting to a new home takes time. Be patient and understanding with your cat. They may be more clingy or withdrawn than usual. Avoid making any other significant changes to their routine during this period.

Exploring the Territory: Introducing Your Cat to Their New Home Gradually

Once your cat is comfortable in their safe room, allow them to explore the rest of the house gradually. Open the door to other rooms one at a time, allowing them to investigate at their own pace. Supervise their explorations and be prepared to let them retreat to the safe room if they seem overwhelmed.

Unpacking at Your Pace: Using Self-Storage to Ease the Transition for Your Cat

Remember all those boxes you carefully packed? Now's the time to unpack them – but do it gradually! This is where self-storage can be invaluable. By storing some of your belongings, you can unpack at a more leisurely pace, preventing your cat from being overwhelmed by a mountain of boxes. A gradual unpacking process allows your cat to adjust to the new environment without feeling overwhelmed.

Litter Box Logistics: Placement and Preferences

Cats are particular about their litter trays. Place the litter tray in a quiet and accessible location, ideally in a spot similar to where it was in your old home. If it’s a much bigger house you might want to put a second litter tray down in another area to make sure they can always find one.

Feeding Time: Maintaining Routine in a New Environment

Maintain your cat's regular feeding schedule as much as possible. Use their familiar food and water bowls and place them in a consistent location.

Addressing Anxiety: Recognising and Soothing Your Cat's Worries

Some cats may experience anxiety after a move. Signs of anxiety include hiding, excessive meowing, changes in appetite, or litter box issues. Provide your cat with plenty of attention, reassurance, and playtime. Feliway or similar diffusers, which release calming pheromones, can also be helpful.

Long-Term Adjustment: Ensuring a Happy and Healthy Transition

Even after the initial settling-in period, continue to provide your cat with love, attention, and a stable routine. Ensure they have plenty of opportunities for play and interaction.

When to Seek Help: Recognising Signs Your Cat Needs Veterinary Attention

If your cat's anxiety persists or if you notice any concerning changes in their behaviour or health, consult your vet. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on managing anxiety.

Introducing Your Cat to the Great Outdoors

One of the biggest questions after a move, especially for outdoor cats, is when and how to let them explore their new territory. Rushing this process can be dangerous, as your cat may become disoriented and lost, or try to return to their old home. Patience is key.

Keeping Them In: The Initial Settling-In Period

Initially, your cat needs time to adjust to their new indoor environment. This period allows them to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of their new home, establishing it as their safe and secure base. As a general rule, keep your cat indoors for at least two to four weeks, and even longer for more nervous or timid cats. During this time, focus on building their confidence indoors. Engage them in play, provide plenty of attention, and make sure they have everything they need.

Signs They're Ready (or Not): Assessing Your Cat's Confidence

Before venturing outdoors, observe your cat's behaviour. Are they confidently exploring the house? Do they seem relaxed and comfortable in their new surroundings? Are they responding well to your calls and commands? If your cat is still showing signs of anxiety or nervousness, it's best to wait a little longer. Trying to rush the outdoor introduction can undo all your hard work.

Safe Exploration: Controlled Outdoor Access

When you decide it's time for your cat's first outdoor adventure, take it slowly and cautiously. Here are some tips for safe exploration:

• Supervised Outings: Initially, accompany your cat on short, supervised trips outside. Keep them on a lead and harness, allowing them to explore the immediate surroundings while you maintain control. This will help them familiarise themselves with the new garden and neighbourhood smells without the risk of getting lost.
• Timing is Key: Choose a quiet time of day for their first outings, when there are fewer distractions like other animals or traffic. Early mornings or late evenings are often good choices.
• Familiar Scents: Carry a familiar-smelling item from your home, such as a blanket or toy, to provide comfort and reassurance during their outdoor explorations.
• Gradual Expansion: Gradually increase the duration of their supervised outdoor trips and slowly expand the area they are allowed to explore on the lead.
• Cat Flap Considerations: If you plan to install a cat flap, wait until your cat is fully settled and confident in their new surroundings. Introduce them to the cat flap gradually, encouraging them to use it with treats and praise.
• Secure Garden: If you have a garden, ensure it's secure to prevent your cat from escaping. Check for any gaps in fences or hedges.
• Neighbour Awareness: Inform your neighbours that your cat is new to the area. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or concerns.
• Recall Training: Practise recall training with your cat indoors, so they are more likely to come when called when they're outside. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise.
• Microchip and Collar: Ensure your cat is microchipped and wearing a collar with your contact details. This is crucial in case they do get lost.

Ongoing Monitoring

Even after your cat is familiar with their outdoor territory, continue to be mindful of their safety. Be aware of potential hazards, such as busy roads or aggressive animals. Regularly check their collar and microchip details.

Moving with a cat can be challenging, but with careful planning and a little patience, you can ensure a smooth and happy transition for your feline companion. By utilising self-storage and following the advice in this guide, you can create a stress-free environment for your cat, allowing them to settle into their new home and local environment with confidence and purrs of contentment.