Moving with Felines: Making it Purr-fectly Stress-Free! | The Cat Consultant

Got a move on the horizon? Moving can rank high on the stress-o-meter, especially when you've got fur-babies in tow. But hold your catnip, because moving with cats doesn't have to turn your whiskers grey. I've got a moving plan tailored for you and your meow-gicians that'll make this part of your move a breeze, well, at least for your feline friends!

The thing is, how your cats adapt to a move remains a mystery until it actually happens, but with a few precautions and advance planning, you can set the stage for your cat's smooth entry into her new kingdom.

Let's dig in, shall we? Moving comes with its pros and cons. Good: Boxes galore, a cat's playground! Bad: Disrupting routines, not a cat's cup of milk.

Let's break this down step-by-step, purr-fecting each phase of your move, focusing on keeping your cats as cool as a catnip cucumber.


Before the Big Move

Cats aren't dummies; they pick up on odd happenings at home. The routine's off, boxes sprout like mushrooms, and familiar things hide in new spots.

• 🐾Ease cats into changes gradually. Introduce cardboard boxes weeks before the move—no last-minute surprises! It's a wise move, cat or no cat—no one likes a frantic packing session!
• 🐾Make carriers cat-friendly safe havens. Place carriers inside, especially if your cats aren't fans (vet trips, anyone?). Toss in some treats and sprinkle some Feliway to ease their nerves.
• 🐾Keep some routine intact. Stick to their schedules—feeding times, play hours, your bedtime too! Routine soothes frayed cat nerves. Keep life as regular as a whisker, as much as you can.
• 🐾Ensure proper identification. Before moving, tag your cat! Amidst the moving bustle, cats can slip out or carriers can pop open. Reflective collars and microchips save the day—or rather, the cat.During the Big Move
• 🐾Keep cats in a 'safe room' during loading. Moving equals chaos. Safeguard your cats in a room amidst the moving bustle. Don't let the fearful sprint! A note on the door is a saviour, warning everyone about the purring residents inside—no unplanned escapes!
• 🐾Pack kitty essentials in your vehicle. Pack food, water, meds, and fluff beddings, and wand toy keeps cats and humans merry. No packing these in moving trucks—make sure you keep them handy.

Car rides mean carrier stays shut! Safety first, folks. Cats in carriers during car rides—no exceptions! Unfamiliar rides can spell disaster. Imagine a cat under a seat or worse, a pedal! Not a good day for anyone.

Consider a vet's advice for anxious cats. Skittish furballs? Consult your vet about soothing meds. It might turn the trip into a relaxed cat-cation for all.

Upon Arrival at the New Digs

• 🐾Confine cats for acclimation. Before the great room reveal, set up a 'safe room.' It's their base camp, complete with everything familiar—food, water, blankets, and toys that smell like home sweet home. Your scent helps too! Let them explore with the movers around, inside their carriers if they fancy.
• 🐾Make your presence known! Drop by the safe room to reassure your cats that they're not the new rulers of a deserted castle. Cuddle or playtime? If they're up for it, it's a good sign they're settling.
• 🐾Let cats set their pace. Some may be room explorers from day one, others prefer settling in slowly. Read their cues—eating and playing are good signs they're ready for the big reveal.Cat Calming spray or Feliway's touch of home in a bottle. Spritzing Feliway can ease the 'new place' jitters. Maybe it works, maybe it's feline magic—worth a shot! Just keep it away from the litter zones.
• 🐾Familiar objects ease the transition. Spread familiar scents—blankets, furniture, toys—to create cat-comfort zones. Let them roam room by room, supervised at first. Once they're familiar, it's a free-range fur paradise!

So how long does it take for cats to settle? Every cat is different, but once your kitty comes out from under the bed, make sure to give them space for exploration. Generally, is takes about two weeks before they will feel comfortable in their new surroundings.

A word of caution: Please keep your kitties indoors for the 6 weeks before letting them roam in your garden (if you have the correct safety features in place). Alternatively using a kitty harness outdoors is a great way to introduce them to their new home and surroundings without risking an escape into the unknown.

Here's hoping your move with cats is incident-free and everyone's safe and content!