Moving house with a cat is an exciting yet daunting experience. Whether you’re moving across town, across the country, or even overseas, it’s important to ensure that your pet has the best possible transition to ensure they feel safe and happy. Here are some tips on how to help a cat settle into a new home.
Prepare Ahead of Time
If you’re moving far away from your current home, it’s crucial for you to prepare for the move well in advance. Make sure your cat is microchipped and all of their vaccinations are up-to-date. This will make it easier when moving a cat abroad, as well as provide a way of identifying them if they happen to get lost in the transition. Additionally, you will want to pay a visit to the vet before you leave to make sure there aren’t any underlying health issues that need addressing before you go.
Create a Comfort Zone
When moving house with a cat, create a comfort zone for your cat where they can feel secure and safe whilst they adjust to their new surroundings. This should be somewhere that is separate from the commotion in the house and is a quiet place for your cat to rest during this stressful time. Make sure they have access to food and water at all times and set up a litter tray in an easily accessible area away from any foot traffic. You can also bring along familiar items like toys or blankets from their old home so that they have something familiar in their new environment.
Give them Space
Cats generally prefer having their own space and may hide and retreat when there is too much noise or too many people around them. Consider setting up multiple hiding spots such as cardboard boxes or hidey-holes so that they can take refuge when things get overwhelming or if they simply just want some peace and quiet. As time passes, they should come out of hiding more often as they become accustomed to their new home and surroundings. It is important to be patient with them during this transition, as they are creatures of habit who take some time to get used to change. This is particularly true if you are moving a cat abroad, as they will have had a new experience with flying and will feel unsettled.
Moving house with a cat can be stressful but with proper preparation and understanding of what your cat needs during this time of change, it doesn’t have to be! By following these steps, you will be providing your pet with enough security measures so that they can eventually adjust and settle into their new surroundings comfortably – whether it’s just across town or across the globe. With patience and understanding, both you and your furry friend will soon be feeling right at home in no time!
For assistance when relocating with a pet, please get in touch with the team at TailWings who will be happy to help.
