How to move cats to a new house

Cats are sensitive, orderly, and territorial in nature. This is why you need to give them extra attention if you need to move them to a new house. It is not unlikely for pet owners to discover their cats have disappeared amidst frantic moves.

This cat owners' guide on moving cats to a new house will provide some helpful hints for your moving process. You can learn how to make new homes safer for cats and dogs, how to move outdoor cats to new homes, and helpful tips for moving day. The post wraps up with why you should not abandon your cats. Let's dive in!

How to Move House with Your Cat

The moving home process can be busy and stressful. However, quickly settling your cats into their new environment is still possible. You will find the following hints helpful to help minimise the stress of moving on your cat.

Make adequate plans before the move

Take the precaution of updating your cat's microchip. If your sensitive cat goes missing, a kind person can return your pet. You could put a cat name tag on your cat's collar. The name and phone number can help reunite you with your cat should they wander off during the moving process.

You could also use secure carry cages or cat carriers for the move. Be sure to familiarise your cat with the carrier. Put their favourite toys, spray some catnip, and take other measures to make them comfortable with their carrier.

You can get your vet to prescribe a medication if you know moving your cat will make it car sick or stressed. Do not open the carrier during the move to soothe your cat. It may bolt off. Your cat will likely run away right after the move, so it pays to plan ahead and keep your cat indoors and secure for a while.

Give your cat time to adjust

One crucial way of keeping your cat safe is to keep them contained in your new, unfamiliar home. You may use pheromone diffusers or sprays specially made for cats to help them feel calmer. Watch out for unnatural cat behaviours even as you give your cats time to adjust.

Inform your removalist and movers

Be broad-minded in your thinking regarding cat care or kitten care. Consider placing a sign outside the room so your removalists do not accidentally let your cat out.

Get familiar with the local vet

Having a record of the nearest vet's phone numbers can be helpful when you have an emergency. For example, you may need sudden dental care or flu treatment. Also, familiarise yourself with the vets in the new neighbourhood. They are experienced regarding different allergies in cats and can provide advice on what nutritional philosophy to implement in the new home.

Carrier Tips for Moving Cats to a New Home

• One helpful tip for moving with cats is to put their pet food and water in their bowls and keep them near their carrier.
• This will help them become more familiar with the carrier while also gaining a sense of comfort from their cat food being close.
• Choose a strong cat carrier you can easily clean if you travel home with your cats.
• Cover the cat carriers of skittish cats while travelling if needed so they do not see you leaving their territory.
• Make provisions for enough water for your cat during transit. Cats are more likely to get dehydrated if they are stressed.
• Upon arrival, be sure to place the carrier in a room that does not have an open door and windows.
• Remember to keep their litter box, cat food, water, and familiar items close.

How to Make New Homes Safer for Cats and Dogs

• Cats and dogs can feel disoriented in new homes and may attempt to return to their previous home. This is why your first step after moving to a new place is to pet-proof the house.
• Seal up potential escape routes and close windows. Keep harmful household materials such as cleaning products and garden supplies out of the reach of cats and dogs.
• Keep cats and dogs in a safe room while unpacking. Place familiar items in the room.
• Assign familiar persons, such as a family member, to stay with the pet during the move.
• You could first do your own move and set up your house before moving your pet. This will help limit the stress associated with unpacking that your pet has to deal with.
• Maintain old routines such as walk times and meal times.
• Slowly explore the new neighbourhood together.
• Remember to be patient with your pet in the weeks after the move. Place their litter boxes prominently and show a lot of love.
• Before the move, educate yourself about pet life in the neighbourhood. You could check out knowledge bases and cat articles.

How to Move Outdoor Cats to New Homes

Moving with an outdoor cat can prove tasking. You can use the following guide to reduce the stress:

• Prioritise choosing a safe cat carrier of an appropriate size for the actual move.
• Set the car to a comfortable room temperature if you are driving.
• Reduce the number of stops if possible.
• Each cat should have their own toys and other resources to help prevent further stress.
• You may spray synthetic facial pheromones some minutes before placing your cat inside the pet carrier.
• You can feed your cats before the move. But do so at least three to four hours earlier if they are prone to travel sickness.
• Outdoor cats may want to sniff around their room and explore the rest of the house. So pay good attention to their safety and security.
• Take things slowly after moving house with cats. Continue to provide cat food and water. Keep your cat in a designated room for at least three days to acclimate.
• Remember to visit it every few hours.
• Prepare your cat for the new location with up-to-date vaccinations and flea and worm treatments.
• Do not leave your cat outside without supervision the first time you let it out. Use a schedule, and do not let it stray far.
• You can slowly introduce and familiarise your cat with the neighbourhood and also gradually increase play time as time goes on.
• You could hide small quantities of dry food outdoors to encourage your cat to explore the new space.

Moving With Cats: Helpful Tips for Moving Day

• Moving day can get quite noisy with packing boxes and all. Therefore, it makes sense to prepare a secure area for your cat so they do not run for it.
• Prepare the new place with a suitable sleeping spot, cat bedding, a scratching post, favourite cat toys, litter trays, food, and water.
• Be sure to set up their litter trays far away from their cat food and water.
• It is calming for the cat to be put in the cat carrier at least 30 minutes before moving time on a moving day.
• Leaving the cats alone in your car is a bad idea. Try not to move during the hottest hours of the day.
• Pet transport is more accessible and more calming for cats if you give them cat treats.
• Set up a comfortable and safe hiding place for bringing your cat home.

Why You Should Not Abandon Your Cats

Leaving your cats behind when you move house is a bad idea. You may still face the consequences even if some cats are eventually taken to cat protection or welfare organisations. You could face fines and possible jail time, as pet abandonment is a criminal offence. You can try rehoming options if you cannot continue providing pet care for your cat.

Book a Professional Removalist for Cat Moves

Here, we have provided helpful tips for moving cats to a new house. You were able to read up on how to move house with your cat, how to move outdoor cats to new homes, and helpful tips for moving day.

After brushing up on moving cats to a new house, your next step may be to do the actual move. You will likely need help moving your cats safely from your current home to the new place. Professional removalists can help ensure you and your cats have an excellent moving home experience.