Moving House With Cats!

My Kitties: Molly (Left) Snowy (Right)

Hey everyone!

As we have just recently moved house I thought it would be a good idea to post a blog post on tips for moving house with cats. Whether this is to a new house for a long term or to stay while you go on holidays, it is important to understand what to expect and also some tips/tricks that may make things a little easier.  I have included my own experience however keep in mind that everyone will be different depending on the type of move and the cat. Even if you aren’t moving yourself or you don’t even own a cat, still read through and maybe you could pass the tips onto someone you know is moving with a cat or keep them in mind for future reference!

My experience:

While the removalist was escorting the furniture we decided to put the cats in the laundry (which is where their food/water bowl, beds and litter tray is). Although they have spent their whole life sleeping in this room (at night; it’s their bedroom) they still knew that there was something strange going on. We placed a sign on the door that said: “Do not come in; cats inside! This was to ensure that the removalists didn’t let them out by accident.  One cat cried non- stop for the whole time.  We then moved them to the bedroom so the removalist could take the furniture out of the laundry. Although we were only travelling for about 4 minutes, when it came time to travel, with a dog, two cats, two guinea pigs and a bird all in one car, it was very hectic. We would have spread them out over the two cars if we could, but we didn’t have the room- the other car was full.  Once we arrived at our new house, we put them in the master bedroom ensuite as there was no furniture that needed to go in there. Both cats had pooped themselves on the way there so it kind of stunk the whole room out! We put the same sign on the door to ensure no one went in there. We eventually moved them to the laundry and set up all of their beds/bowls etc. Once we let them out, they were a bit frightened but they immediately explored. One cat liked sitting up on the washing machine looking out the window. However every time I went and checked on them he had squished himself between the washing machine and the wall; which was a tiny gap. We left them there for the rest of the day and night. Eventually over the next few days we introduced the house room by room. Finally, all they wanted to do was explore every room until they knew the whole house top to bottom. Unfortunately they really wanted to go outside; one would cry at the door for ages however we didn’t know if we could trust them (incase they ran away). Whenever you opened the door they wanted to run out- they would always be right by your side. Consequently, we went to our local pet shop and purchased two cat harnesses so we could take them outside for a walk in the backyard, without the worry of them running away.

Most cats are certainly not a big fan of change as cats are very territorial animals. When cats are in a foreign environment they tend to go straight to the little or tight spaces first. They tend to crouch as close to the ground with their tail down - pretty much expecting the worst. Cats will go investigate every part, sniffing and smelling- using all their senses trying to work out whether it is safe. They will completely ignore their owners, no matter how much they love them- as they would prefer to use their very strong senses to find the safest spot for themselves. It will take a long time for your cat to become used to the new surroundings and to realise that it is a safe territory (although this is completely different for all cats) I would recommend to keep them inside for a long time- so they get used of their new surroundings and eventually come to the conclusion that they won’t be going back to their previous territory.  Making the move as stress-free as possible for your feline companion can have big benefits, including reducing the risk of fear-based house soiling, excessive meowing and crying, hiding, escape attempts and aggression.

Below are some important tips that I feel will ensure your cat has the best arrival into their new home.

1. Travelling

Make sure to put your cat(s) in a travelling carrier with a towel down for extra comfort. During the journey you will feel the urge to comfort your cat by patting it but I highly recommend to refrain yourself from doing this as it may escape due to it being frightened. If your cat does not like car travelling, you could cover the carrier half over with a towel, just so it feels safer.

2. When you first arrive confine your cat in a smallish place

Immediately take your cat to a room that will remain relatively quiet. Before opening the carrier, set up your cat’s food and water dishes, litter box and bed. Place some cat treats around the room to encourage your cat to explore. The small space could include the laundry or bathroom with their own belongings in there. This will not only help it to stay calm, it will also ensure that it won’t run out the door when the removalist are bringing in the boxes.  Make sure to keep this spot your cats ‘home base’ over the next few days so it can get used to the sights, smells and sound of its new surroundings. Once everything is unpacked slowly introduce it to the rest of the house- room by room allowing it to explore.

3. Feed cat a very small breakfast on moving day to ensure that it won’t have an upset stomach.

This will also ensure that accidents in the car will be minimised and your cat will feel much better once it arrives in its new destination.

4. Make sure to have all belongings close by

These belongings could include the litter tray, feeding and drinking bowl, sleeping bed or basket and maybe some toys like mice or ping pong balls. This way they will have something that belongs to them- that will have their scent on their – something that is familiar and the space won’t feel completely foreign.  It will also encourage them to explore and interact with their new surroundings.

5. Try to keep your cats routine as stable as possible

Trying to keep your cats routine as stable as possible will ensure that everything will try to remain normal and as closest to what your cat is used to. Hopefully this may ease them into the situation easier and make it less stressful for your cat.

6. Try to get in early and un pack a few days before

Although this is not entirely possible, and certainly wasn’t in my case, this little tip can make a huge difference to how your cat settles in. If some of your furniture is unpacked in the new house, when your cat arrives your scent will be present in all of the rooms - It might seem a little more familiar for them and relaxing.

I hope these 6 tips were really useful and also an insight of what it will or can be like to move house with a cat. Just remember that moving house with a cat is never an easy experience and it is important to expect different behaviour than usual. Every cat will be different; some cats may find the move fine however others will take a few years to feel completely safe- it is always good to be prepared!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post as I have certainly enjoyed writing it! Comment down below if you have ever moved with a cat and what your experience was…

Make sure to stay tuned for more up coming exciting blog posts!

Hugs and kisses :0)

Em x