single_blog_image
October 20, 2021

Moving with a cat: A stress-free checklist for before, during, and after moving day

Moving with a cat can be stressful on you and your pet. Cats are especially tricky to move because they’re territorial and creatures of habit. Studies suggest cats may even suffer from separation anxiety.

There are key cat traits that, once you know about them, can help you better understand what you’re up against when moving with your feline friend.

Let’s start with a quick cat psychology lesson. 

Key Cat Characteristics 

1. Cats have personal space issues

People have a certain amount of personal space they’re comfortable with; the same goes for cats.

A cat’s personal bubble is different from territory, which cats also have (see next point), because it’s much smaller and moves around with the cat. 

Cats are very sensitive to their bubble being invaded. They can feel threatened and become stressed whenever a new person or pet is introduced into their space. 

Imagine, then, having home stagers, real estate agents, potential buyers, packers, and movers in your home. Your cat may not love the idea of having each person infiltrate their bubble.

Which brings us to territory.

2. Cats are territorial 

We wouldn’t like it if a stranger entered our domain; neither would a cat. 

Cats are territorial. They get their sense of security from where they live. They like to feel protected. Ever see a cat sleeping in a small space and cardboard box? Now you know why. 

Cats may consider part of their house their turf (in the case of a home with multiple cats), the whole house, the property, the block, or an entire neighborhood.

Because of this territoriality, cats are very sensitive to changes in their routine and environment. A move to a new home is the perfect example of an environmental change that can trigger a cat’s territoriality. 

It’s not uncommon to hear stories from owners that their cat escaped following a relocation only to be found trying to get back to their old address.

It’s about more than territory, though. Cats love consistency in who they live with, too. Which brings us to cat attachment. 

3. Cats get attached

Studies suggest cats attach to their owners. This could explain a cat’s loyalty to their human families. 

The negative flipside to this attachment is separation anxiety. When separated from their people, cats are more likely to become stressed and misbehave

Specialists argue that it’s a move to an unfamiliar environment, rather than separation distress, that causes a cat to become stressed. 

Whatever the reason, we recommend cat lovers be aware of their cat’s inner workings as they plan their move. 

Now that you’re well-versed in cat psychology, here are our tips for moving with a cat.

Before You Move with Your Cat

1. Update your cat’s ID

More than likely, everything will go smoothly on moving day. On the off chance that it doesn’t and your cat escapes, you’ll want to know you’ve done everything you can to get your kitty back safely.

Before you move with your cat, make sure your cat is:

  • Microchipped
  • Tattooed (an added bonus to microchipping)
  • Wearing a collar with ID tags including your current phone number(s). Have a second tag made with your new address to swap out for your old tags.
  • Photographed. Keep recent photos of your cat on your phone. 

Print ‘Lost Pet’ posters prior to moving with your cat

We recommend creating ‘Lost Pet’ posters for your feline friend. Make up a simple sign that includes:

  • Your pet’s name, 
  • A photo of your cat, and 
  • Your cell number(s)

Print out a dozen copies of the poster before moving day and keep them handy.  The last thing you want is to be scrambling to make and print a poster in the event your cat goes missing during the move.

2. Introduce a travel carrier to ease the move with your cat

Introduce a travel carrier to ease the move with your cat

If you buy a brand new travel carrier and pull it out on moving day, your cat will want none of it!  Even more, forcing a cat into an unfamiliar crate is a recipe for a stressed out pet.

Instead, buy a travel carrier and practice using it beforehand. 

Set it out several weeks in advance before your planned move. Leave the crate open to let your cat explore it. 

Make the crate as enticing as possible. Add to it your cat’s favourite bedding and pets toys. Place treats and catnip in and around the carrier. You may even want to go one step further by moving your cat’s water and food bowls into it. 

Reconsider travel backpacks

As much as you may want to use your move as an excuse to invest in a swanky cat travel backpack, now’s not the time. 

There will be enough change in your feline’s life while relocating. Introducing (yet another) new thing to their world is not a good idea. Unless the backpack is something you’ve used in the past, we recommend passing on it this time around. 

3. Gradually change your cat’s environment prior to the move

As you plan your move, keep your cat’s environment as normal as possible. 

Having said that, it wouldn’t hurt to start adjusting your cat’s world to mimic moving day. Slowly introduce packing boxes and gradually pack up items in the house so it doesn’t happen all at once. 

By going through the moving metamorphosis gradually, you’ll greatly reduce the amount of stress on your cat.

4. Set up a cat safe room

Whenever possible, use one of your cat’s favourite rooms as their safe space on moving day.

Like the travel carrier, set up the room well in advance of the move. Add the carrier, your cat’s water and food dishes, kitty litter box, and anything else you think will help make the spot seem familiar and inviting.

Choose a room with a door that you can close to keep your pet safe inside.

5. Make a plan

The last thing you want to do is improvise your move with your cat. Instead, make a travel day plan. Consider:

  • Your cat’s needs
  • Duration and timing of trip
  • Travel stops
  • Medications

Your cat’s needs while moving

If you have more than one cat, your travel plan may involve different things depending on their health, temperament, and age.

For example, one cat may travel well in the car but another may get anxious. 

Another example involves travel carriers. Figure out in advance if it would benefit your cats to be together in a larger carrier or apart in separate crates. 

Duration and timing of trip

If your travel day will be relatively short, it may not be necessary to consider how long it will take to get from point A to B. 

If your move will keep you on the road for a day or more, you may want to consider driving only during the day. Cats are nocturnal and will spend more time asleep during the day than at night.

Travel Stops

Work out in advance when, where, and how often to stop along your route. 

Conventional wisdom may lead you to want to stop more often but this isn’t necessarily the case. 

Cats may feel more secure staying in their carrier. If you stop more often and try to force them out of the crate, this may cause your cat more stress than if you had left them inside.

You know your cat best. If they tend to sleep for long periods of time and don’t need to use the litter as often, it might be best to leave them be. 

Involve your vet

Talk with your veterinarian about ways to keep your cat calm while moving. The solution to your cat’s motion sickness could easily be an anti-nausea medication, for example. 

6. Practice going on car rides

Practice going on car rides with your cat prior to the move

If you’ll be moving with a cat in a car, practice it in advance.

Put your cat in their travel carrier and go for a car ride. Start with short jaunts and then slowly lengthen your trips

Practice stopping for short breaks. Leave your cat inside it’s carrier on its own in the car. Go one step further and practice taking your cat out on a leash for a short walk.

7. Pack a cat travel bag

Most parents-to-be have done it: packed a bag in advance of the mother going into labour. 

Do the same for moving day. Pack a travel bag with:

  • Cat food, 
  • Treats, 
  • Toys
  • A harness and leash, 
  • Garbage bags, 
  • A litter scope, 
  • Kitty litter, and 
  • A disposable travel litter box

Now that you’ve expertly planned the lead up to moving day, it’s time to talk about what to do on the day.

During the Move

1. Put your kitty safe room into action

Put your cat in its safe room on moving day. 

Put a sign on the door warning movers there’s a cat inside. This will not only keep your feline friend safe while people come and go, but it will also minimize your cat’s stress.  

2. Use the carrier

If using a safe room isn’t an option, or you’ve reached the moment where you have to move things out of that space, it’s time to use the travel carrier. 

3. Go easy on meals

Avoid giving your cat a large meal on moving day. Instead, give them a light snack to settle their stomach and reduce the chance of motion sickness.

You may even decide to take your cat’s food and water away the morning of the move. 

4. Make your cat feel comfortable and safe while traveling in a car

Most soft-sided travel carriers are designed so you can secure them with a seat belt. Use this feature to avoid having the crate move around during sudden stops and around fast corners.

If you’re using a hard-sided carrier without belt loops, get creative with how to secure it to the seat. 

Avoid the temptation to open the carrier mid-trip to soothe your cat. The more times you open the crate, the more times you’re risking the cat will get loose! 

Kitty Pit Stops

Where litter breaks are concerned, you may be surprised to know your cat needs very few stops to stay comfortable. 

Many cats are fine to go without a little box for 6 hours or more.

Keep a disposable litter box or a conventional tray box handy in case. Otherwise, don’t assume your cat needs to be let out every hour to go to the bathroom. 

Keep things out of reach

When we move by car we often end up packing the vehicle to the brim. Keep the cat’s travel carrier away from things it may be tempted to get into. 

Plants are one example of something you’ll want to keep out of reach.  

Climate control

Make sure your cat’s travel carrier is easily accessible and well-ventilated, and that the car is temperature controlled. It couldn’t hurt to watch the volume on the stereo as well. 

5. Hotel stays with your cat

Did you know there is a list of pet-friendly hotels you can search to find one that’s cat friendly?

Pre-book your hotel stays so you’re not left without a spot for you and your feline buddy. Keep in mind you may be charged more to stay with a pet in a hotel

Once you arrive in the room and before letting your cat loose, set-up:

  • The litter box (preferably in the bathroom so it’s easier to keep clean), and 
  • Food and water dishes 
  • A sleep spot with their favourite bed or blanket

When you finally do release your cat, decide if you should give them free reign, keep them on a leash, or confine them to the bathroom. 

Whichever choice will keep your cat the safest is the one you should choose. 

6. Flying with your cat on moving day

how to fly with your cat on moving day

Many of the same rules apply when moving with a cat by plane as they did by car. 

Plane rides (general) take less time than car rides. If you’ll be moving with your cat across the country, for example, this will take way less time than if you drove the same distance. 

Flying with your cat means you won’t need to lug kitty litter around. You will, however, have to contend with check-in.

Cats fly in the cabin which means they have to go through security. Unfortunately, a cat can’t be kept in their travel carrier while it’s being scanned. Be prepared to take your cat out of its crate while you walk through security.

Extra fees

Like hotels, flying with pets often comes with extra fees. Don’t assume you can pay fees at the airport either. To avoid delays on travel day by prepaying for your pet’s flight in advance.

You’re almost at your new home! Here are our recommendations for what to do once you’ve relocated to your new home.

After You Move With Your Cat

Finally—you’ve moved. Congratulations!  Now what? 

1. Set up a safe room in the new house when you move with your cat

Once you’re arrived at your new digs, we recommend you keep your cat safely and securely in it’s carrier until the movers are done and gone. 

Then, do the reverse of when you moved out and use a safe room for your cat’s transition to the new home. Introduce your cat to one room at a time.

Set the room up as you did before. Include the cat’s:

  • Carrier, 
  • Litter box, 
  • Food and water bowls, 
  • Toys and treats, 
  • Bed and blankets, 
  • Familiar furniture (if possible), and
  • A piece of your clothing. Cats tend to like socks for some reason. 

Once the room is set-up, now’s the time to release the feline!

Don’t just release your cat and leave. Spend time playing with your cat. This will go a long way to showing them it’s a safe place to live. 

Now that your cat has been introduced to one room, when is it ok to let them explore the rest of the house? 

2. Slowly introduce your cat to the new home

Depending on how nervous or stressed your cat seems, you may need to keep your cat in the safe room for anywhere from one to several days. The timing may also depend on how the moving process is going. 

If you’re still living in a fairly chaotic space after a few days, it’s best to keep your cat contained for a week.

Then, gradually give your pet more freedom to explore the house. 

Control the process and do it deliberately. Start with a second room, then an entire floor or section of the house, then multiple floors or areas, and finally the entire house.

Once your cat has been given free reign, it’s time to consider whether to give them access to the outdoors. 

3. Keep Your Cat Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors after a move

We know it can be difficult to keep an outdoor cat inside. Having said that, what they’ll lose in freedom they’ll gain in safety.

Even if your cat seems well-adjusted to the new digs, they may still try to run back to your old home if left outside. 

It’s best to keep your cat indoors for the time being. Make sure your cat associates the new space as their new territory. Encourage positive associations with your new home and when you finally do let your cat outside, keep a watchful eye on them.

4. Pay attention to your cat’s behaviour

After a move, it’s important to look for subtle cues that your cat is stressed. Take extra steps as well to ensure they feel safe, secure, and happy in their new home. 

Stick to the routine you had before the move. The more you can reaffirm to your cat that things are as they should be, the faster they’ll adjust to their new living quarters.

Watch for changes in behavior including changes to sleep, eating, and drinking patterns. Ask yourself: 

  • Are they more talkative now? 
  • Do they hide all the time? 
  • Are they using the litter box less? 

If you notice worrisome behavior, pay attention to how long it lasts. If it persists for more than a few days, it’s time to visit a vet. 

Which brings us to our final post-move tip:

5. Find a new veterinarian

Once you’re settled in your new place, it’s time to find a new vet. 

Ask your new neighbours for a recommendation. This is a great way to get advice and meet people at the same time.

If you can’t get a recommendation, look online for reviews. Call a few vet offices and ask to do a consultation first.

Once you’ve vetted your choices and chosen a new vet, ask that your cat’s records be transferred from the old vet office and make an appointment for your kitty. 

The Takeaway

The keys to moving with a cat stress-free are planning, practice, and patience.  

Have all the things you need well in advance of moving day, plan your trip, practice as much as possible, and be patient.

Cats are resilient and will come around to their new home in time. The amount of time is dependent on the cat. 

With patience, love, and attention you can make a move stress-free for your feline friend. 

related posts