Moving house is a stressful time for anyone, however for your cat, moving into a new environment can be traumatic. Cats form strong bonds with their environment but with some planning you can make the transition as smooth as possible. So how do you keep your cat safe when moving house?
Cats will add their smell to the home by rubbing themselves on furniture, door frames, and other objects to mark their territory. Removing existing smells from your new home will allow your cat to adapt to the new environment a little easier.
Transporting your cat in a carrier is the safest way to move your cat to a new home. It’s important to introduce your cat to the carrier a few days before you make the move and encourage the cat to spend time in it. This will keep your cat relaxed during the change in environment.
Use your cat’s unwashed bedding and toys during the move. Having familiar items around gives your cat a sense of security. Remember cats dislike change so again it’s a good idea to rub their blankets and bedding on doors and door frames to comfort them during the transition.
Do not release your cat into your new home until removalists and guests have left the house. Wait until the house is quiet. Check all the doors and windows are locked to ensure that the cat stays inside and choose a dedicated room for the litter tray, food and bedding until it’s familiar with its new home.
Keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks. It needs to settle into its new indoor environment before venturing outdoors. Try to maintain the same routines you had in your previous home to keep your cat calm.
Start with a cat enclosure and slowly let your cat roam by themselves supervised for short periods of time. Cats have a great sense of direction so they may try to find their way back to your previous home if they’re not settled or left unsupervised. Remember a cat should always stay indoors overnight for their own safety and the safety of wildlife.
Sometimes cats need a little helping hand to settle into new environments. Products such as Feliway and Zylkene are specifically designed to help reduce anxiety and make this process a lot calmer for your kitty.
If you need more advice on how to keep your cat safe when moving house, please ask one of our friendly staff. You can call Karingal Veterinary Hospital or book online today.