Moving home

We already know our cats are territorial, meaning that their home is one of the most important places and their safe haven. They have it marked with their odours (pheromones), know their hiding places in case they feel threatened. where they can enjoy the sun, play, scratch and have their routines. Moving home can be a stressful moment for our feline friends.

We leave some advice that can help to transform it into a positive moment for all the family.

1. While you are moving

If you have someone your cat can trust who could receive it in their house, it could be a good option. You could avoid putting your cat in an environment with strange noises, packing, strange people moving around, etc. If your cat has never been out of his home, we advise you to start packing with as much anticipation as you can, let your cat enjoy the moment through games, putting food on the boxes, letting him hide on the boxes, etc. We already talked about how much CATS LOVE BOXES!

1. Moving day

When the moving day comes, it’s better to leave the cat in a room with his litter box, food and hide some treats around. If the cat is used to music, you can leave some music playing smoothly. This can hide other sounds associated with moving and being in his room makes him feel secure.

1. In the new house

It’s better to move all your belongings first, define their places so you can try to have everything organized when your cat arrives. This will help reduce your cat’s stress.

Besides, you should have a feline pheromone diffuser (two days previous to your cat’s arrival) to help your cat accommodate in the new home. You could also use the spray with pheromones.

1. When you move your cat

To move your cat you should have him used to his transport box weeks before so that he will feel comfortable and secure in it. If the trip will take long hours, you can talk to your vet or vet behaviourist about using an anxiolytic medication.

When arriving at the new home, leave your cat in one room with everything he needs (water, food, bed, litter box, hiding places, etc) and after some hours allow him to explore his new home. Don’t force him to go out of the room, be patient and wait for him to be ready to do it.

Ideally, when he starts exploring the new home you can give him treats, cuddles or play with him so that he feels relaxed.

In the next few days play with him more frequently and leave him toys to be entertained while he is alone.

We wish you luck in your new home and hope this information will be useful.