All feline fur parents know that cats are creatures of habit.
Even the slightest change in their routine could cause some major anxiety!
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Imagine having to move into a new home with your feline companion.
They might express some stress by meowing more than usual, spraying your new home to mark their territory, or by suddenly turning aggressive.
The key is to ease your furbaby through this new transition into your fur-ever home!
Sniffing Around
A few days before your big move, make sure that your cat finds the carrier a place of comfort and security.
Make the pet carrier appealing to your cat by placing a warm blanket and treats inside.
It would even be better if you start feeding your cat in the pet carrier one or two weeks before your actual move.
Keep A Watchful Eye on your Furbaby
With all the change that is about to happen, try to maintain your pet’s daily routine.
Feed and play with your cat as usual so as not to induce further stress.
Make sure that your cat becomes accustomed to the boxes and luggage that you will be using to pack by putting them out a few weeks before the move.
When packing becomes too chaotic, have your cats stay in a room where they can escape from agitating stimuli.
It is a necessary precaution to have your cat micro-chipped and tagged with the correct information before the move as they might often try to escape a stressful place.
Tiptoeing through the Changes
You might also want to consider boarding your cat in a facility.
This will save you the worry that your cat might try to escape.
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This will also give you some time to prepare your new home before introducing your cat to this new environment.
Setting up a Feliway diffuser might make the transition easier for your cat.
Right before your move, all you have to do is set up this device in a place where your cat spends a lot of their time.
This device will make your new home seem more comforting by diffusing synthetic pheromones that will seem more familiar to your cat.
Moving into a new home with your elderly cat means taking some extra precautions that will make it easier for them to adjust.
Approach your vet for a consultation.
Tentative Steps
Before starting your trip, make sure that your cat is comfortable and secure in the carrier.
Make sure to never leave the pet carrier under the hot sun; and to always check up on your pet often, especially during long trips.
It would also be best to refrain from feeding your pet right before leaving, as the agitation might upset their stomach.
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If your trip is going to last more than half a day, make sure that they still get adequate amounts of water and food.
Cozying up into your Furever Home
Choose a place for your cat to settle down.
Set up their new spot with their carrier, litter box, water, and food.
The Feliway would make things a lot easier too!
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Set down their favorite toys and some treats to help them feel more comfortable in their new home.
Once your cat is feeling comfortable with the new room, allow your cat to gradually see the whole house.
It is recommended to keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks after the move, as you can never expect how they will react to new territory.
Make sure that your backyard is fenced.
Make sure that you monitor cats when they are outdoors.
Your cat will try to establish their new territory, so keep other cats away from your new place.
Give them some time to settle in and explore on their own.
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Never force your cat to see a new area since this will cause more stress.
Help your cat feel safe in their new home despite any additional stimuli, such as storms or fireworks displays, by setting some extra measures.
Set up their synthetic diffuser in a room away from sudden lights and offer some soothing strokes.
With their fur parents by their side, your feline companion will settle in your fur-ever home in no time!
