How to Calm a Cat After a Move

Moving is a stressful event in a cat's life because cats are sensitive to changes. The cat may manifest behaviors that are indicative of anxiety or stress in the new home. A stressed cat may display hiding behavior or lack of appetite, marking in the house and avoiding the litter box, or loud meowing and scratching. To reduce stress and make the transition easier, arrange some details for your pet during and after the move.

Things You'll Need

  • Safe room
  • Pheromone sprays or diffusers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the cat in its carrier and place the carrier in a small room while moving and arranging the boxes. The cat won't witness all the noise, movement and unpacking. Open the door of the carrier and don't force the cat to come out. Provide food, water, a litter box, a scratching post and your cat's toys in the room, so your cat has all the needed items.

    • 2

      Open the door of the cat's room and allow it to explore the new home, after all the items are arranged in the new home. Allow the cat to choose when to come out.

    • 3

      Recreate the room where your cat used to spend most of its time in the new home as well. Ideally, you should keep the old furniture and position it in the same manner as in your previous home. Most importantly, keep the litter box in the same location as in the previous home (e.g., underneath a table or as close to the couch as before). Cats are sensitive even to minor changes.

    • 4

      Create a stress-free zone for your cat where it can go to whenever it feels unsafe. Cats tend to hide when stressed, so provide a dark, comfortable space for your pet in a closet, under a bed or under a table covered with a blanket in a secluded area. The place should be quiet and warm.

    • 5

      Don't change the cat's bedding for a few days after moving. The familiar scent of the bedding may calm your pet, but changes may make it anxious.

    • 6

      Maintain the cat's regular feeding times because felines like routine.

    • 7

      Use pheromone products, which may have a calming effect on your cat. Pheromone sprays and diffusers are not effective in all cases but may reduce stress.

    • 8

      Allow the cat to sleep as much as it pleases. Don't insist on spending more time with your pet because this may stress it. Spend time with your cat only when it seeks attention.