How to Care for Your Cat When Moving

Moving is stressful for both people and pets. Cats, in particular, find moving stressful because they do not like change. Stressed-out cats are likely to bolt and get lost in a move, so owners must plan carefully to reduce the stress of a move. Cats must be restrained in a carrier during a move because a loose cat in a vehicle is a driving hazard. Cats need time to adjust to being in a carrier and to car rides, so work with your cat weeks before a move.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat carrier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a blanket or cat bed inside the carrier, preferably something familiar to your cat. Place the carrier in a room and allow your cat to investigate. Periodically put some treats in the carrier so the cat is rewarded for going into the carrier.

    • 2

      Feed your cat in the carrier. If the cat does not want to go into the carrier, start by placing the food bowl outside the carrier, then inside at the front of the carrier and finally, inside at the back of the carrier. The idea is to have it gradually move inside to eat over a period of a week or two.

    • 3

      Take your cat for a short car ride in its carrier so it becomes accustomed to the motion of the vehicle. Start with short rides and proceed to longer rides.

    • 4

      Put out your moving boxes a few weeks before your move so your cat becomes accustomed to them. If it is stressed by your packing, put your cat in a quiet room with food, water, bed and litter box.

    • 5

      Put your cat in a quiet and secure room in its carrier on moving day. Put a sign on the door saying, "Do not open," so the movers don't accidentally let your cat out.

    • 6

      Put your cat in a quiet and secure room at your new home. Avoid overwhelming the cat by keeping it confined to a small room and gradually allowing access to more parts of the house.