How Can I Move My Cat When Moving a Long Distance?

A long-distance move is difficult in the best of circumstances. If it involves transporting the family feline, most people would consider it a potential nightmare. Cats are known for their resistance to change, but there's no reason to leave Felix in the local animal pound when you move. With a bit of planning, you may be pleasantly surprised at how well he makes the trip and settles in at your new place.

  1. In General

    • If you've never taken kitty in a travel crate for anything more pleasant than visits to the veterinarian, start as early as possible getting him to accept one. Start leaving treats and toys in the crate to encourage his perception of it as a positive part of his life. Gradually move the treats toward the back of the carrier and start shutting the door for brief periods while he's inside. He should eventually feel reasonably comfortable being taken all the way to the car and then taking a ride. If he won't voluntarily step into the carrier on moving day, you can upend it, grab him by the scruff of the neck (skin only) and gently put him in hind feet first.

      Kitty must be seen by a vet within 10 days of travel to obtain a certificate of health for air travel purposes. Many states also require a health certificate if you're crossing state lines. This would be a good time to have kitty microchipped and ask about calming aids.

    By Air

    • Make reservations well ahead of time and follow all airline instructions to the letter. Most airlines allow pets to fly in an approved carrier as cargo and small pets to travel under the seat in a carrier. Put his favorite blanket or towel into the carrier for the trip, but resist the temptation to wash it for a few days beforehand. He should have something with him at all times that smells like home and family. Have someone he knows meet his flight with a litter box and bowl of water waiting in the car.

    By Car

    • Plan to take your time on the trip if you go by car. Kitty may never really enjoy traveling, but he should tolerate at least a one-hour car ride by the time you move. The first day of the move should be the shortest one, with stops at least every two hours. If you have not harness trained your cat, plan to spend 15 minutes or longer in the car each time you stop. Let him out of his carrier only after you've set up a small bowl of water, a few dry food morsels and the litter box. Give him a chance to stretch his legs, play or cuddle and tend to business. Keep windows open only far enough to circulate air, and watch him at all times to prevent an escape. Never leave him in the car alone, regardless of the temperature.

      Have a secure destination each night of the trip. This isn't the time to have people coming and going from the hotel room. Bring kitty into the hotel room in his carrier and let him take in all of the smells for several minutes before turning him loose. Set up his food, water and litter box in the bathroom and turn him loose directly in front of the litter box. He will smell the familiar odors and make note of where everything is. Settle in for a quiet night with lots of cuddling. Indulge him a little bit by letting him stay as close to you as he wishes. Repeat this process each night as you travel across country.

    Arrival

    • Try to set up a small area with familiar objects, shut off from the rest of the house, away from hustle and bustle, where your cat can have his usual bed, food bowls and litter box. Visit him and snuggle as often as possible during the day. Gradually increase access to the rest of the house as kitty gets more comfortable.