Moving Home with Your Cat

Moving home is a stressful time for everyone including your cat. Just imagine how frightened you would be, when your whole world slowly disappears into boxes and then you suddenly find yourself in a strange place, with strange smells and you have no idea why. Well this must be how a cat feels when their owners move home.

Planning ahead and making the move of your cat a safe and thought out process will not only reduce the stress for your cat but will ensure that you are not left worrying about losing your pet on moving day. Forward planning is even more essential when you are emigrating, as there are many essential documents, which need obtaining, and government bodies that need to be informed of the transportation of your cat. Not to mention time restricted vaccinations required by some countries.

For a normal house move there are two options open to you on the day of moving for your cat. Either to have your cat stay at a cattery for a few days while the move takes place or to take the cat with you on the day. By placing your cat in a cattery you will eliminate any worries on the day of looking after your cat and making sure they are safe and cared for. However, you will have to consider the costs involved including any vaccinations required by the cattery and how you will get your cat back from the cattery if this is some distance away from the new home.

Taking the cat with you on the day is the cheaper option but does require you to be aware of your cats needs during the day and how you will keep your cat safe while the move is happening. On top of this it is important that you make the whole experience as stress free for your cat as possible. The last thing you will need on the day is a scared cat leaving little deposits everywhere.

A few days before the move try to get your cat used to the carrier you will be using to move them in. To do this place the carrier in an empty room with a litter tray and keep your cat in this room. This will also enable your cat to become used to being confined to a room on the moving day.