Moving homes can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, especially our furry companions.
Imagine being your cat—one minute you’re lounging in a sunbeam, and the next, you’re whisked away from everything familiar into a strange new land filled with boxes and unfamiliar smells.
Honestly, it’s like being thrown into an episode of “Survivor: Feline Edition.” So how can we make this transition smoother for our beloved cats? Let’s dive into some practical tips!
Preparing Before the Move
By the way, preparation is key when it comes to moving with your cat. Think about it: if you were suddenly uprooted from your cozy couch and plopped down in a foreign environment, wouldn’t you want at least some warning?
The same goes for our feline friends! Start by getting them used to their carrier well before moving day. Leave it out in the living room as a safe space where they can explore and sniff around without feeling trapped.
As moving day approaches, consider keeping your cat in a quiet room while all the chaos unfolds.
This way, they won’t feel overwhelmed by strangers (like movers) invading their territory or have to deal with loud noises that might send them diving under the nearest piece of furniture. You know how cats are—they take one look at chaos and decide it’s time for an immediate nap!
Also, gather all their essentials beforehand: food bowls, litter boxes, toys—everything that makes your kitty feel at home should be easily accessible during the move. Interestingly enough, having familiar items around can provide comfort amidst the upheaval.
During the Move: Keeping Calm
So, what goes down on the fateful moving day? First, find a cat carrier and be sure Fluffy is enclosed and does not escape during heavy moving gears.
Otherwise, your Fluffy may be doing the Sydney Olympics 2000 at the prize of her living room! Anyway, I would say most of us agree trying to get a scared cat to catch is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands in logic.
As you’re busy loading the trolleys with innumerable cardboard boxes, don’t forget to pet your cats who are, most likely, in their pet carriers.
I understand that cats tend not to listen to their owners to the fullest and only catch up to the tone, so there’s no need to worry them since they will definitely recognize your voice.
If required, ask someone to stay with the moving cats until you are about to leave. It’s easy for content things to be anxious with such a change happening around them. So one additional thing that makes them familiar can do wonders.
Handling the Move – Carving Out Their Space in the New Surroundings
Once the moving door is unlocked, which is the moment Fluffy’s big reveal takes place, I would suggest you clear all the mess in Sydne.
Why? Because you would probably want to get ready with your new apartment seating because those boxes look half unpacked and half disaster. Cats can be slowly introduced into this new space.
To begin with, create a special place just for your pets—a small area with their bed or blanket as well as food and water bowls around it.
This serves as their zone, where they can escape to when things become too much for them. Now this: so as not to inundate them with too much of exploration right off the bat, permit them only access to this room for the time being.
Interestingly, we need to construct some space around us as it contributes in bringing down our levels of tension and anxiety, similarly the cats would appreciate such isolation too.
So, what are all these corners and portions of a room anyway? A place where you put your belongings? Not every purr ball thinks the same!
Exploration and Adjustment
You could say that a maximum of two-four hours is a reasonable amount of time for adjusting. So, after about a day approximately, let them explore the rest of the house and not just their designated spot.
It will not be a good idea to densely open doors because those cats have been in what could be perceived as a wide area, and going back to being under the couches has never been the most fun thing to do.
It would be important to note how the do seem during these explorative times, if they do come off as interested or fearful.
If Winston exited his basement for the first time only to discover what is beneath the bed, it is alright as well. Leave him alone, and then retry when you feel it is more appropriate.
Giving him treats or some playtime whenever he goes further will allow him to gradually build confidence, almost like how kids are taught to get over their fear of speaking in public.
And don’t forget: the purpose is not solely desensitization – it is also about the shared experience that will be memorable in this new phase!
Suggested Resources:
How To Help Your Cat Adjust After Moving
https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/how-to-help-your-cat-adjust-after-moving/
Tips For Moving With Cats
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/tips-moving-cats
Creating A Safe Space For Your Cat
https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/moving-with-cats-creating-safe-space-for-your-cat