Part 1: Moving Day
- Moving house can be very stressful for cats, so here are some tips on how to make it easier on moving day.
- Keep your cat in one room before the removal van arrives e.g. a bedroom.
- Put the cat carrier, cat bed, food bowl, litter tray in the room.
- Keep the door shut while the rest of the house is packed.
- Place the contents of this room in the removal van last if possible, put your cat in a carrier in the car before packing the room.
- Do no transport your cat in the removal van or in the boot of the car.
- For long journeys, you may want to stop to offer water and the chance to use the litter tray, although most cats will not be interested.
- Ensure the car is well ventilated, and never leave your cat in a hot car if you stop for a break.
- On arrival at your new home, unpack the room that your cat was in first, so your cat has familer surroundings to move in to.
- Use a syntehtic feline facial pheromone diffuser (e.g. plug in Feliway device) in a socket in the new room, ideally several hours before your cat is brought in.
- Place your cat in the room with its bowl, bedding and litter tray, and shut the door. If possible, a family member can sit in the room while your cat explores.
- Offer some food to your cat.
- Once unpacking is completed, the door can be opened to allow your cat to explore the rest of the house, one room at a time if there are signs of anxiety (ensure all external doors and windows are shut).
- Remain as calm as possible around your cat, to signal it is a safe environment
- If your cat is particularly anxious, it may be preferable to place him in a cattery the day before and collect him once the move is completed.
Look out for Part 2: Letting your cat outside
More information on helping your cat to settle in, letting your cat outside, preventing your cat returning to his old home, lifestyle changes and moving to a smaller home can be found at icatcare.org/advice/keeping-your-cat-happy/moving-house-your-cat