The preparation and moving house process can be stressful for anyone involved in the process, including your cat. When moving to a new home, your cat will feel confused and anxious. However, you can help him adjust and reduce his chances of running away or finding a way to return to your old home. By gradually introducing your cat to his new environment, your cat can adapt to his new environment and return to feeling as comfortable as he was in his old home.
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Part 1 of 4: Moving Your Cat
Step 1. If available, make sure you have the microchip implanted in your cat's body
Before moving house, it is important that you take some preparatory steps for your cat. If the worst happens (your cat runs away from your new home), implanting a microchip in your cat makes it registered as a pet cat and can be returned to you if found by someone else. Most pet cats today have microchips implanted in their bodies.
- Your veterinarian can implant a microchip in a cat's body quickly and easily, without injuring or stressing your cat.
- The microchip is implanted under the surface of the cat's skin and can be scanned quickly by a veterinarian. The chip has the details of the cat's owner, so the cat can be immediately returned to its owner if it is lost. When you move house or change your phone number, you will need to update your details because the existing database only provides information, as you entered it.
Step 2. Attach a cat collar that has your contact number information
One of the old ways to identify your cat is to put on a collar that includes your contact number information. In Indonesia, this method can be an alternative way of using microchips because microchip implants in pet cats are still not very popular. This way, if your cat runs away and gets lost, or returns to your old home and is found by someone else, that person can easily and immediately contact you.
- Even though it's cheap and simple, it can make a big difference.
- You can also give your new home occupants your contact number so they can contact you if your cat ever comes back.
Step 3. Prepare a basket for your cat
Before moving house, make sure you have a basket or carrier to carry your cat during the trip. Make sure the basket is durable (at least during the trip or moving house) and not easily damaged. Your cat will need to stay in the basket for a while and this can certainly be a very stressful experience for your cat. Therefore, make him feel comfortable by providing his favorite blanket.
- Before you try putting it in the basket, make sure you get your cat used to the basket.
- You can do this by leaving the basket to be used outside the house, a few days before the housewarming takes place. You can also put dry food in the basket so your cat will enter it.
Step 4. Keep your cat away from the noise and busyness of the moving process
The process of moving house can be stressful for everyone involved, including your cat. While packing, keep your cat in one room equipped with everything she needs. When moving day comes, it's important that you keep your cat away from the hustle and bustle of the moving process.
- Try using Feliway, a cat-soothing pheromone product. Give Feliway about two weeks before the day of moving to allow enough time for the pheromones to react.
- Keep your cat in one of the rooms and make sure the door to the room is closed at all times. Also make sure everyone knows that your cat is in the room and that the door to the room should always be closed.
- It is recommended that you put your cat in the designated room the night before the move and leave her in the room for one night.
Part 2 of 4: Putting Your Cats in One Room (for the Early Times)
Step 1. Set up a special room for your cat
Before you bring your cat into a new home, first prepare a room for your cat to occupy in the first few days. Make sure the room is equipped with all of his favorite toys and blankets. You will also need to provide him with enough water and food, as well as a litter tray and all food and water containers.
- Since cats rely a lot on their sense of smell, you can put furniture that has your 'smell' in the room to make your cat feel more comfortable.
- Put a sign on the room door and tell the moving service officers not to open the room door. If you panic, your cat may run away when the door is opened.
- You also need to make sure that all of your family members know which room your cat occupies in the new home.
Step 2. Keep your cat in the basket during the transfer process
Bring or move your cat last after all the items from your old house have been removed. Once you've removed all the boxes with items and furniture, take your cat in the basket. Take your cat to the designated room, but make sure she stays in her basket while the staff is still loading and unloading things into your new home.
Step 3. Let your cat explore the room
Once the moving process is complete and things are starting to work as usual, you can introduce your cat to her new environment. The key for your cat to successfully adjust to your new home is to introduce and move it from room to room gradually. For the first few days, you should only leave it in one room. Once the hustle and bustle of the moving process is over, you can start letting him out of his cage to wander around in the prepared room.
- When you open the basket, take the time to sit with him in the room so your cat will feel more at ease. Don't forget to give him his favorite food or snack.
- Don't worry if your cat runs away and hides in the corner of the room or under furniture. Your cat is still trying to adjust to its new environment. Be patient and don't force him to come out of his hiding place.
Part 3 of 4: Gradually Granting Access to Other Rooms
Step 1. Show your cat other rooms
After a few days, you can start letting your cat explore other rooms in your new home. After making sure all exits or windows are closed and locked, invite your cat to look around other rooms. By gradually giving him access to other rooms, you help reduce your cat's anxiety level.
- Keep an eye on your cat as she explores other rooms and make sure you're always on hand to soothe and play with her if she starts to seem stressed.
- If you have a leash, you can attach it to your cat to make sure it doesn't run away. However, a leash can actually make your cat feel more stressed if she's not used to wearing it.
Step 2. Try using a pheromone diffuser
You can use an electric pheromone diffuser to spray certain odors that can have a calming effect on your cat. You can buy tools like this at pet stores or clinics. Using these tools can help create a more calming and safe environment for your cat after moving to a new home.
- For the first time, it's a good idea to install this tool in a room occupied by your cat for a long time.
- Different cats will react differently to the confounder. Some cats don't even react at all. Therefore, as an alternative always provide catnip to soothe your cat.
Step 3. Be patient
It's important that you stay calm when you're with him and give him time to adjust to his new environment. Your cat may show an old character (for example, being more introverted or quieter) after moving to a new home. By being patient and more sensitive, you help reduce anxiety in your cat and create a warmer and more comfortable environment.
Step 4. Keep your cat indoors for two weeks
As you gradually show your cat other rooms, it's important that you don't leave him outside. Keep your cat indoors for two weeks so she can fully get used to her new environment, before you can take her or let her go outside. By spending a lot of time indoors, your cat can begin to think that your new home is his 'home base'. Also, your cat is less likely to try to escape and return to your old home.
- Make sure you take extra care not to leave the doors and windows open during this period. In general, try to stay alert and careful.
- If your cat has an 'adventurous' spirit and is desperate to get out of the house, don't go along with it. Keep him in the house for (at least) two weeks. Keep in mind that the length of stay in the house will depend on your cat's temperament.
Part 4 of 4: Introducing Your Cat to a New Home Garden
Step 1. If possible, delimit certain areas of your new garden
When you're ready to introduce your cat to the yard or garden in your new home, keep in mind that you'll have to do it gradually. If possible, limit a small area of your garden when you introduce your cat to the garden. Let him be in the limited area to see and hear what is in the garden.
- In the areas of the garden that you have delimited, make sure there are no gaps or exits that would allow your cat to escape onto the road or through neighboring fences and parks.
- When you take him outside, make sure you stay close and alert.
Step 2. Don't force your cat out of the house
If your cat is reluctant to go outside, it may be that it's still trying to adjust to a new home and isn't quite comfortable yet. Adjustment times are different for each cat, so you shouldn't force your cat to go outside as this can only make her feel even more depressed. Be patient and let him decide when he is ready to go outside.
Step 3. Let him stroll around your new garden or yard under your supervision and for a short period of time
Take him to your garden or yard and let him explore the garden for a short time. Always supervise your cat, and bring her toys or treats to help her get comfortable in her new environment. For starters, let him explore your garden or yard for short periods of time and, gradually, increase the length of time he explores as he gets used to it. Start by letting him play in the garden for a few minutes, and once he gets used to it, let him play there for a longer time.
Always make sure that there is a back entrance to the house that your cat can easily access in case she gets scared or wants to come back soon. Leave the door open and don't block the entrance so he can return home easily
Tips
- Cats with clipped paws should only be kept indoors. Without their claws, they cannot climb or protect themselves.
- Don't be upset with your cat if she can't adjust to her new environment as soon as you'd like.
- Put a collar that has your contact information on your cat.
- Your domestic cat can be more safe, especially if you live in a busy area with heavy traffic, as she is not allowed to roam outside.
- Make or buy a guardrail to install in your garden or yard so your cat can't escape.
- If your cat keeps hiding out of fear, give her time to adjust to her new environment.
- If you put your cat in a cage during your trip, make sure it is large and comfortable.
Warning
- Be aware of the risks or dangers that may exist in your surroundings. Things that put your cat at risk include busy traffic, 'enemy' animals (e.g. coyotes, foxes, wolves, neighbor's dogs), etc.
- Make sure your cat always gets the necessary vaccine shots, especially the FIV or feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine.
- Be wary of neighboring cats or stray cats that may carry rabies or other diseases.
