How do I move my apartment with a cat? Both people and pets experience stress when relocating to a new house. Relocating is one of the most traumatic situations a cat may go through since they are sensitive animals that detest change. Your cat's health and behavior may suffer as a result of stress. Fortunately, there are strategies to lessen your cat's anxiety prior to, during, and following your move.
How do I safely move house with a cat?
How do I safely move house with a cat?
1 - Prior to the move
1: As you get ready to move, the cat will notice the changes and can start to get anxious before you finish packing. The cat may hide, flee, or run away as a result of this. Even if your cat usually has access to the outdoors, make sure he is kept indoors for some time before you move. For safety reasons, think about permanently keeping your cat inside.
2: As far as you can, try to maintain your regular schedule. Feed your kitty when you usually do. Keep your cat's belongings, such as their litter boxes, dishes, and scratching posts, in their regular locations up until the transfer. If your cat enjoys playing in empty boxes, as most cats do, they can make this procedure enjoyable by doing so while you pack.
3: Take this opportunity to help the cat become accustomed to the carrier since they are likely to be traveling in one during the transfer. Keep it uncovered in a spot where your cat frequently hangs around. Add catnip, treats, and a nice bed inside.
4: If your cat has a good relationship with the carrier, he might be less anxious while traveling. Play and connect with your cat more often. This can make your cat more at ease and self-assured on relocation day.
2 - During the move
1: During the time that boxes or furniture are being transported, keep your cat in one room of the house. The litter box, feline bed, food and water containers, toys, or a scratching post should all be present in the space. Before your cat enters the room, remove any objects that need to be moved. You can bundle your cat's belongings together for a simple setup in your new residence when you are prepared to move there.
2: During the journey, the cat will have to be restrained, probably in a carrier. It might be possible to restrain the feline with a pet's car seat or seat belt if he is accustomed to a leash or harness that tolerates car drives. To ensure everyone's safety, a cat shouldn't be left unattended in the vehicle. The cat can get stuck below a seat or take cover beneath the brake and gas pedal.
3: If you have a lengthy drive or a cat who gets particularly nervous in the car, a soothing aid might be helpful to help the feline relax during the ride. Consult your veterinarian about cat-calming solutions. There are numerous natural calming supplements sold over-the-counter.
4: For a cat who is really anxious or has been on a long journey, your veterinarian may suggest a prescription sedative.
3 - Next to the Move
2: During the journey, the cat will have to be restrained, probably in a carrier. It might be possible to restrain the feline with a pet's car seat or seat belt if he is accustomed to a leash or harness that tolerates car drives. To ensure everyone's safety, a cat shouldn't be left unattended in the vehicle. The cat can get stuck below a seat or take cover beneath the brake and gas pedal.
3: If you have a lengthy drive or a cat who gets particularly nervous in the car, a soothing aid might be helpful to help the feline relax during the ride. Consult your veterinarian about cat-calming solutions. There are numerous natural calming supplements sold over-the-counter.
4: For a cat who is really anxious or has been on a long journey, your veterinarian may suggest a prescription sedative.
3 - Next to the Move
1: Create a "safe room" with a litter box, feline bed, scratch post, toys, and bowls in the new house. Set up a few empty containers in the space for hiding or playing. Your cat can be calmed by familiar scents. To keep your fragrance close by, leave some of your very own clothing in the space. Bring a towel or blanket that smells like the old house. Make sure the location is safe and does not have a crawl space or any other crevices where your cat could become caught or escape.
2: Until he becomes accustomed to the new house, your cat will stay in this room. Depending on the cat, this may take days or weeks.
3: Open the carrier and bring it into the enclosed space. Don't force your cat out of the carrier; let him emerge on his own. Stay in the space as he sniffs and looks around. While some cats would want to explore right away, others would prefer to stay in the carrier and hide somewhere else in the space.
4: Feliway and other feline-calming pheromones can assist your cat in adjusting to its new surroundings. Put a pheromone diffuser in the space or spritz pheromones on the bed linens. Cats receive calming messages from the pheromones, which can lessen tension. While you're moving in, unpacking, or organizing the house, keep your cat in the secure room. Regularly check on the cat and spend time with it playing and bonding to help it get used to you. As much as you can, maintain the regular feeding schedule.
5: After the transfer, your cat might not eat as frequently as normal. By giving him warm, wet cat food and treats, you can get him to eat. If your cat doesn't eat for more than two days, call your veterinarian.
How to get the cat used to the new house
You can allow your cat to start exploring other rooms of the house once he has finished eating and appears relaxed. Even your cat might appear interested in what is on the opposite side of the door. Allow the cat to explore his new home gradually. If at all possible, add new rooms one at a time and block off any spaces you would not like your cat to use as a hiding place.
A scared cat can flea and seek refuge in a basement or attic.
Allow your cat to remain concealed if he runs and hides (as long as it's in a secure location). Each cat adjusts at its own rate. Naturally, a bold cat could be willing to have an area of the house. While some cats are going to insist on leaving the safe room, others will want to stay. Your cat needs your patience. Even the toughest cats go through worry when they move to a new house. If, however, your cat remains overly stressed even after a few weeks, you might require professional assistance. Consult a feline behaviorist or your veterinarian for assistance with behavior.
Make sure there are no hazardous plants in the garden before allowing the cat to go outside on the new property. Get your cat a new tag, and make sure your current telephone number is included in any microchip registrations. For at least the first two weeks, keep your cat inside. You can bring your cat to your garden once they appear to have adapted to the interior of the new house completely. Take your child outside for a ten-minute period of supervised exploration to get things started. Increase the time spent outside gradually until your cat appears at peace.
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