How to move house with a cat 

There is nothing like a cat to complete a cosy home scenario.  Effortlessly pursuing a life of leisure cats will find the best sunspots or heating zones and make them theirs. Despite their flexibility, nonchalance, and effortless meditation, they are not best pleased when unexpected change comes out of the blue.  Plus, for a territorial animal moving into a whole new environment poses challenges to cats accustomed to doing their general rounds.  We suggest following these guidelines to ensure your cat has a smooth transition and re-integration on the other side. 

Table of Contents 

1. Preparing to move with a feline friend
   1. 1.1.Six senses and nine lives 
   2. 1.2.Trial run to the new house in the cat carrier
   3. 1.3.Packing process
2. Transporting your cat
   1. 2.1.Get familiar with the cat carrier
   2. 2.2.Kit the carrier out
   3. 2.3.Water and dry food
   4. 2.4.Stay close to your cat 
3. Your cat in your new house 
   1. 3.1.Designate a room for your cat 
   2. 3.2.Use cat pheromones. 
   3. 3.3.Put a sign on the door 
   4. 3.4.Let the cat explore the house
   5. 3.5.Exploring outside again
   6. 3.6.Cat returns to old house 
4. Officially relocating your cat 
   1. 4.1.ID and Chip
   2. 4.2.Collar and address
   3. 4.3.Register with new local vet 
5. Isis – Removals and storage in Oxford

1 Preparing to move with a feline friend 

In consideration of your furry friends use these handy tips to ensure they stay close to the pack and have a gentle relocation. 

Sixth senses and nine lives 

Animals have a sixth sense; they know when you are coming home or if you are sick. So, they know something is up when you are getting ready to move. Staying calm and in the flow throughout the process will keep your kitty’s anxiety levels down.  Maintaining their key life locations, places for food and water, and litter tray until the very last minute will help them stay stable before transit.  Keep an eye on doors as you don’t want them to bolt before you have them in the cat carrier. 

Trial run to the new house in the cat carrier 

If you are visiting the house before moving day you could take the cat there in the cat carrier to scope out the new province.  This will show the cat that moving around in the cat carrier is easy and a process to be trusted.  Having the chance to pad about and smell the new house will make it less of a shock on the day. 

Packing process 

Packing room by room and keeping doors closed is important to minimize chaos and disorder during the process. Keeping your cat in one room with the door closed with their favourite familiar things may be important if you need to remain at the house to oversee packing and removals.  Put a note on the door to be sure no one mistakenly lets the cat out of the bag. Your cat will travel with you to the next location, always remaining close to you until landing on the other side. 

2- Transporting your cat 

Get familiar with the cat carrier 

Hopefully, your cat carrier is not a trauma trigger for your beloved moggy.  Confinement generally ranks high on their dislike list, except when it is self-elected through distress behind white goods appliances.  Keeping the cat carrier close by with the door open and treats nearby could familiarize your cat so it is a friendly object associated with home. 

Kit the carrier out 

With the favourite blanket and best toys, you can make the carrier into a perfect cat hideaway.  Dark and snug, your cat will be able to trust in you all and relax into the process of transportation. 

Water and dry food 

Focus on providing water and cat treats when on the move, dry treats will keep your cat satisfied.  Transit can make animals sick, so it is best to keep food minimal. 

Stay close by to your cat

Ideally, hold the carrier on your lap and let them hear yours and other familiar voices.  Don’t put your cat in the removals truck or in the boot, they will need reassurance from you through eye contact and sound. 

3- Your cat in your new house 

Designated room for the cat – Choose one room that the cat will stay in and place its food and water bowls, scratching post, and litter tray in that room. If you need to set it up with furniture and boxes in advance do so first, to avoid opening and closing the door while the cat is in the room. 

Use cat pheromones.  You can spray cat pheromones in the room at the level of the cat’s

 head on the walls and furniture. This will make the cat feel comfortable in the space.

 Put a sign on the door  

The last thing you need is an AWOL cat in your new location, do everything you can to make sure that the cat does not sneak out when someone opens the door 

Let the cat explore the house

Room by room after remaining first in the one room for a few days. Set up exciting games for the cat as they will be indoors for the next while.  Old packing boxes could make interesting spaces for your cat to explore and take refuge in. 

Exploring outside again 

After two weeks you can let your cat’s experiences go further afield and begin to explore its new territory. Place objects from the house outside with the scent of the home on them so they can orientate and find their way back 

Cat returns to the old house 

It has been known for cats to return to their former home. It is wise to let the new residents know about your cat so they can spot it if so.  Ask them not to feed and encourage it so that you and your cat can remain committed to the new process of relocation. 

4- Officially relocating your cat 

Cat admin in advance could save you extra stress if you reach a pet crisis moment further down the line.  Quickly change your pet’s collar, ID address, and research local vets to stay ahead of the game. 

ID and CHIP 

If your cat is microchipped, once you are in your new address let the company know your new address and contact details.  While you are doing pet admin, you can notify your pet insurance company of your new address. 

Collar and address 

As you have changed address getting a collar for your cat with their name and your contact could help in case your cat gets lost or attempts a return trip to the former home. 

New vet 

Register your cat at your new vet, you may want to do some research in advance to see which is the best in your new area.  Often social media pages can offer good recommendations or use Google reviews to determine what service would be best for you. 

5- Isis Removals and Storage Oxford 

There is a lot to consider when moving house with a cat. Let a professional team handle the logistics of the move and you can focus on keeping those creatures comfortable.  Whether you want to move from a small flat or a larger house our team will find a cost-effective solution for you that will guarantee peace of mind.