A Purr-fect Move: Veterinary Tips for Helping Your Cat Settle into a New Home

Moving to a new home can be a significant source of stress for cats, who are creatures of habit and thrive on familiarity. As veterinarians, we understand the importance of preparation and stress management during this transitional period. Here, we provide essential guidelines to help ensure your cat’s well-being before, during, and after the move.

1. Preparing for the Move

During the packing process, it is vital to designate a quiet room for your cat. This space should be isolated from the noise and activity, allowing your feline companion to retreat to a familiar environment filled with their favorite toys and bedding. This can help mitigate anxiety associated with the upheaval.

If you have not already, this time is a great opportunity to introduce them to any new travel items that you will be using for them. Put the carrier that you intend to use in this space with an open door and add treats, catnip, or a favorite toy to help peak their interest and encourage them to start exploring.  

You can also use a calming pheromone on these items and/or the room during this time (see Calming Aids below). If you are lucky, your cat will voluntarily enter the carrier and explore it.

You may want to practice putting them in the carrier for about an hour a few times prior to the trip. Give them treats or a reward in the carrier and once out, that way they will know it is safe in the carrier (vs a completely new place of confinement).

Prior to moving, schedule a thorough check-up with your veterinarian. Ensure that your cat is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly if you are relocating to a different state or country. Discuss any concerns regarding travel stress or potential health issues during the transition. Consider medications needed for motion-sickness, anxiety, and for chronic issues related to your pet to get you through until you set up access with a new veterinarian. Find out if you need any travel certificates filled out and let your veterinarian know ahead of the visit in order to prepare for these.

Update Microchip Information

If your cat is microchipped, make sure to update your contact information with the microchip registry. This critical step increases the chances of a safe return should your cat become lost in the new area.

If your cat is not microchipped, consider having one placed. The odds of a pet being returned to its owner increase dramatically when the pet is microchipped. We all hope the trip and settling in go smoothly, but should an accident happen and your cat slips out, this tiny device will help your pet find its way back to your new home.

2. Packing Tips for Cat Owners

As you pack, include your cat's favorite items, such as toys and bedding. Familiar scents can provide comfort and help ease the adjustment to a new environment.

Begin the house packing process well in advance. Gradually packing your belongings allows your cat to acclimate to changes without feeling overwhelmed by a sudden shift in their environment. It is always difficult to gradually pack right before the move, so the safe room mentioned above is a great place to keep your cat for the last rush of packing.

3. The Travel Day

Select a hard shell, secure, well-ventilated carrier for travel for each cat. It is usually not recommended for cats to share a carrier unless they are preferred associate cats (regularly lay on one another, lick one another, etc). Cats are not pack animals. (As mentioned above it is best to acquaint your cat with the carrier prior to the move, allowing them to explore and enter/exit it voluntarily. Place treats and toys in it. This can help reduce anxiety on travel day.)

Keep your cat confined when exterior doors are being opened frequently to avoid accidental escape. Secure the carriers in your vehicle so they do not slide around (use a seatbelt or put them on the floor). Make sure the area of the vehicle they are in is not too hot or cold.

Consider utilizing calming aids, such as pheromone sprays like Feliway, in the carrier. This spray can help create a soothing environment that reduces travel-related stress.

Spray Feliway (calming pheromone spray) on a towel for each carrier about ten minutes prior to putting the cat in the carrier. Put a towel in the carrier with the cat and/or over the carrier to block the view if they might be able to see out the window as the additional visual stimuli can be upsetting. Feliway products can be purchased at most pet stores and online.

If your pet’s veterinarian prescribed medication for travel, premedicate each cat according to the veterinarian’s directions prior to putting them in carriers. It is often best to give these medications 1-3 hours prior to the onset of stress, so double check the instructions and ask the veterinarian if you have any questions, then plan accordingly.

Ensure that you have water, snacks, and a litter box available for your cat during travel. Plan for regular breaks on longer trips to offer hydration and nourishment. Your cat may not want to eat, drink, or use the litter box in an unfamiliar space (the car), but it is nice to offer the option every 6-8 hours of travel if possible.

4. Settling into the New Home

Designate a quiet room (even if temporary) for the cats while you unpack/settle in. We recommend a darkened room with some areas to hide (empty moving boxes, a bookshelf, a couch, etc) in high and low places. In this quiet place also put a litter box, food, and water. You may also want to use calming aids, such as a Feliway plug-in or spray the room with Feliway. Add familiar items like towels and blankets from home that smell like home. Closing the door to this room will also keep them safe from trying to escape while you are going in and out and will let them hide/be undisturbed while they acclimate. Leave the carriers in this room with doors open in case they want to hide out in their carrier. Sometimes cats will hide for a day or more after long travel while they get more comfortable.

Please ensure all cats are not lethargic after travel. Alert hiding behavior is normal. If you have any concerns, you should contact a local veterinarian right away. For male cats, please contact a veterinarian right away if you see them going in and out of the litter box frequently or straining to urinate. Urinary issues are very common in cats undergoing stress or change in their surroundings, and some can be very serious.

Once cats are behaving normally in the confined space, you can offer them access to the rest of the house. Leave water, litterbox, and food in the initial room, but also put these items wherever you will want them located long-term. You can remove these resources from the original quiet room as soon as all cats are fully exploring the house and know the new location for their resources.

Consistency is crucial for a smooth transition. Keep feeding and playtimes regular to provide a sense of stability and routine.

Once you establish your new veterinarian, you can help the transition by requesting records from your previous veterinarian.

Conclusion

Moving can be a challenging experience for cats, but with careful preparation and an understanding of their needs, you can facilitate a smoother transition. If you have additional questions or concerns about your cat's health during this process, please consult your veterinarian.

How do I get my pet scheduled?If your pet is an existing patient of Local Mobile Vet, simply fill out the appointment request form, and we will reach out to get an appointment scheduled.

If we have never seen your pet before, fill out the New Client Form and we will reach out to help you determine if we are the right fit for you and your pet.