How to Move to a New Home With a Cat
Moving your cat to a new home can be a smooth transition for you and your pet. You can prevent your cat from running away if you take time to acclimate her.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Before the Move
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1
Obtain a copy of your cat's veterinary records to give to the vet in the new area.
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2
Call the state veterinarian in the capital of the state you're moving to. Find out if you need to provide any paperwork to bring your cat into the state.
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3
Call the town or village hall in the new locale. Ask about licensing requirements.
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4
Make arrangements for your cat to travel with you in a car or by air. Cats are not permitted on trains or buses.
When You Move
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1
Feed your cat five to six hours before you move. Let her drink two hours before you leave the house. Give the cat medication if she gets overly excited or nervous while traveling.
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2
Bring food and water. Make frequent stops to exercise your cat and let her drink.
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3
Keep your cat confined while you move in. Release her when all doors and windows are closed so she can't escape. Take time to help her become used to the new house.
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4
Use the same food and water bowls, bedding, litter box and toys, and put them in a location similar to where they used to be.
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5
Take your cat out on a leash until she's familiar with the yard and neighborhood.
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6
Maintain your cat's regular schedule in the days after the move.
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7
Make an appointment with a local vet and take in your cat's records.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Get a health certificate from your vet. Some states require that this be presented at the border before entering the state, even if you're just passing through.
If your cat will travel by air, purchase a carrier for her to travel in.
Talk to your vet before you move about medication to calm the cat.
After your cat is used to the area, release her for short periods of time and call her and reward her with a treat when she comes. This will teach your cat not to run away.
Confine your cat to the house if she roams for too long.
Take time to reassure and love your cat. The move may cause some depression or nervousness.
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Comments
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thanks for the advice.
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Linda Hernandez
Mar 09, 2011
I recently moved, and it took some time for my cat to adjust. She is still in the process, she cried non-stop for the first night. Continues to do so every now and than when she starts wandering the new environment. She also didn't eat the first day, and night. She also didn't use the restroom for a day. But finally on day two, she relaxed a little. It helped that I did keep some of her used litter in the box and kept her blanket and play toys spread out around the surroundings. By evening she was exhausted and finally laid out and went to sleep calmly. I know in given time she will be her own frisky self again. So don't give up just be patient, especially with the crying. -
thewhisperer
Jun 06, 2009
Take the cat's own dishes, litterpan, bed, toys, etc with you when you transport the cat to the new place. Then you can provide the cat with his own items with his own scent on them when you let him out of the carrier. Keep him confined to a small room such as the bathroom until the moving is fully completed and you're sure that the house is escapeproof.
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thewhisperer
Jun 06, 2009
ALWAYS transport a cat ANYWHERE in a secure pet carrier. THIS IS THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO TRANSPORT A CAT. NEVER try to transport a cat by doing such things as holding it in your lap in a car. At the new home, put the cat in the carrier in the bathroom or other small room with a door that can be shut, shut the door, then finish with that day's moving work. Let the cat out of the carrier when things settle down, return him to the carrier if more moving is to be done...to prevent him escaping if someone opens the bathroom door.
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Nov 22, 2005
My cat Abby and I moved from a huge home in the country to a moderate sized apartment in the city. She seems to be content with the living arrangement but because she no longer has stairs to climb, odd noises to discover or 3 floors to kitty-heaven to roam around, she finds herself bored. If you plan to move somewhere smaller with your cat(s) be sure you have plenty for them to do.
