Moving with cats. A very wise decision, but one they won't like very much. No, no, I don't mean that they won't want to go with you, but that they won't be very happy about having to change homes. These animals and changes don't get along very well, in fact, they can even get along. feel sad just for having changed the location of the sofa.
They like to have everything under control and a move… Well, a move is something they don't control. Humans can be stressedAnd the furry ones will notice, and they won't know where to turn or what to do to change the situation and return everything to normal. How can we help them?
The most important is keep them in a room of what until now was our house as far away from noise as possible. They should have their beds, their food bowls, and also their litter boxes. This way, they'll feel at ease, and the move will be easier for us since we won't have to worry about the mess. to maximise security and your enjoyment. of our friends having already left them in a safe room.
Although we are very busy, it is highly recommended to give them the same pampering as always so they do not feel surprised. For this reason, if the move is going to take more than a day, the last thing you have to leave the house is the bed so that we can sleep with them. But beware, only if we are not very stressed, otherwise we could "infect" our mood to the felines, worsening the situation.
The move must be as fast and last as short as possible. The sooner we have moved everything to the new house, the better for the cats. Once we have everything (or almost) placed, then we can take them to what will be our new home, introducing them gently into the carrier. If we make sudden movements, or if we introduce them in a violent or aggressive way, the animals will associate the new house with something negative, so they will have many difficulties to adapt.
During the first few days in the new home, it is advisable to keep them in one room until they show interest in their new home, which usually happens soon. 2-3 days. In a week, after exploring everything, you'll feel much better
Preparations that reduce stress and risks in packaging
Plan ahead: Define a refuge room with food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, and toys, and accustom your cat to it a few days beforehand. Keep Routines of food and play. If you anticipate a lot of hustle and bustle, consider leaving it with someone you trust or in feline residence previously visited.
Safety during packaging: avoid leaving sharp objects Keep items within reach (needles, sewing utensils, glass or mirrors). Close boxes tightly. If you have a balcony or tilt-and-turn windows, install nets and protectors before arrival.
Carrier: Leave it open days before with a familiar blanket and prizes to associate it with something positive. On moving day use pheromone spray inside and wait about 15 minutes before introducing the cat.
Identification: updates data from the microchip with your new address and have a pendant with phone number/address. A pager GPS can provide additional security.
Moving Day: How to Get Organized
Room with poster: Keep the cat in its room with the door closed and a “Do Not Disturb” sign. The cat should be as last in leaving the old house and it First of all upon entering her new refuge room.
Food and travel: offers only one light ration Before leaving, to avoid motion sickness, bring water and treats. Secure the carrier with belt so that it does not move.
Keep calm and avoid forcing him if he hides; use rewards or play to invite him to come out. If the trip is long or there is severe motion sickness, consult your doctor. veterinarian about antiemetics or anxiolytics; never medicate on your own.
Arrival at the new house and first weeks
secure base: : set up your room with resources, a high rest area and a diffuser pheromones. Place familiar blankets and furniture to contribute familiarity. Clean well if there were other cats, especially at head level, to eliminate markings previous.
Gradual exploration: Open the house little by little. Make sure you can always to return to his shelter. If he is sociable, he will advance sooner; if he is shy, he will need more tiempo.
Outdoor cats: wait at least two weeks (or until you see it as safe) before allowing outings. Make outings accompanied At first, offer food upon return and mark perimeters with a little used sand to guide and warn neighboring cats.
Coexistence with other cats: exchange odors with blankets, presents in a way progressive and supervised, with calm reinforcements. Avoid direct confrontations and offer duplicate resources (feeders, litter boxes, scratching posts) different areas.
When to ask for help and warning signs
Observe possible behavioral changes: loss of appetite, apathy, intense fear, aggression or altered hygiene. Keep Routines, daily play and enriched environments; if signs are marked or persist, consult your doctor. veterinarian. Pheromones and, in selected cases, calming supplements can support the process under professional advice.
With good planning, environmental safety and respecting the feline's time, the transition becomes more bearable: your cat will recover its people's wellbeing and will make their new home their own without rushing, with confidence and at their own pace.