Oct 06, 2023
Being a cat parent, you would have observed that cats are territorial and resist change. They get uncomfortable and anxious when moved to a new place or locality. It is obvious then, that your joy of moving to a new home comes with the stress of moving and settling your beloved furball into the new place. Whether you have a shy kitty or one that is alright with being around people, a few basic tips will help in making this tricky transition trouble-free.
While you are busy packing household things and arranging for their shifting to the new home, your cat may get anxious with the excessive movements in the house. That is when the safety of your cat becomes important. Advanced planning helps you to be alert and concentrate on the shifting without worrying about your cat’s safety.
First things first, update your new address and your phone number to your cat's microchip data, if changed. And make sure that your kitty is wearing the microchip all the time. This way, you will be able to track her and bring her back if she runs away out of fear after moving to the new place.
If you are moving far from your current locality, you may face the challenge of finding a new veterinarian for your feline. If your cat gets anxious quickly, it may face stomach upsets or other health problems post- traveling and shifting. It is better to find a new veterinarian beforehand and make the vet familiar with your cat’s medical history.
On the day of moving, separate a room for your cat where she can stay safe, away from all the hustle and bustle. You can keep the door closed with enough food and water inside so that no one disturbs your already troubled cat. Keeping her familiar things around and packing them last also makes her feel comfortable. You can also get your cat familiar with a cat carrier and can use the same carrier during traveling to make her feel safe.
If you have to travel for long hours to reach a new place, you can keep your cat inside a safe carrier in the car with you. Keep it covered with a blanket and make sure you use the seat belt to avoid any accidental injury to your kitty. Give her light food two to three hours before you start traveling. Also, venturing them out midway so that your cat can feel fresh may not always be a good idea. This can make her even more anxious. Using an effective stress reliever treatment to control your cat's anxiety is one of the best things you can do.
Settling your feline in the new home is all the more important. The intensity of resistance they show in getting adjusted to a new place may vary, but keeping a few important things in mind helps in making the process smoother.
You can start with keeping your cat in a separate room, inside her carrier while unpacking during initial days. Unload your cat’s things first and fill the room with their familiar furniture, cat bed, and blanket. Ensure enough food; water and a clean litter box are available in the room. Do not miss to spend time with them and give them your attention. Once your cat gets accustomed to this ‘safe room’, allow them to roam around in the whole house. Similarly, let them get familiar with pets and people in the neighborhood at their own pace, do not force or rush them into socializing. Be patient with the progress the whole time as cats take time in accepting the changes, older cats are even slower than their younger counterparts.
The scent of any pet that would have lived in the house before can provoke your cat. If any unfamiliar pet comes closer to your kitty, that can also make them possessive about their territory. This can lead to your cat showing symptoms of anxiety, like urinating on the cardboard boxes, floor or furniture, meowing or crying uncontrollably. Using some anxiety relief treatments will help your cat calm down.
Take a look at some of the anxiety relief products you can use while traveling your cat and at your new home:-
It is a relief to your cat if they find a t-shirt with your scent to cuddle with in the new home. Sleeping in their own old bed, having their old toys around them, and getting your time and attention help them calm down in the unfamiliar environment. When surrounded by familiar things, your cat will find it easy to settle down.
It is very normal for your cat to try running away to their old home in anticipation of safety and comfort. Take them outside for a shorter duration at first, increasing the duration gradually. Never keep them unattended. Keeping the occupants of your old home informed will also help.
Moving to a new home is a big change for both you and your cat. Keeping your feline stress-free and safe while you are busy transferring your belongings is important. Taking a few simple and easy steps can help you keep your cat calm during the transition and help them settle down in the new surroundings.
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