We believe that every move is a new journey in your life and should be treated that way. The home you saved up for, and the memories you’re about to create, should be greeted with great enthusiasm and expectation. It’s about the next chapter in your life that will be looked back on in the years to come.
Moving to a new home is a stressful experience, and it can be especially challenging for cats, who are creatures of habit and sensitive to change. With proper preparation, you can help your feline friends feel safe and comfortable throughout the moving process. Here are essential tips for before, during, and after the move, optimized for both indoor and outdoor cats.
Before the Move: Preparing Your Cats
Set Up a Safe Space: In the weeks leading up to the move, create a safe, quiet room where your cats can retreat while packing activities ramp up. Place their litter box, food, water, and favorite toys in this area to reduce stress.
Get Your Cats Used to the Carrier: Many cats only see their carrier when it’s time for a vet visit, which can cause anxiety. Leave the carrier open in a familiar space and place treats or toys inside to encourage positive associations.
Keep a Consistent Routine: Cats thrive on routine, so try to maintain their regular feeding and play schedule even as your packing schedule gets busy. This helps reduce anxiety and gives them a sense of stability.
Visit the Vet: If you’re moving a long distance, schedule a vet visit before the move to ensure your cats are healthy. Ask for copies of their medical records and update their microchip information with your new address.
Plan for the Moving Day: Since the front door will need to be left open while movers load and unload, plan a closed-off room where your cats can stay safely. If possible, board them at a trusted facility or with a friend for the day to avoid accidental escapes.
Secure the Cats in Their Carrier: On moving day, place your cats in their carrier before opening any doors. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated and comfortable by lining it with a familiar blanket.
Keep the Carrier in a Quiet Spot: During the move, keep the carrier in a quiet, temperature-controlled area. Avoid placing it near loud noises or heavy traffic.
Take Breaks on Long Trips: If you’re moving long-distance, stop every few hours to check on your cats. Offer them water and a chance to use a portable litter box if they are comfortable enough.
After the Move: Helping Cats Settle In
Create a Safe Room First: Before letting your cats explore the entire house, set up a designated safe room with their litter box, food, water, and familiar items. This allows them to acclimate to the new environment gradually.
Keep Indoor Cats Indoors: For indoor cats, ensure all windows and doors are securely closed before letting them out of their carrier. Allow them to explore one room at a time, gradually increasing their access as they become comfortable.
Introduce Outdoor Cats Slowly: If you have outdoor cats, keep them indoors for at least two weeks to establish the new home as their base. When you do let them out, supervise their outdoor time initially and ensure they can easily find their way back inside.
Monitor Their Behavior: Moving can be overwhelming for cats, so monitor their eating, drinking, and litter box habits closely. If you notice any signs of stress, such as hiding or refusing to eat, provide extra comfort and consult your vet if necessary.
Handling the Litter Box on Moving Day
Cats are highly sensitive to smells, so keeping their litter box clean is crucial during a move. Here’s how to manage the litter box before, during, and after the move:
Before the Move: Clean the litter box thoroughly but avoid changing the type of litter or box they are used to, as this could add unnecessary stress.
During the Move: Ensure that the litter box is emptied and sanitized when your movers arrive. Your movers will not be able to load litter boxes that still contain litter, regardless if it is clean or dirty. If you are traveling long-distance, bring a portable litter box and offer your cat a chance to use it during breaks.
After the Move: Set up the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location in the new home. Make sure it is far from their food and water dishes, and clean it regularly to help them feel at ease.
Additional Tips for Moving Indoor and Outdoor Cats
Moving with Indoor Cats
Provide plenty of enrichment, such as scratching posts, window perches, and interactive toys, to help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Use calming sprays or diffusers, like Feliway, to reduce anxiety during and after the move.
Ensure your outdoor cats are microchipped and wear a collar with an updated ID tag.
Gradually introduce them to the new outdoor environment, and supervise their initial outings to prevent them from getting lost.
Final Thoughts
Moving with cats requires thoughtful planning and patience, but by following these tips, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for your feline friends. Whether you have indoor or outdoor cats, providing a safe, familiar environment before, during, and after the move will help them adjust more easily.
At Wirks Moving & Storage, we understand that moving isn’t just about boxes—it’s about bringing every member of your family, including your pets, safely to your new home. With the right preparation, your cats will be exploring and enjoying their new space in no time!
Eric Wirks started out in the moving industry over 16 years ago and after gaining in depth expertise in all industry related areas, went on to found Wirks Moving & Storage in 2009. Under Eric’s expert tutelage Wirks Moving & Storage has since serviced over 10,000 moves and kept their customers very happy, proven by a 98% customer referral rate.
