How to Successfully Move House with a Cat

Moving house requires patience, organisation and perseverance, even if it’s one person moving into a one bed flat. People who have moved with their families will know of the added levels of organisation required, but what about moving with pets? More specifically, what about moving with a cat? Darvills of Leeds are going to run through some tips to help you enjoy a feline-friendly relocation.

Temporary Accommodation

Obviously, you can’t sit your cat down and explain what’s going to happen when you move house. You can try, but they won’t listen, and they also won’t know what you’re talking about. This means that they are likely going to become confused and unsettled when you start to pack up; their familiar surroundings are being taken apart. One of the best ways to eliminate this stress is to book your cat in for a stay at a cattery, or to ask some cat-loving friends to look after your pet. Do this well in advance; it saves you hassle and allows your cat-sitters time to prepare themselves and their home. If you book a cattery, ensure that your cat is vaccinated before his or her stay. 

Safe Place

If your cat is staying with you during the move, you need to keep them calm. Around a week before you move, consider sheltering your cat from the hustle and bustle of packing boxes and the rest of the moving chaos by designating a special room. This room should contain your cat’s toys, their bed, their litter tray and even something like a worn garment of yours that carries your scent. Let anyone helping you with the move know about the cat’s room, so it remains undisturbed.

Travel Basket

Your cat needs to travel in comfort, if not luxury, so invest in a travel basket to suit. When the moving day comes, be sure to check that there is a sufficient supply of water to keep your cat hydrated. For extra comfort and a calming effect, you can spray a special pheromone in the basket; you can find this at pet stores or at your vet.

Your New Home

Being in a new house can be an exciting time for humans, but for cats it can be confusing and stressful. It’s important that you ease your cat into its new surroundings, and the best way to do this is to make the new place feel familiar to the cat as quickly as possible. The best way to do this is to fill a room with your cat’s toys, bed, litter tray and a bowl of water; things that your cat will have had in their special room in your old house. 

Settling In

Let your cat explore the new house; it’ll take them at least a week to get used to where they are. Don’t let them outside until a week has passed, just to be safe. Make sure to comfort them with strokes and affection, but find the right balance between comforting them and giving them space. 

Taking care to look after your cat’s needs before, during and after the move can add a little extra to your workload, but it’s worth it to make your cat feel comfortable and make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible.

Darvills of Leeds are proud to be a trusted removals company, offering comprehensive services to cater for any need you may have. We’re fully insured, ready to facilitate your move down the road, around the corner or to the other side of the world. For more information, please contact us today.