How to Make a Smooth Move with your Pet - Moving with Cats

 You know how stressful a move can be, and now imagine how your cat can feel on seeing you packing boxes and movers wrapping the furniture and taking it away. Cats are territorial animals and feel the change of environment much stronger than dogs. So for the happiness and safety of your pet, be sure to spare some of your time for him during the move. One of the best ways to reduce you cat's stress on a moving day is regular communication with him throughout the whole process of the move. Here are some practical tips to lessen the shock of the move for your cat and for you.

The simplest solution to make the move smoother and ensuring that the cat won't escape amid the confusion of the move is to board the cat in a cattery close to your new home, provided you are moving locally. If you don't have such an option than here are the steps to make your move as painless for the pet as possible.

Prepare the carrier for you cat. It should have good ventilation and strong body. Get your cat used to it before the move day. Usually cats associate carrier with unpleasant things like going to a veterinarian or to a groom. That's why it is better to change this association to a more pleasant one, for example by putting there some treats for your cat. Putting a little blanket or something else from the house you are moving out inside the carrier would also make your cat feel secure and at home.

Prepare the id tag for you cat and ensure that your pet wears it during the whole move period. Put the name of your cat, your telephone number and the address you are moving to. Make a picture of the cat before the moving day in case your cat gets lost during the upheaval of the move.

On the actual day of the move out lock your cat in an empty room. Make sure that the moving men won't come in there for any boxes or furniture. Cats usually don't like any confusion and disruption in the household that's why they sometimes prefer to leave home and run away, therefore the door to the cat's room should be locked and have a "Don't Open" sign. Put all the cat's belongings in there and don't let the movers load them in a moving van - it would be better if you take it on your own.

In case you are traveling to your new home by car, do some preparation regarding your cat. Get it gradually used to a car by making short trips long before the move day. Never leave your pet alone in the car. Don't worry much if the cat doesn't eat during the trip - it happens due to cat's anxiety about the move, but be sure it drinks regularly. And try to avoid letting the cat out of the carrier. A cat is much more difficult to find than a dog in case it gets lost in the moving process. Check the pet friendly hotels you can stop at on your way.

Traveling by air, be sure your cat wears id tag and also rabies tag as most states require it. Most airlines allow cats in the airliner cabin in a proper carrier. You can check with Delta Airline recommendations on shipping your pet. And don't let the cat out of the carrier until you get home.

Before moving take all the health records of your pet from the current veterinarian to transfer them to a new one. Find out the pet regulations in the area you are moving in (you can use the website of USDA Veterinary Services) and check if pets allowed in your new home. If you know your cat gets very anxious and excited during a move check with the veterinarian - he might prescribe small doses of sedative. You get a word about using sedatives from American Veterinary Medical Association

On the move in day lock your cat in a spare room again with no access of the moving men to it. Bring the cat's belongings in first and make sure the cat knows where they are.

Get the cat acquainted with the new home gradually: room after the room - so it won't be overwhelmed by the new impressions. If you let your pet roam around the strange surroundings on its own it might get frightened.

Don't change the regular routine of a day for your cat throughout the whole move; remember the sense of being secure is the most important for your pet.

Moving pets webpage will help you to get further information on related topic.

About the author:

Alexey Kazaryan works in moving and transportation industry. Currently working for EZ Moving Company he runs the directory of moving tips to provide people with information and helpful advice during one of the most stressful period of their lives - a move.

 Alexey Kazaryan

More Articles 

Cat Toilet Training - Tony Robinson
One of the first things as an owner that wants to toilet train your cat is to know about your cat. The behavior of a cat; the does, and don'ts of training a cat. Since we are going to talk about potty training a cat, we need to set...

Disciplining Your Cat the Right Way - E Haines
Most people struggle with the right and the wrong way to discipline their cat. By no means do you want to use hurt tactics. What I've found from owning eight cats of my own since childhood is that a simple spray bottle with water will do...

Home Care for the Declawed Cat - Coastal Cat Clinic
Remember, you are now rehabilitating a handicapped indoor animal, so plenty of TLC is necessary, especially for the older cat. You will find that your pet is tender for at least the first 2 weeks after surgery. The normal running, jumping...

Don't Send Your Pet To Jail When You Go On Vacation - Tips For Keeping Your Pet Healthy And Happy - Pam Mathison
When the Smith family went on vacation last summer, they left Ralph the cat and Maxine the dog at home. A friend stopped by each day to replenish their food and water and spend a little play time with them. One would think the pets would have...

Training Your Cat to be Transported in a Pet Carrier - Tony Robinson
Do you travel or going to spend time away from the home and would like to take your cat with you. There is good news! You are able to take them with you. Pet carriers are available in most major discount stores and pet stores. Training the...

"Safety in the Fresh Air and the Outdoors for Your Cat - How To Build a Cattery" - NS Kennedy
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful in helping people to accept that their cats are safer living exclusively indoors, especially in urban areas. However, cat lovers still want to give their cats a chance to...

Stop Cat Scratching Today! - Brad Knell
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves are frayed. Your cat thinks you have morphed into someone he doesn't know and you need a solution to his inappropriate scratching behavior now! Sound familiar? Well, this was our situation a...

Understanding Why Your Cat Stalks - Paul Duxbury
By their very nature, cats are excellent hunters who thoroughly enjoy stalking their prey. For domesticated cats, their "prey" can be something as simple as an insect or a wind up toy. But, is it always healthy and normal for a cat to stalk, or...

Living with a Deaf Cat - Summer Fey Foovay
Living with a Deaf Cat A genetic anomaly causes blue-eyed white cats to be born deaf. I have not been able to find out what percentage of them are deaf - but it is fairly common. Odd-eyed whites are often deaf on the same side as they are blue...

Basic Cat Training - Morgen Marshall
Every pet owner knows that if you and your pet have the same rules, the household is much happier. For instance, is there a place you do not want your cats? Perhaps the kitchen counter? What about those plants that could be harmful to your...