Moving With A Cat: Tips And Tricks

Moving can be stressful on its own, so moving with a cat can present even more challenges to consider. Whether you’re planning on driving or flying to your new home, or moving one mile or 1,000 miles from your current spot, don’t forget that your cat is dealing with the same stress, and potentially more.

The good news is that people move with cats all the time, and with some planning and preparation the whole process can go pretty smoothly. Then, in a short time, your cat will be right at home in your new place!

If you’re going to be moving with a cat at some point in the near future, read on to learn more about how cats think about the moving process and tips to make moving better for your cat.

Are Cats OK With Moving Houses?

Some cats are territorial and others not so much. Regardless, your home is their home, and there’s no way to communicate with them that you’re going to be moving. So, when moving day comes, your cat is going to be completely confused — and probably stressed.

That being said, cats move all the time and become perfectly comfortable in their new home. So, don’t worry about whether your cat is going to adjust to your new house, because as long as you’re there, they can build a new home with you. 

Before going on to tips, we should stress the importance of being patient with your cat, especially if it’s never moved before. Don’t expect them to be their usual self right after you move in, so give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. 

Tips for Moving With a Cat

To make moving with a cat as comfortable as possible, follow these tips:

Plan everything out. If you’re driving to a new home, does your car have everything your cat needs? If it’s a multi-day drive, are you going to be staying in pet-friendly hotels? Will your cat have access to food, water, and a litter box during the drive? If you’re flying, do you have a good enough carrier? This plan depends on your broader moving plans, so start thinking about steps to take before moving day.

Prepare for travel. Food, treats, water, toys — make sure everything is the day before you move. It’s easy to accidentally forget something at the store or put something in a moving box, so set all your cat’s items to the side so nothing gets misplaced. This also ensures that everything your cat needs is ready for when you arrive at your new home, no unpacking required.

Create a spot for your cat. A space for your cat during travel could be as simple as a carrier to as nice as a bedded area in your car’s backseat. If the move is quick — say a short drive across the city — then you won’t need to spend too much time making your cat comfortable.

Talk to your vet about medication. While we don’t recommend sedating your cat, your vet may prescribe gabapentin to relax your cat during the move. This can keep your cat relaxed during your travels, making it a better experience for you and your cat.

Don’t release your cat into your new home. As tempting as it may be to let your cat freely explore their new home, they won’t see it that way — instead, your cat may wonder where they are as sights, smells, and feelings are all unfamiliar. Let your cat out of its carrier in a closed room with you in it so they know they’re safe. Bring their favorite toys, bedding, food, water, and litter box into the room so they have everything they need. Gradually, as your cat adjusts, you can let them have free roam of their new home. 

How to Adjust a Cat to Moving to a New House

After you’ve moved, your cat will start to adjust to their new house. Many of the tips for adopting an older cat can apply to adjusting your cat to a new home. 

• Create a safe space for your cat to sleep in. This can be as simple as putting a bed in a closet or a quiet, secluded area.
• Try to maintain your cat’s routine. Giving them scheduled meals and making a point to play can reduce the stress of moving.
• Show lots of patience and love. Your cat is in a new place and is probably very scared! You can help calm your cat by reminding them that you’re there too and won’t be leaving them.

Remember that all cats are different, and nobody knows your cat better than you. Listen to your cat, pay attention to their needs, and help them adjust to their new home. Over time, your cat will feel right at home in the new setting. 

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new home?

All cats are different, as are home. Tons of factors can impact how quickly your cat gets used to a new home. For example, we most recently moved during a heat wave, and the heat made our cat seek cold, quiet areas to hide. Without the heat wave, she might have been more responsive to playing or exploring earlier on.

You can expect your cat to hide at first, and this is completely natural. Also, progress could have its ups and downs — a few good days could be set back by a bad experience with something nearby, such as noisy neighbor dogs or you being away from home for an extended period one day. 

Don’t rush your cat, and try to understand the stress they’re going through. After a few weeks, your cat should be pretty close to normal. 

Will my cat run away if I move?

Sometimes cats will escape their new home and try to run back to their old home. This is normal as they don’t understand that they’re now in their new home. Also, some cats become disoriented in a new place, leading to panic and running. 

If you have an outdoor cat, definitely keep it inside for at least a few weeks after you move. Your cat needs to understand that this is its new home so it knows where to return. 

If you’re worried about your cat running off, consider getting a collar with a microchip and custom ID tags. 

FAQs for Moving With a Cat