Moving house is stressful under any circumstances, but relocating with cats can cause additional problems. Cats are territorial animals and they develop strong bonds with their immediate environment, so house moves can be extremely unsettling. The following tips will help to take some of the pressure off, making the move as smooth as possible for you and your cats:
- Make sure your cats are shut in one room on moving day, along with their bedding, food and water bowls, litter trays and cat carriers. Make sure this is the last room to be cleared.
- Transport your cats in your own car and make sure they have access to water and a cat tray if the drive is a long one. Make sure windows are left open in hot weather and don’t leave your cats in a hot car for any length of time if you take a break.
- Unpack the furniture from the room the cats were in at the previous house first. It should be at the back of the removals van, so this will be easy. Set the furniture up as a first priority and keep the cats in this one room. Their familiarity with the furniture will help to put them at ease. Make sure they have food, water and a litter tray.
- Once the rest of the furniture has been brought in from the van, allow your cats to explore the rest of the house one room at a time. Make sure that all external windows and doors remain closed.
- Keep your cats indoors for a least two weeks so that they have time to readjust. Try to stick to the routines you had in place at your previous home to make them feel more relaxed.
- Give your cats as much love and affection as possible in the first few weeks, and try not to pass on any stress or anxiety you might be feeling to them.
- When the time comes to let your cats out, make sure they have identification collars or microchips in case they get lost. It may help to go into the garden with them initially if they appear nervous.
- Consider installing an electronic or magnetic cat flap for easy access.
- Chase away any other cats that might be seen as a threat and watch for any signs of intimidation.
- If your new home is fairly close to your previous property, your cats may find their way back to your old home. It may be worth warning the new occupiers and asking them to contact you if they them.
Specialists in Wiltshire Removals, Intransit is an extremely experienced firm. We will do everything we can to make the process as straightforward as possible for you and your cats during your move. Our service is reliable, efficient and affordable, so get in touch to find out more and to make a booking with Intransit.
