Cats can be especially difficult. They tend to become more attached to their environment rather than to people. Cats prefer a routine rather than novelty. For example, note the way they blanch when their food dish is moved to another room.
Before the move
When relocating with a cat, it is necessary to prepare early in advance so the move doesn't come as a shock. Shower your cat plenty of attention and maintain its normal routine.
Cats may not be as familiar traveling in cars as dogs are. They're often frightened of car travel, but they adjust quickly. Several weeks prior to the move, it is recommended that you take your cat on short trips in the car around the neighborhood and then slowly increase the distance. Accustom your cat to being on a leash if you are driving long distance and have to make stops at hotels, etc.
If your cat becomes overly and consistently agitated during the drives, perhaps you should look into mild sedatives. If you feel most comfortable confining your cat in a carrier, take all of the proper precautions to ensure its safety. Make sure your cat is secure in the car and doesn't shift or get thrown during a bumpy ride or it may sustain major injuries.
If you are moving to an area with a different climate, for example, from Florida to Minnesota, it is advisable for you to consult with your veterinarian.
Moving day
Confine your cat in its favorite room with its food and water dishes, and favorite blankets and toys. This is to make sure that it won't run away or interfere with the movers. Cats can become agitated when they see the house in disarray. Don't let him out until you are ready to go. Do the same upon arriving at your new house/apartment. Immediately designate a room for your cat.
Make sure that your cat is wearing the proper ID tags.
After the move
Spend some time with your cat. Sit down quietly with it and provide your cat with a comfortable living space. Make it feel at home. Cats are very sensitive to their surroundings. Keep it in and around the house for as long as it takes it to become acclimated. Confining the cat may seem a bit cruel, but cats are notorious for running back to its old house, no matter the distance. It may take an entire month for them to become completely comfortable with the scents and floors of the new house.
Use your cat's food dish and favorite toys to introduce it to each of the rooms. Confine them in each room for a few days.
After each room, test how comfortable they are. When you open the door, see if your cat hurries out.
Monitor your cat's behavior and notice which room is its favorite. See which room it runs to after you open the doors.
Gradually shift your cat's food dish, litter box, and bed to its permanent locations. Maintain the normal feeding times.
Indoor Pets
If you are moving from the city to suburbs and you wish to introduce your cat to the outdoors, do so gradually. Place your cat on a leash and take it around. It may not be used to cars and other animals. Keep a close eyes because your cat may become frightened by the outside environment.
Outdoor Pets
If your cat is accustomed to going outdoors and returning home at nights, make sure that it has fully adjusted to the new home or else it might make a break for the old one. Limit the cats' explorations to just the new house and then gradually accompany it on tours outside. Place your cat on a leash for short walks around.
If you are moving from the suburbs to a city apartment, you may consider converting your cat into an indoor pet. Keep them strictly confined within the apartment. Keep all windows closed and guarded. Cats may jump for the window sill with fatal results.
If you are moving from the city to suburbs and you wish to introduce your cat to the outdoors, do so gradually. Place your cat on a leash and take it around. It may not be used to cars and other animals.
This guide is for informational purposes only. For professional advice, please seek the attention of a qualified veterinarian.
