Moving house with a cat can be a real pain in the neck. Cats are habit-forming, picky, and prone to running away if they feel lost or uncomfortable. In this article, we run through some of the key steps that can be taken to make moving with a cat a stress-free endeavor.
Get Your Cat Used To A Travel Box
Your cat will likely be traveling in a small cage or travel box. Cats are creatures that like to roam free, and they typically don’t appreciate being confined in a small space against their will. One way of making the journey less stressful for your cat is to slowly get it used to the box that it will be traveling in. Put the box out a week before the move and begin feeding your pet inside of it. Make sure to fill it with toys and blankets that the cat is already used to.
Change Microchip Details
No matter what precautions you take, there is still a small chance that your cat will take to the road during or just after the move. Cats have been known to travel huge distances in attempts to find their old territories. One cat in particular was found to have traveled 2000 miles across the harsh Australian wilderness just to get back to its old stomping grounds. It is important that you update any information contained on a microchip in your cat’s skin so that it can be linked to you if it happens to run away.
If you haven’t got your cat microchipped already, then don’t delay! Microchipping is relatively painless for your pet and is the most effective way of ensuring that lost cats get reunited with their owners. In many places, microchipping is a mandatory practice for outdoor cat owners. Cat microchips in the UK carry a unique identification number that links to the cat owner’s contact details on a national database. This helps reunite lost or stolen cats with their owners.
Hire Professionals
Most people need professional help when moving between family homes. If you do hire removals professionals, it is important that you hire people that have experience with moving animals. Cats hate being treated like luggage, so you’ll need to either take them in your own vehicle or feel confident leaving them with a cat transport professional that has some experience.
Scent Swapping
Scent is incredibly important to cats and can go a long way to making them feel like they are at home in a new place. Felines have a sense of smell that is roughly 14 times more powerful than human olfactory abilities. Make sure to take some of your soft household possessions – like blankets – with you during the move. Unpack these items first and arrange them in a place that your cat will find comfortable. When you first bring your cat inside, make sure that they are released in a place that is full of items that they are familiar with the scent of. This should help them settle in.