Moving with your cat can be stressful – but that’s just one day. How do you settle a cat after moving houses? Here’s what you need to know.
How to Settle a Cat After Moving Houses
Cats aren’t really known for their willingness to change. In fact, some cats are more stubborn than people are – and that’s just par for the course if you’re a pet parent. But how can you settle your cat into your new home while minimizing stress on the whole family? Experts suggest using these tips:
- Introduce one room at a time
- Double-down on security
- Go back to your pre-move routine
- Spend extra time with your cat
Here’s a closer look at each.
Tip #1 for How to Settle a Cat After Moving Houses: Introduce One Room at a Time
A lot of experts suggest that you introduce your cat to only one or two rooms at a time. Even if your cat is adventurous and brave, it makes sense – too much, too soon can be overwhelming, especially when your feline family member realizes you’re not going back to the old place after a short visit in the new one.
If you’re going to restrict your cat to just a few rooms, close all the doors to rooms that you don’t want your cat to explore yet. Place his or her litterbox in its permanent location, and if the rooms you’re starting your cat in aren’t connected to it, invest in an additional litterbox. (For this reason, many people choose to let their cat start getting used to the living room and other common areas first.)
Related: Dealing with dog anxiety after a move
Tip #2 for How to Settle a Cat After Moving Houses: Double-Down on Security
Be extra-cautious that your cat doesn’t make his or her way out the front door when you leave. Cats have a wonderful sense of direction, and if you haven’t moved too far from your old home, your cat may make a break for it and try to get back to his or her old space.
Keep the windows closed when possible, and ensure that nobody leaves the back door open without supervising your cat.
Tip #3 for How to Settle a Cat After Moving Houses: Go Back to Your Pre-Move Routine
Try to get back into your pre-move routine as soon as you can after you move. Your cat has been used to feeding times, cuddle times and other important events throughout his or her day, so the sooner you can get back into the swing of things, the better off you’ll both be.
Related: How to pull off a long-distance move with a dog
Tip #4 for How to Settle a Cat After Moving Houses: Spend Extra Time With Your Cat
Any veterinarian can tell you that you should spend extra time with your cat after a move. Even if your cat isn’t particularly affectionate, having you there will help calm his or her senses – and that means your pet will settle into your new surroundings faster. Whether you give extra treats or spend extra time playing or cuddling, the more time you can spend with your cat in your new home, the better.
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