If you’re a pet parent, you know that moving with your feline family members can be stressful – both for you and for them. If you have more than one cat, you know that multiplies your To-Do list (and maybe even your anxiety level). Check out this guide to moving with multiple cats so you can make the whole transition as seamless – and as simple – as possible.
Moving With Multiple Cats
Moving with multiple cats presents its own challenges. Each of your cats may have a different temperament, which means you’re dealing with all kinds of angles when you’re preparing for the move. Experts suggest that if you’re moving with multiple cats, you:
- Treat each one as an individual
- Get every cat used to his or her carrier well before the move
- Check with your vet if you’re worried about anxiety
- Try to stick to a routine
- Consider hiring a pet sitter for moving day
- Have packing tape on-hand for emergencies
- Feed small meals on moving day
- Get back into your routine as soon as possible
Here’s a closer look at each.
Tip #1 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Treat Each One as an Individual
Each of your cats has his or her own personality, quirks and anxiety levels – and you have to pay close attention to each when you’re ramping up for a move. Some cats are naturally more laid-back than others are, and some are high-strung; that’s why you have to create an individualized moving plan for each.
Tip #2 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Get Every Cat Used to the Carrier
Get your cats used to their individual carriers well before moving day. You should leave each carrier open throughout the day, and when a cat comes near one of them, give plenty of praise and treats. The idea is to associate cat carriers with good things (rather than just trips to the vet). If your cats are especially anxious about coming near the carriers, think about moving their food bowls near them; that way, your cats can begin to get used to them without any pressure.
Related: The complete guide to moving with a cat
Tip #3 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Check With Your Vet if You’re Worried About Anxiety
If your cats are anxious and high-strung, you should talk to your vet about the upcoming move. He or she may prescribe medications, recommend calming products, or give you some pointers on helping your cats cope with the stresses associated with moving.
Tip #4 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Try to Stick to a Routine
Don’t change your routine shortly before moving day. Your cats are used to doing things a certain way, and you should avoid disrupting their schedule any more than is necessary.
Tip #5 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Consider Hiring a Pet Sitter for Moving Day
To keep your cats safe, it may be a good idea to hire a pet sitter for the day. Your front door will be open for most of the day, and the last thing you want is for one of your furry family members to bolt outside. If you’re not hiring a pet sitter, you should contain your cats together in an empty room; add a litter box, food and water, and their favorite toys. Just make sure to mark the door and make it clear to movers that they can’t open it under any circumstances.
Related: How to deal with dog anxiety after moving
Tip #6 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Keep Packing Tape On-Hand for Emergencies
Bring a roll of packing tape with you when you’re moving from your old home to your new one – it’s not unheard of for a cat to tear through his or her carrier, and you need to be prepared for an emergency. With sturdy packing tape, you can patch a hole and keep moving!
Tip #7 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Feed Small Meals on Moving Day
Feed your cats small meals on moving day – that way, you minimize the chances of carsickness. You also minimize the chance that stress will negatively affect their tiny digestive systems.
Tip #8 for Moving With Multiple Cats: Get Back Into Your Routine as Soon as Possible
Once you’re all safely in your new home, let your cats explore when they’re ready. If you have high-anxiety cats, it may be best to let them explore only a few rooms at a time. Try spend extra time with your cats in each room; that way, they’ll become more comfortable faster. Get back into a routine as soon as you can – and that includes setting up the litter box in its permanent home.
Related: Moving long-distance with a dog
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