The Stress Free Way To Move Into A New Home With Your Cat

When you first move into your new home, you should keep your cat confined in what I like to call a “safe room.”

You may be thinking, what's a safe room?

A safe room is a small bedroom or spare bathroom that has been completely cat proofed for dangerous items – and that contains a litterbox, a blanket or bed for the cat to sleep on, a water bowl, and one or more “hideaways” to make the cat feel secure. (Such as an empty cardboard box, a large opaque Tupperware container, etc.)

The room can also contain toys, as long as they aren't dangerous.

I also recommend using Feliway spray on the bed and toys to help relieve stress. (never spray Feliway near or on the litterbox.)

It's dangerous to let your cat have free access to the entire house right when you move – your cat is going to be scared and unsure of the new environment, and will frantically search for any safe spot to hide.

This could be cracks in the wall, behind the washing machine, in the fireplace, etc. Most cats will be reluctant to come out of their hiding spot once they find it, not because they are mad at you, they're just afraid.

Your cat may also begin displaying stress behaviors like marking – either by urinating outside the litterbox, spraying, or scratching inappropriate areas.

The steps you will need to take when moving your cat into a new home are similar to the steps taken when bringing a new cat or kitten home.

You should keep your cat confined in the “safe room” for at least 4-5 days, one week is best.

Then, slowly 'introduce' your cat to other rooms in the house, one at a time. Put familiar items in the rooms such as the litterbox, an unwashed bed or blanket, (so it has your cat's familiar scent on it) favorite toys, etc.

Giving your cat a permanent room/area in the new house and filling it with familiar items is the best way to prevent stress, and help your cat adapt as quickly as possible to the change.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, or an indoor/outdoor cat, remember that cats need to be kept strictly indoors for at least 3-4 weeks to relearn where they belong.

If you move cats to a new home and immediately let them outside, they won't be at all familiar with the area – and will be very likely to run off and search for your old home

 

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