For anyone with a furry family member who is facing a cross country move in their future, worrying about the upcoming relocation can take time out of your busy schedule. It is also typical that a pet will pick up on the stresses which the owner is experiencing. If your pet has grown up in one place since they were bred as a cat, they feel very grounded. The feline knows where the hiding places are, where food and water are place and the all-important litter box.
Tips for moving your cat across country space while arrangements and preparations made for the move can cause undue stress in your cat, and behavior can become different. For more information on how to treat Kitty before the move, during the actual transport, and during the resettlement process in the new location, read on.
Planning The Particulars
Well in advance of a planned move, every weeks ahead, it is a good idea to think about some of the challenges which you will be facing. For most cat owners, Tips for moving your cat across country since most cats do not appreciate any changes in routine, even minor ones.
Try to do your planning and preparation outside of the regular routine of your feline friend. One of the first things to determine is whether your cat will do better to travel by automobile or by air. For the purposes of this article, the assumption is that you will be driving with at least one overnight stop.
As far in advance of the move as possible, add a good quality pet carrier to the furnishings in your home. The goal is to let Kitty get accustomed to the space and consider it part of their kingdom.
Make the carrier accessible to your pet and ensure that it is a happy place for the cat. Treats placed in the open carrier and a favorite toy are helpful, as well. The carrier selection and training is especially important if your cat has previously only associated the carrier with scary visits to the vet.
Speaking of the veterinarian, it is a good idea to pay a visit to ensure that your cat has all of the required shots and health checks. Different states and cities have different inoculation and licensing requirements.
While you are there, check for recommendations or referrals to a vet in your new location. If your pet has any medical or health issues, arrange for health records to be transferred, or take a copy with you. Also, you may want to consider implanting a micro-chip for the cat who gets lost while on the move.
During the days or weeks leading up to moving day, maintain your cat’s regular schedule as much as possible. The usual social interactions with Kitty, play times, feeding, litter box changes, and conversations are important for both you and your pet.
You may want to do a practice trip in the automobile before the trip starts. Even if you just put your pet in the carrier and drive around the block a few times, it will help her to become accustomed to the new sounds and spaces.
Don’t make the mistake of packing too early. If professional movers are doing the bulk of the actual move, take advantage of the pet’s safe carrier space. She will be able to stay safe and relatively undisturbed while the move is happening.
Traveling With Kitty
Pack a necessities bag for your pet in the same way you pack a travel bag for yourself. At a minimum, the bag should contain a treat of the sort she is familiar with, as well as some of her regular food. This is not the time to change foods on your pet.
You should also carefully consider carrying bottled water for her, rather than relying on multiple different local waters as you travel. Since there is a likelihood she will be stressed, you may want to include some cat pheromones, in the form of a calming spray. There are several on the market, so the advice of your veterinarian is welcome.
It is recommended tips for moving your cat across country that your cat remain in the carrier while in the car. A terrified animal loose in a vehicle while traveling at freeway speeds can result in injuries and accidents.
Certainly, transferring the carrier to and from the vehicle is easier than handling a struggling cat who doesn’t understand what is happening. However, if your cat is accustomed to a leash, it should not be worn while the animal is in the carrier. There is a risk of injury.
If you must make an overnight stay at a hotel or motel, be sure to determine in advance whether it is pet friendly, and if there are special arrangements which must be made. It is probably a good plan to confine Kitty to the bathroom with food and water, as well as her litter box.
t is easier to find her when it is time to pack up, and the room is easier to clean if necessary. If the cat has the carrier in the room as well, she will view it as a familiar space. If possible, continue her regular schedule of eating, playing and social interactions.
Adjusting To The New Home
The first thing to remember when helping Kitty settle in to her realm is that there is no hurry. Choose a small space which is out of the traffic flow and place the carrier there. Put her food and water nearby and place the litter box on the other side of the room. Allow her to leave the carrier and explore at her own pace.
She may not feel comfortable to leave her safe place for hours or even days, but it is best not to rush the process. Be sure to maintain her regular schedule as much as possible. She will probably need some extra reassurance and play time with you during the acclimation process.
Before turning her loose to explore, be sure to do a safety check for elements of the new environment which might be a danger to her. You may see some things which should be corrected before she is exposed to them.
Once she has had time to get used to a smaller space, she can be allowed to check out the rest of her territory. Show her where her food and water will be placed, as well as where the litter box is. Use of the calming spray may need to be continued for a time or two, depending on the stress level.
Monitor her health signals for any changes that might indicate a visit to the new vet is needed sooner rather than later. Your feline companion may show some signs of stress by refusing to eat, or deciding that the location of the litter box is not acceptable to her.
Tips for moving your cat across country most are fairly resilient, however, so they will adjust to changes if handled in a calm and non-confrontational manner. If she has a regular schedule, chances are good that she will let you know when it is time to eat or play.
