If you are moving with cats, a few simple steps can
make an enormous difference for your pets - while
ensuring they remain physically safe
and reducing the likelihood of stress related behavioral
problems.
Cats are creatures of habit and strongly attached
to their territory. They don't cope well
with change.
Moving is a huge job, you're stressed, you’re running
full tilt but at least … you know what is
going on.
For your cat, there is absolutely no rhyme or reason
for their home and territorial possessions being packed
up and disappearing into boxes.
Your kitty could become extremely upset. Be aware
that during a move your cat might become stressed
to the max and his or her coping mechanisms
can break down.
One of the keys to ensuring a smooth move is to
maintain some sense of every day routine
during the whole process.
... a comfortable spot with familiar possessions
- and smells - where your pet will avoid the disturbing
confusion of packing and moving day. Safely confined
- with windows and doors locked – your cat won’t be
able to run away if it gets nervous or spooked.
A must do - provide identification for your pet
When moving with cats it's reeeally important that
your pet have at least some type of standard
identification ... a collar and cat id
tag, tattoo, microchip.
Update your emergency contact information on a cat
identification tag and with registries, vets ... using
one or two current working phone numbers - where you
can be reached during and after the move - and your
new address.
Write this information with a permanent marker on
your carrier
as well. You can also add feeding instructions and
note behavioral or medical problems and your cat's
name, of course.
Carry with you medications, medical records ... and
pictures of your cats.
When to let your cat explore outdoors
If yours is an outdoor cat, the time will come when
he or she is ready to venture outside.
For your cat, it really is a scary jungle out there.
He or she must now begin to stake out its own territory
and mark it with its own scent.
Your yard could already ‘belong’ to more than one
cat or other animal.
More importantly - at this stage - your cat can
easily become lost.
Remember, not all neighborhoods are cat friendly.
Some people can be very unkind to your cat if they
find him or her on their property.
(Moving presents an ideal opportunity to change
your cat's lifestyle ... from an outdoor to an
indoor cat. It's much safer for them and increases
their life span considerably.)
Moving with cats requires planning and preparation
but you and your cats will be well rewarded for your
efforts ... safe and comfortable in your new home
- you and your felines can happily ease back into
your regular routines.
Related articles:
Letting a
cat outside for the first time - your cat's first
trips outside to explore should be gradual and controlled.
Prepare a safe space just
for your cat - a room or closet where your cat
can wait out the crazy confusion of packing and moving
day.
Providing identification
for your pets ... will keep them attached to you.
Use a cat carrier;
it just is the only safe way to travel with a cat.
Cat spraying - your
stressed out cat may feel the need to scent mark your
new home with some stinky urine.
