Moving House with a Cat: Essential Tips to Keep Them Calm
Moving house can be a stressful experience for everyone, our cats included. They’re creatures of habit and sudden changes, like moving house, can leave them feeling anxious or unsettled. By taking a few simple steps, you can help your cat feel comfortable during the move and help them settle into their new home.
Here are some essential tips for moving house with a cat, to help make the process as smooth as possible.
What to do before moving home with a cat
When moving to a new house with your cat, preparation is integral to managing stress levels. Here are some simple steps you can take in the weeks leading up to your move:
Maintain routine
Cats thrive on routine. Keep feeding times and sleeping patterns consistent, even while you’re packing. Familiar routines help keep them comfortable, even while the house is being packed up.
Create a safe space
Set up a quiet room that your cat can retreat to while you pack. Include their bed, litter tray, food, water, and a few toys. This dedicated space helps them feel secure and keeps them away from moving-related stress.
Familiarise them with the cat carrier
Leave the carrier out with a blanket and treats inside. Gradually encourage your cat to explore it so that it becomes a safe, familiar space.
Update their microchip details
Make sure your cat’s microchip information is updated with your new address, just in case they wander off in your new neighbourhood and struggle to find their way back to your new home.
What to do while moving house with a cat
Moving day can be overwhelming, for both you and your cat. Keep them feeling calm and safe with these tips.
Clean your new home
Before moving house with an indoor cat, clean the space thoroughly, especially if the previous owners had pets. This removes any lingering scents that may confuse your cat or cause them stress.
Consider a cattery
During a particularly hectic move, you might want to place your cat in a trusted cattery. This ensures that they are safe while you focus on moving and keeps them away from bustle of moving day.
Create a new safe space
Set up a quiet area in your new home with items that they’re familiar with, such as their bedding, a litter tray, toys, and food bowls. These familiar items and scents will help them feel at home and give your cat a secure retreat while they adjust to their new surroundings.
How to help your cat settle in after moving house
After moving in, it’ll take time for your cat to fully adjust to their new surroundings. This is how you can help them feel more at home.
Keep their safe room
Maintain a dedicated space where your cat can relax around familiar items, even after moving in fully. This gives them a place to retreat to if ever they feel overwhelmed. You can then begin leaving the door open to let them explore the rest of the house at their own pace.
Gradually expand their territory
Allow your cat to explore new rooms slowly. Avoid giving them complete freedom too soon, as this can lead to anxiety and stress. Let them familiarise themselves with one area at a time.
Use a pheromones diffuser
Cats naturally produce pheromones when they feel secure. Using a synthetic pheromone diffuser or spray can help create a calming environment, particularly in the first few weeks in your new home.
Maintain their normal routine
Continue feeding, playing and cuddle times as usual. Keeping these routines consistent can help your cat regain their confidence and settle into their new environment.
How long should a cat stay in after moving house?
Most cats benefit from staying indoors for at least 1–2 weeks after a move, as this allows them to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings before venturing outside. Having said that, anxious cats may need to stay indoors for slightly longer. Letting your cat out too soon can lead to them getting lost before they’ve got used to their new location.
When you first let them out after moving, use these tips to help them roam safely:
- Let them out when they’re hungry, as they’ll be less likely to wander far.
- Supervise their first few outings to keep an eye on them.
- Leave doors open, even if they are used to using a cat flap, so they can retreat safely.
- Share you contact information with the owners of your old home in case your cat tries to return to it.
Looking for a new home for you and your family?
Whether you’re moving across town or to a new community, we offer a range of new homes across the UK designed with family life in mind. If you’re moving home with a cat, our new builds provide safe, comfortable spaces for everyone in your household – beloved pets included. Explore our new homes today and find the perfect place to start your next chapter together.