Vetted: How to Move with Your Cat

Moving is stressful enough for people, so just imagine how it feels for your cat. Summer is peak moving season,so if you’re planning a move, it’s important to try to make things as smooth as possible for all family members, including your feline friend. Cats thrive on consistency and moving to a new home is pretty far from routine. Here’s what you can do to  make moving with your cat go smoothly.

If your move is far enough to have to change vets, gather your cat’s medical records. If a health certificate is required for travel to your new destination, discuss this with your vet well in advance. Vets who provide this service can be booked up, so plan ahead.

Next, create a safe space for your cat. Early in the packing process, designate an area in your home that will be the last to change. This will provide a place of normalcy that your cat can retreat to while the rest of your belongings are being packed away.

Don’t wait until moving day for your cat’s carrier to make an appearance. Leave the open carrier in your cat's designated safe space with some treats, toys, and bedding inside. Get your cat acclimated to their carrier early so that moving day feels more like a cozy ride and less like a scene from Taken: Kitty Kidnapping.

While moving can be a welcomed fresh start for many cat parents, resist the urge to wash or replace all of your cat’s bedding right before the move. Familiar scents can be comforting, so let your cat keep their bedding, toys, and other familiar items.

• The journey:

  On moving day, take steps to keep your cat safe and calm. To help combat car sickness, don't feed your cat for about four hours before traveling. You can offer occasional treats if your cat doesn’t seem nauseated during the trip.

Use a secure carrier for transport. If you're transporting items in your car along with your cat, use a hard carrier to prevent any accidents involving falling boxes or heavy items. Better yet, keep your cat on the floor of the front passenger seat or an area of your car with no other items. Your precious cargo deserves dedicated space.

Plan pit stops (if any) ahead of time. Never leave your cat alone in a parked car, especially during warm weather. Temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels very quickly.

• On arrival:

  Once you arrive at your new home, keep your cat in their carrier or a safe room while your belongings are being brought inside. If you keep your cat in a room, clearly label the room with a sign that says “Do Not Open: Loose Cat” or something similar. This helps prevent mishaps with movers and family members–open doors on moving day present an opportunity for stressed kitties to dart outdoors and hide in unfamiliar territory.

Consider using pleasing cat facial pheromones to help reduce stress. These products are available as sprays or diffusers.

Stock your cat’s safe space with things that are familiar to them: same food, same litter, favorite toys, and bedding with their scent. If your cat is used to using a plain litter pan, now is not the time to try out that fancy Wi-Fi–connected automatic litter box you’ve been eyeing. Save that for later.

Don’t let your cat immediately roam free unsupervised. Introduce one new room at a time, and make sure that each new room is cat-safe (no towers of empty boxes or other hazards).

The impact of stress on cats isn't just short-term; it can lead to health issues. Prolonged stress can increase the risk of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), an often painful urinary disease. Immunocompromised cats, like those with underlying feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV), are more susceptible to illness and infections. Cats with allergies are more likely to experience dermatitis and itching when stressed.

Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior and habits. Temporary changes are to be expected, but extreme or persistent changes are an indication to talk to your vet.

• Is it okay to use calming aids for my cat during the move?

  Some cats can benefit from calming products like pheromone sprays or diffusers, calming supplements, or veterinary-prescribed medications. Always consult with your vet before using new products.

• I have more than one cat, should they be transported together?

  Housemates can be a source of companionship and comfort in cats. However, during times of high stress (like moving) some cats can lash out and be more aggressive. Provide a separate carrier for each cat and allow them to have their own space during the move.

• Is it necessary to get a new vet immediately after moving?

  If your move is far enough to have to change vets, it's a good idea to find a new vet and set up an initial visit before your cat has any issues. Gather your cat's medical records so your new vet can get familiar with your cat’s medical history. And scope out the nearest ER—hopefully you and your cat won’t need it, but it’s better to be prepared ahead of time.