Undoubtedly, moving is a difficult experience for everyone. As you prepare to move from one house to another, you must consider a number of factors, including locating the proper moving team (or pals who are ready to lend a hand) and other little things that must be kept in mind.
Have a pet? You’ll have to plan ahead and be accountable not just for yourself but also for your pet, which might boost your anxiety levels. The situation is made worse by the fact that cats are extremely loyal to particular areas and dislike change in general. Here are some tips on how to make relocating easier for both you and your cat. While moving with a cat, a well-planned preparation is more than half the battle! One may begin preparing the kitty for the transfer as early as possible, so that they will be as relaxed as possible when the time arrives. You may wish to add a few things to your list that are really necessary.
- Adapt Them to The Carrier.
It doesn’t matter if you’re relocating to another city or just a few streets away from your present home, carrying your pet in a carrier is essential. Most cats connect carriers with trips to the vet, so they’re wary of them in overall. Take it out a week or two sooner and keep it open all the time to let your cat become acclimated to it. Putting some of their favourite toys or goodies in the carrier can entice them to come inside and spend time with the carrier. Make a cosy bed using your cat’s favourite blanket and place the carrier next to your bed.
- Veterinary Consultations.
If the new location is only a few blocks away, your pet should be fine. When travelling with cats, it’s important to see a veterinarian in advance if your cat is known to be jumpy and frightened if the journey will be lengthy, especially when you’re flying. In rare circumstances, they may prescribe anti-anxiety or sedative medicine for your cat and advise you on how to administer it safely. Before embarking on a long and arduous journey, you may want to get your cat examined by a veterinarian to verify that he or she is in good physical condition.
- Pay Attention to Them.
When you start packing, moving boxes, and doing other odd (from their perspective) activities, your cat will most likely sense that something is strange. Do not forget your companion, no matter how busy you are. Spend as much time as possible with them, playing with and caressing the cat. You should also maintain as much normality in your common routine as feasible.
- Make Packing a Fun Experience.
Bags and boxes are indeed a favourite of cats. When preparing to relocate, you should take advantage of this. Instead of scolding your cat for examining and playing with your moving materials, allow it to feel comfortable and study them on its own will. Don’t panic out if your pet attacks you from a box during the relocation.
- The Moving Day.
Try to keep a clear head for both of you, as difficult as that may seem! Obviously, you’re probably stressed up, but take a deep breath and try to relax – this is the part that demands a lot of your focus and prudence. Moving day, as previously indicated, should be as similar to usual as feasible. Serve your cat food on a normal basis, but make sure it’s a lesser quantity than usual to avoid nausea and stomach aches later, which can occur as a result of the jolting or simply because of the stress. Also, if you’re going on a long journey, double-check that you have enough water and snacks for your cat. They may not be interested in food throughout the travel, but you don’t want your cat to be anxious and hungry at the same time.
- Maintain The Safety of The Cat.
During the move, keep your pet in a different room when the moving team comes to collect your boxes. Because the cat will be unhappy, this advice is not ideal, but it is far superior than the alternatives. It doesn’t matter if your cat is highly fidgety and hides behind the couch whenever a stranger comes over, or if it’s interested and outgoing. It’s all OK. Keeping an eye on your pet will be impossible since there will be too much disturbance, and you don’t want to have to wonder if they’ve bolted out the open door or hid in one of the boxes every five minutes. Plus, your cat will just become more upset by being a part of the ruckus! And, of course, place a few toys and other items with familiar scents around the cat.