How To Prepare Your Cat For A Future Move?
New Adapted Accommodation
For a successful move, it is imperative to take an interest in the new home. Is it different from yours? Does the environment change? The greater the difference, the more you will need to prepare your cat. Sometimes you have to check certain things beforehand. For example, if you are renting, you must ensure that pets are accepted. Don’t worry, owners can’t forbid you to have a cat. However, they can refuse the installation of a pet door or protection on a balcony.
If you buy a house, or if you have it built, remember to have the cat flaps installed before your arrival. Sometimes, other small works are to be expected such as the securing of outdoor spaces. However, it is more important when you have a dog than when you have a cat.
Prepare Well For The Move
There are two types of moves. The first is a proximity move and the second a distance move. If your new accommodation is close to the current one, you will move gradually. Your cat is then not a constraint. He will spend time playing with the boxes. The transfer of the cat must be done when a majority of business and especially furniture are installed. Just make sure the cat can’t hurt itself.
If the move is done remotely, it will be more difficult for your cat to live with. To preserve your animal, you must organize yourself. If your cat knows members of your family. You can entrust your pet to them. If you can’t organize yourself like this, then vigilance is in order. Do not take your cat outside the days before the move. For D-Day, as for a trip, prepare the transport box. It is a good idea to place a small pillow or blanket with the smell of the cat on it.
In general, you should leave your cat’s belongings in the old accommodation for as long as possible and put them in place as soon as the cat arrives in the new accommodation. Among these cases are:
- baskets and cushions,
- cat tree,
- bowls,
- litter.
It is not recommended to make small cat games available throughout the house. Book a room where his toys will be available. Moreover, on D-Day, it is wise to leave the cat in a room with all its belongings. Go see him regularly to reassure him and show him that you are there.
How To Manage The Presence Of Another Animal?
We all have a good reason to move. Sometimes we settle down with a new person who has a cat or even a dog. This parameter is very important to prepare for the move with your cat. Before settling into your new home for good, you need to get your cat to know your new partner and their pet. If you are the one moving with the person, make several visits with your cat. The latter must deposit its scent on the premises. You can also set up a basket on site for him.
After The Move: Adaptation
Once you are settled into your new home, your cat needs time to get used to it. Adaptation is faster than we think because if you have moved your home from one accommodation to another, your cat will have its bearings. Remember to respect the basic rules which are:
- Provide 3 spaces for your cat: a rest area, a food area and a litter area,
- Keep the bowls away from the litter box,
- Place your basket or cushion in a quiet space and not a place of passage.
If you feel that your cat is stressed, you can offer him meals that he particularly likes, treats or diffuse pheromones in your home. Spend time with him, reassure him and cuddle him.
How Long After The Move Can Your Cat Go Out On Its Own?
Previously, your cat spent a lot of time outside, in your garden and sometimes in your neighborhood. You should know that after your move, you will have to wait some time before you leave. How long ? It all depends on your cat and the location of your new home.
If you live near your old home, your cat will instinctively return there. Do not hesitate to leave your phone number to new residents. Soon, the cat will get used to its new address. If you live much further away, you have to wait before letting your companion out. Your cat must feel at home before going out. If not, he may get lost and never come back. We recommend that you wait 6 weeks before letting your cat go outside. It is preferable that you are with him when he discovers the garden.
Going To The Vet: A Reflex To Have
This may seem out of context to you, yet a move can have a big impact on your cat. We recommend that you schedule a visit to the veterinarian as soon as you arrive in your new home. The professional will make sure your pet is fine. He can prescribe tranquilizers if necessary.
The appointment with the veterinarian will above all allow you to modify your contact details, those associated with the identification of your cat. So, if your feline gets lost, you have a better chance of finding it.
