Moving house is a very exciting time, and there are lots of things that you need to do and sort out in the run up to moving day. From packing everything up to sorting out a professional like this removals Cheltenham based company express-removals.co.uk/removal-companies-near-me/removals-cheltenham/ to come and get everything moved from A to B on the big day.
If you have a cat then this is also something that you need to do some planning for – moving house can be a stressful time for cats, as they are creatures of habit who thrive in familiar surroundings and routine, so when you move house, this is obviously something that can be difficult for them.
The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a safe space set up for your cat in the new house. Include things that smell familiar to them and that they associate with good things like their own scratching post, their bedding and also their food and water, as well as a litter tray. Keeping them to one room to start with helps to familiarise them with the new place and gain confidence in being there.
On moving day itself it is a good idea to have someone take your cat or put them in a cattery for a few days until you get settled so that the goings on don’t cause them upset. You can then bring them to your new house once you have things set up and in order for them.
Once they are there, keep a routine that is like what you had at the old place and give them time to explore and settle in gradually. If they are an outdoor cat, introduce them to the outdoors slowly and not for a few weeks at least.
Planning the move itself around your cat
Settling a cat in starts well before the removal van arrives. When you book the rest of your move, plan for your cat at the same time. Book a cattery for moving day so they have somewhere safe to stay while doors are open and furniture is being carried in and out, and find a vet near your new home and register with them before you go.
Moving day is one of the riskiest times for a cat. The noise and disruption can scare them into running off or getting hurt, which is why a cattery is often the safest option.
Whether they travel from the cattery or straight from the old house, use a sturdy, secure carrier so there is no chance of escape on the journey. Pack a favourite bed, blanket or scratch post where you can reach it quickly. These carry your cat’s scent, and having them in the new house helps them feel secure much sooner.
Keeping your cat safe on moving day
Cats are territorial, so a move takes away everything familiar to them. On moving day, keep your cat shut in one room with its familiar things, such as bedding, food and anything carrying your scent and its own. This is especially important while people are coming and going with furniture. A sign on the door asking people not to open it can help.
Once the move is done, let the cat out to explore the rest of the house at its own pace, without pressure to come out straight away. It will probably be frightened, so stay in the house while it explores, as your familiar presence is reassuring.
Stick to a routine with regular feeding times. If your cat usually goes outside, wait about a month before letting it out. Scattering some of its used litter around the new garden can help it feel the territory is its own and make it less likely to wander back to the old home. If you live nearby, ask the new owners to let you know if it turns up.
