Cats don't like drastic changes. If they had a choice, they would prefer to stay where they can comfortably settle down. However, at some point in its life, the pet may be forced to move with its owners to a new place. To prevent this event from causing great anxiety and stress to your cat, try to prepare her for the upcoming move. This way you will avoid many problems, such as constant meowing, aggression, going to the toilet in the wrong place, trying to hide somewhere or even run away from home.
Instructions
Step 1
Moving a cat to a new home includes 3 main stages: preparation for this event, the move itself, as well as justification in an unusual place for a cat. Prepare your pet for the move in advance, preferably two weeks before the planned date.
Step 2
First, place the cat next to the pet carrier - the carrier. Open the door, put a comfortable mat inside. Leave some treats in the carrier so your pet can find it on its own. Start feeding your cat with this tool. If the animal is afraid to go inside to eat, place the dish with the food next to it.
Step 3
After a few days, place the plate right next to the carrier door. Then gradually move the bowl of food towards the back of the carrier over the course of a week so that the cat goes one step deeper each day. Finally, place the bowl at the farthest end of the carrier. Then your pet, in order to eat, will have to go deep inside.
Step 4
Place your suitcases and moving boxes in your apartment or house 2 weeks before you start packing. This will give your cat plenty of time to get used to their presence. If your pet is very nervous while you are packing, it is best to close your pet in a quiet room, away from the noise.
Step 5
Try to keep everything as stable as possible in your pet's daily life. This applies to a regular feeding schedule, spending time together and playing. If your cat is rather nervous, shy and easily develops a high stress reaction, see your veterinarian for a sedative. This will make the transportation process smoother and easier.
Step 6
To prevent your pet from escaping while you take out things, cover it in the bathroom (toilet, kitchen) with bedding, water, food and a litter box. Or ask someone from your family to hold the cat in his arms, gently stroke it so that it does not worry. Feed a very light breakfast on the day of the move to reduce the possibility of an upset stomach.
Step 7
On the way, resist the temptation to open the cat carrier to calm your pet. A frightened cat may try to jump out of it. Only open the carrier in a safe and quiet location or when absolutely necessary. Bring a roll of duct tape (packing tape) with you on your trip in case you need urgent repairs on the way while carrying it.
Step 8
Make sure your new home is cat-safe. Hide all electrical wires from it and close the nooks and crannies where the animal can hide and get stuck. Make sure all windows are closed. Remove any poisonous houseplants, pest control products, and poison traps or mousetraps, if any, in your new home.
Step 9
Immediately place your pet in a room where it will be relatively calm and quiet. Before opening the transport device, put cat food in the room, fill it with water, put a bedding and put a litter box. Lay out treats in different places in the room to encourage your cat to explore the new home. Keep the animal in this room for the first few days. This will help her gradually get used to the new furniture, smells and sounds of her new home, not to feel overwhelmed in it. Having your pet in the same room will make it easier to find food, water, and a litter box.
Step 10
Spend more time in this room with your cat, initially for quiet activities such as watching TV or reading. When the animal begins to explore its surroundings, offer affection, attention, treats, or play with it. When the hassle of unpacking and placing is over, gradually give your pet access to the rest of the house.
Step 11
If it is not possible to close the doors and restrict the cat's access to the entire house or apartment, monitor the animal closely during its short scouting stages. Place another litter box where it will be all the time, but do not clean up the first toilet either, for at least a few weeks. Over time, you can remove this tray.
