Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful experiences, and if you think it’s tough for humans, imagine how unsettling it must be for a cat. Felines are territorial creatures who thrive on routine, so uprooting them to a new home can cause anxiety, confusion, and even behavioural issues. But don’t worry, with the right preparation and approach, moving house with a cat can be smooth and stress-free for both of you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every stage of moving house with a cat, including how long to keep a cat in after moving house and special tips for moving house with an outdoor cat
Preparing Your Cat for Moving House
Cats dislike sudden change, so preparation is key. The more gradual and controlled the transition, the better.
1. Get Your Cat Used to Their Carrier
Many cats associate their carrier with trips to the vet, which can trigger stress. A few weeks before the move:
- Leave the carrier out in a familiar space with the door open.
- Place their favourite blanket or toys inside.
- Reward them with treats when they voluntarily go in.
This will help them feel comfortable and make travel day much easier.
2. Maintain Their Routine
Cats are creatures of habit, so try to keep their feeding, play, and sleep schedule as normal as possible in the lead-up to moving house with a cat. Familiar routines will give them a sense of stability.
3. Introduce Packing Gradually
If you suddenly turn your house upside down with boxes everywhere, your cat may panic. Instead:
- Start packing non-essential items first.
- Allow your cat to investigate boxes at their own pace.
- Keep one room unchanged as a ‘safe space’ until the last moment.
4. Update Microchip & ID Tags
Before moving house with a cat, ensure your cat’s microchip details and ID tags reflect your new address. If your cat escapes in the chaos of moving day, this will help them find their way home.
Moving House with a Cat: Keeping Them Calm on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, so it’s best to keep your cat in a quiet, secure space while everything is being packed and loaded.
1. Set Up a Safe Room
Choose a quiet, closed-off room where your cat can stay while movers are in and out. Include:
- Their litter tray, food, water, and favourite bed.
- Familiar items that smell like home to provide comfort.
- Some soft music to drown out unfamiliar noises.
2. Transporting Your Cat Safely
- Keep your cat in their carrier for the journey.
- Cover the carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stress.
- Avoid feeding them right before the journey to prevent nausea.
- If it’s a long trip, take water and a portable litter tray for breaks.
Helping Your Cat Settle After Moving House
Once you arrive, don’t let your cat roam freely right away. Instead, introduce them to the new environment gradually.
1. Start with a Single Room
- Choose a quiet room as their ‘base camp’ for the first few days.
- Include their litter tray, food, water, toys, and bedding.
- Let them explore at their own pace, don’t force interactions.
2. Maintain Familiar Smells
- Use unwashed blankets, cushions, or your old T-shirt to bring familiar scents into the new home.
- Consider using a Feliway diffuser, which releases calming pheromones.
3. Gradually Introduce Other Rooms
Once your cat seems comfortable in their base camp:
- Allow access to one new room at a time.
- Keep doors open so they don’t feel trapped.
- Supervise their first explorations to ensure they feel safe.
Moving House with an Outdoor Cat: Letting Them Outside for the First Time
If you’re moving house with an outdoor cat, it’s essential to introduce them to their new surroundings in a controlled and safe manner.
- A common question is how long to keep a cat in after moving house. If you’ve moved house with an outdoor cat, keep them indoors for at least 2-3 weeks to help them adjust and prevent them from trying to return to their previous home.
- When you first allow your outdoor cat outside, supervise their initial explorations by using a harness or staying nearby to ensure they feel safe and confident in their new surroundings.
- A good strategy for moving house with an outdoor cat is to let them outside just before mealtime so they associate the new home with food and return promptly.
Common Problems After Moving House with a Cat (And How to Fix Them)
1. Cat Hiding or Refusing to Eat
- This is normal for the first few days. Give them time and don’t force interaction.
- Try sitting near them while reading or working to show them you’re present but not pressuring them.
2. Increased Meowing or Restlessness
- Some cats vocalise more when stressed. Offer extra playtime and comfort.
- Use a calming pheromone diffuser.
3. Scratching or Marking in the House
- This can be territorial behaviour. Place scratching posts in key areas.
- If they spray, clean the area with enzyme-based cleaners to remove the scent.
Final Thoughts: Making Moving House with a Cat Stress-Free
Moving house with a cat requires patience, but with the right preparation, the transition can be smooth and stress-free. By keeping routines familiar, introducing the new space gradually, and offering plenty of reassurance, you’ll help your cat adjust quickly and feel at home in no time.
Have you moved house with a cat before? What worked (or didn’t work) for you? Share your experiences in the comments!
