How to Move House With Your Cat

The Plan for Moving Day

In order that your cat doesn't get lost in the shuffle of removal men and your leather sofa, it is a good idea to keep him or her confined to one room, possibly a bedroom. Whichever room you want to unpack first in the new house is the best choice, as you will be loading this one into the removal van last.

Make sure that you cat has their water bowl, food bowl, litter tray, bed and carrier in the room with them, and that the door and windows are kept shut. Load the rest of your house into the van, and place the cat in their carrier and secure them in your car for the journey to the new home.

Unload the room that your cat was in first, and set out all of its things. Plug in a feline facial pheromone diffuser in the new room that you will keep your cat in temporarily. Make sure that it is plugged in a floor level socket, so that it is a similar height to your cat.

When everything is set up, place your cat inside with a family member if possible, to be a friendly face in a new place after the move with your cat. This will make your cat more comfortable as they explore their new surroundings. After all of the hustle and bustle of moving is over, introduce your cat to its new surroundings room by room, making sure that you keep calm during this process, so that your cat knows it is a safe environment.

Make sure that all external windows and doors are shut, so that your cat doesn't get outside just yet.

Moving Your Cat to Your New Home

If you know that your cat becomes anxious when travelling, it may be a good idea to chat to your vet about getting him or her a mild sedative. This would help so that they do not become overly distressed during the move with your cat.

Make sure that your cat's feeding schedule is not disrupted where possible, but make sure they have eaten 3 hours before travelling. The cat carrier that you are transporting your cat in should be securely placed in the car on a seat, so it cannot slide around, rather than in the boot or in the removal truck. If it is a hot day make sure that the car is well ventilated, and never leave him or her alone in the car if you stop for a break during move with your cat.

The Settling in Period

During the first two weeks at your new house, keep your cat inside so he or she can become used to the new surroundings. Keep the routine the same from your old house as much as possible, try and set up their bed, litter tray, etc. in the same way, to keep continuity for your cat.

Try and spread your cat's scent throughout the house by rubbing a soft cloth against his or her head and ears, and scrape it against the walls and other places at 'cat height'. Keep using the diffuser in different rooms of the house, as another way of helping your companion settle in after move with your cat.

When it comes time to let your cat outside, if they usually get let outside, there are a number of precautions you should take:

• Make sure that your cat is chipped and has a collar with your new address on it.

• Consider getting a cat flap with a control system that only allows him or her to enter into the house.

• Let the new owners of your previous house know that your cat may turn up (if you aren't moving too far away) and to let you know if he or she does. Ask that they do not feed your cat or encourage them to return, as this will be confusing to your pet.