Moving With a Cat? Tips to Help

Many relocations involve a frenzy of activity that make caring for a cat difficult. It's important to keep up with caring for your cat even as you're packing and preparing for your relocation. Here's what you need to know about helping your cat through your upcoming move.

Make a go bag for your cat with important things that you'll need for your pet on the day you arrive in your new home. Pack items like pet food, your cat's bed, a few favorite toys, your pet's food dish and water bowl, and any medications your pet might need. As you're trying to decide what will go in your pet's go bag, make a list of cat-related things you use throughout the day.

If your cat isn't used to spending time in a carrier, acclimate your cat now. The carrier will be important for transporting your cat safely from your old house to your new house without any scratching or nervous running away.

To adjust your cat to the carrier, start by leaving it open and putting treats inside. Once your pet will willingly walk inside, put your pet's food inside the carrier. Once your pet will get in the carrier fully, start transporting your cat from room to room in the carrier.

Getting used to a carrier can take months, so be prepared and start this process well in advance of the move. If your cat is very nervous and doesn't like it, talk to your vet or a pet trainer for more suggestions.

It's easy to forget small tasks like playing with your cat or refreshing the water dish when you're facing the challenge of a big relocation. Set aside time each day to spend time caring for your cat. If you find yourself getting so caught up in the activity of relocating that you forget to feed your cat, set reminders on your phone.

Long distance relocations can involve hotel stays, sometimes multiple hotel stays. If you've never tried to stay in a hotel with your cat, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the process.

Many hotels will not accept animals on their premises, and those that do usually have strict rules about what pets can and can't do while they're at the hotel. If you're planning to spend time in a hotel at any point during your relocation, book in pet-friendly hotels and call ahead to let them know that you'll be bringing your cat. Find out and follow the pet rules at each establishment.

For many cats, the most dangerous time during a relocation is during the loading and unloading of the truck, when the front door to the house is wide open. An anxious pet can easily escape the house and hide someplace where they feel safe. This can result in a permanent loss of the pet.

Put your cat in their carrier or in a closed room in advance of the movers' arrival. When you leave your old house, keep your cat secure in their carrier until your cat is safe in the new home.

Your movers need to know if a cat is on the premises, especially if your cat is loose in a room that you don't want to be opened. Tell each person who arrives that you have a cat and where the cat is. Give them any special instructions necessary to keep your cat and the movers safe.

Communicating with your movers on moving day can help keep the day going smoothly. For more information about relocating with a pet, contact Azalea City Moving Co.