Just like you, most cats find moving to be a traumatic. This is because they are territorial animals need a routine that is the same every day.
The minute you start removing furniture, rolling up rugs and removing objects you are disorienting your cat. He or she is no longer able to define his or her territory. This can cause your cat a great deal of emotional distress and confusion.
When moving your cat it is important to keep steady emotional contact with your him or her. The animal needs to know that even in the midst of all of the confusion that you are there for him or her.
To minimize the trauma of moving, make sure that you spend extra time talking to and bonding to your cat to increase your trust level. Grooming the cat and patting it will also help him or her feel more secure. Make sure that you teach your cat to come when called in case he or she gets lost or disoriented during the move.
Cats also have a habit of running off on the day of moving and sometimes your only hope of getting it back is by calling it’s name. Makes sure he or she is wearing appropriate I.D. tags. Get your cat used to being in a cat carrier.
Reward your cat each time he gets in and out of the cat carrier and remains calm. It will also help him or her feel like you have the situation under control. Sometimes cats run off before a move because they are not used to being inside a car. It is a good idea to get your cat used to the car by driving him around while he is inside his cat carrier. Board your cat for the day instead.
One of the nicest (and most expensive things) you can do for your cat is to board it in a kennel for a day or leave it in a kennel. That way the cat it protected from the emotional chaos of moving. Make sure a favorite toy or blanket is always within your pet’s immediate access at all times.
When you move make sure the pet is protected from being trod on by movers or accidentally injured by furniture in transit. Sometimes the animal’s behavior changes slightly after a move. Don’t be surprised if your cat hides for a few days, acts hyperactive or unfriendly or refuses to eat. One way to keep a very upset cat calm is to leave it inside its carrier a quiet room that is apart from the rest of the house. Keep the lights off and the carrier in a place that feels sheltered.
Make sure that the minute that carrier door is opened that all of the cat’s favorite toys, drinking and eating bowls are right there so that the cat feels like he or she is at home. It is also a good idea not to let your outdoor cat outside for at least three weeks after you move. This is because many cats become disoriented and try to run away (usually in the direction of its old home) after you first move in. However if you are a responsible pet owner you will not be letting your cat out without supervision in the first place.