There are many unknowns when moving a cat to a new home. Your outdoor cat is adventurous and resilient, but moving to a new home is a big change, and there’s a good chance your furry friend will need some help adjusting.
Immediately after your move, your outdoor cat is at a higher risk of getting lost or injured due to your new yard and neighborhood. That’s why it’s good to plan ahead, do some research and learn how to move outdoor cats the right way.
The experts at Wheaton have compiled a few tips to ease your worries and protect your cat from potential hazards during a move. After all, we have decades of experience in moving families, so we know how to make the move smooth. So, paws for a moment and read our tips for moving with an outdoor cat.
Before the Move
1. Microchip and ID Tags
Many outdoor cats like to wander around “their territory” (usually your neighborhood). To find their way home, they use familiar sights, sounds and smells. So it’s entirely possible that cats may get lost when you move. At your new home, everything will be unfamiliar, so ensure they can be brought back or found if they wander off too far.
The best way to do this is to update your cat’s licensing. Use a breakaway collar with a tag that includes your phone number. If your cat is extra adventurous, you may want to consider investing in a microchip and ensuring the associated contact info is up to date.
You should also research local restrictions in your new town, as there may be laws intended to reduce the number of strays in the area. Check with your new city in advance to see if there are any restrictions or if you are required to provide your cat with a certain type of licensing.
2. Vet Visit
Schedule one last visit with your current veterinarian. You’ll want to ensure your cat is up to date on its vaccines, especially if you’re moving to a different region. If you’re worried about how your cat handles stress, ask your vet about calming aids or medications to make the day smoother on your furry friend.
3. Gradual Transition Indoors
One to two weeks before the move, begin transitioning your cat to indoor life. Start with just a few hours a day, then gradually increase the amount of time to help them acclimate to indoor life. Also, get them used to using a litter box if they’re not already.
4. Prepare a Safe Carrier
You’ll want to purchase a sturdy, secure carrier before the move. Place a blanket or clothing item that smells like “you” inside to calm your pet, and let them explore the carrier so it feels familiar on moving day.
During the Move
1. Keep Your Cat Contained
Protect your cat and be kind to movers by keeping it in a quiet, closed room or crate while boxes and furniture are being moved. You may consider using a pheromone spray to reduce your cat’s anxiety, too.
2. Don’t Let Them Roam
Never let your cat out during the move or transit. Cats, especially outdoor cats, may panic and run away while they’re in unfamiliar territory. Keep them safe and secure throughout the entire move.
After the Move
1. Set Up a “Safe Room”
Choose a quiet room in your new space and stock it with food, water, bedding and a litter box. Keep your cat in this room for a few days to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.
2. Find a New Vet
Moves are stressful for everyone—moving an outdoor cat to a new home adds another layer of stress for you and your cat. Just like it’s important for you to find a new medical provider after a move, it’s important to find a vet for your pet.
A local vet can provide you with recommendations on differences in climate or plant life between your last house and your current home. You may need to take medical steps to help your cat adjust, especially if the weather in your new area is significantly different than your old home.
3. Pet-Proof the Yard
Before letting your cat run free, assess the condition of your fence and look for any potential hazards, including:
- Holes
- Insect infestations, especially of stinging insects
- Poisonous plants
- Stagnant pools of water
When moving a cat to a new home, it’s crucial that you resolve any issues you find before letting your pet roam free.
4. Walk the neighborhood
Explore the neighborhood before letting your outdoor cat out of your yard. Keep an eye out for anything dangerous, such as aggressive animals, large or busy roads or active construction sites.
During your neighborhood exploration, introduce yourself to other cat owners in the area. Chat with your neighbors to get a feel for how well your animal will do in your new neighborhood. You never know; they might have some tips on how they moved their outdoor cat to this specific location!
5. Reintroduce the Outdoors Gradually
Even if your cat is rarely inside, it’s important to keep your pet inside for at least two weeks after your move. This time allows your cat to become comfortable with the layout and atmosphere of your new home. Cats can commonly get lost trying to return to their old home if they’re let out too soon. Plus, if your cat needs to be brought inside in the future, this time in your home will help them feel more comfortable and stay calmer and better behaved. Your animal will likely feel safer in its new yard if it has the familiarity of home to retreat to if necessary. If the weather permits, leave your windows open during the day so your cat can smell the air, watch the wildlife and become familiar with your yard. Then, begin to introduce the new yard with supervised visits. Use a harness or leash, or follow them very closely. Increase freedom slowly as they begin to understand this is their new territory. The first time you let your cat outside without a leash, provide some supervision, and keep your home accessible.
6. Monitor Behavior
Keep a close eye on your cat for weeks or even months after the move. Watch for signs of stress, depression or escape attempts—while these may be natural for an animal experiencing a stressful change, they can be prevented. Speak to your vet for ways to calm and care for your pet during this time. And keep routines like feeding and play as consistent as possible so they know they can count on you.
Moving with an Outdoor Cat? Get Help from the Experts at Wheaton.
We hope these tips will help your pet feel happy and safe in their new environment! And now that you know how to move an outdoor cat, it’s time to get started with the relocation process.
Wheaton isn’t just helpful when moving a cat to a new home; we can help with every step of your move! To get started with your hassle-free relocation, get in touch with the professional agents at Wheaton World Wide Moving. We’ll make your move a comfortable one for you and your furry friends.
