Most of us feel a sense of surprise when we first wake up in our new home. Of course, this doesn’t just apply to the first morning we wake up in our new home; it will take time to get used to your new living space. This adaptation process actually applies to cats as well. So, what should you pay attention to during the adaptation process of cats, who have a strong bond with the area they live in?
Don’t Forget Your Cat in Your Moving Preparations
You search for a reliable moving company to move to another house, you pack the clothes and equipment in the house, you even clean your new house at this stage… Yes, all of these are included in the moving preparations; but if you are a cat owner, you must also get your cat used to moving at this stage.
- If you have a cat that is afraid of the outside, the carrier or traveling, you can take your cat on short trips in the carrier, starting a few days before the moving day.
Cats can be uncomfortable with practices and even objects that they are not used to in their living spaces. However, it is true that you will need plenty of boxes to move your home. In order to both get your cat used to these boxes that will be in the house in large quantities and to be able to carry out the moving process in a more planned manner, you should not leave packing your home to the last minute. If you wish, you can read our article “ Towards a New Living Space: How to Pack a House When Moving ” and take a look at moving tips that will make this process more practical.
Dedicate a Room to Your Cat on Moving Day
The day has come to move into your new living space! You will have a very busy day. Therefore, it may be difficult to take care of your cat. It is important to remember that pets can also get stressed and disturbed by strangers entering the house. So, what should you pay attention to on the day you move house with your cat?
- On the day of your move, it may be a good idea to allocate a room for your cat and move this room last, so your cat won’t get stressed by the crowd.
- You should not forget to put cat food, water, litter, and even your cat’s favorite toys in the room you have reserved for your cat. However, your cat should not eat before getting in the car, because it may become nauseous. We recommend that you get the information you need from your veterinarian on this subject.
- If possible, a family member can stay in this room and take care of your little friend. This way, your cat will not feel lonely. If no one is going to stay in the room, you should make sure that the door and windows are closed. This is very important to prevent your cat from escaping due to stress. Of course, it is also necessary to ensure that the room is ventilated. For this, you can use air conditioning (the blown air should not be directed at the cat) or you can come into the room for a few minutes and ventilate the area.
Plan How You Will Transport Your Cat
It can be difficult for cats, especially those who have formed close bonds with their living space and are afraid of the outside, to move. When the correct handling practices are added to this, unfortunately, our little friends may experience health problems such as depression.
- Before moving the room where the cat is located, you should place your cat in the carrier.
- You should not choose a moving truck or a car trunk to transport your cat. This is very important for the safety and health of your little friend. You can take your cat to your new home by carrying the cat carrier in your lap in the vehicle. If you are going to your new home in another vehicle and you are the one driving the vehicle, you can place the cat carrier on the passenger seat and carry it safely by fastening the seat belt.
- Another option is to leave your cat with an acquaintance on the day of your move, or if your cat gets along well with other cats, entrust it to a foster home. This way, you can keep your cat away from the crowds during the move.
Give Your Cat Time to Get Used to Its New Home
Your cat has arrived at its new home! So; how can an adult cat get used to the house , what behaviors might the cat exhibit when moving to a new home, and what approach should you take?
- It will take time for your little friend to get used to the house. For this reason, it may be better to first get to know a limited area and then slowly explore the whole house. You can allocate a room to your cat, as you did on the day you moved, and let them spend time there until they feel ready. Of course, it is important to keep the windows closed to prevent them from escaping.
- When cats are stressed, they may prefer quiet and secluded places or high spots to see the area clearly. For this reason, a cat house or a safe cat hammock can help you. You should also make sure that there are nail scratching accessories in the room, as cats’ nails can secrete happiness hormones.
- Cats can feel safe when there are familiar scents (especially their own) in the house. For this reason, it is important not to wash an item such as a cat bed or toy right away. To make your cat feel more comfortable, you can apply a cotton cloth to its face, then apply this cloth to the couches and doors, leaving your cat’s scent in these areas.
- Continuing the routines from your old home can also help your cat get used to the house quickly. You should be careful not to skip meal and play times, and make sure you take care of your cat.
Dedicate a Room to Your Cat on Moving Day
The day has come to move into your new living space! You will have a very busy day. Therefore, it may be difficult to take care of your cat. It is important to remember that pets can also get stressed and disturbed by strangers entering the house. So, what should you pay attention to on the day you move house with your cat?
- On the day of your move, it may be a good idea to allocate a room for your cat and move this room last, so your cat won’t get stressed by the crowd.
- You should not forget to put cat food, water, litter, and even your cat’s favorite toys in the room you have reserved for your cat. However, your cat should not eat before getting in the car, because it may become nauseous. We recommend that you get the information you need from your veterinarian on this subject.
- If possible, a family member can stay in this room and take care of your little friend. This way, your cat will not feel lonely. If no one is going to stay in the room, you should make sure that the door and windows are closed. This is very important to prevent your cat from escaping due to stress. Of course, it is also necessary to ensure that the room is ventilated. For this, you can use air conditioning (the blown air should not be directed at the cat) or you can come into the room for a few minutes and ventilate the area.