At Moving, we understand that moving with your cat can raise a lot of questions. Perhaps you have an indoor cat or a cat or other pet that prefers to roam outside. In both cases, you want to give him a nice new environment without any hassle. In this guide, you will find all the information you need, step by step and in clear language. We share tips on where the cat can stay on the day of the move, how to put the litter box in the right place in your new home and what to do once your cat is used to going outside. We alternate longer, detailed passages with short examples or anecdotes, so that you can read the text pleasantly.
Moving with cats: preparation and planning
Moving with your cat requires a clear approach. Most cats do not like change. We at Moving advise you to pack your old house calmly and let your cat get used to the moving situation slowly. Your new home may feel different due to unfamiliar smells or strange sounds. By making a plan in advance, you give your cat time to adjust.
- Start packing early: Don't suddenly put boxes everywhere. Your cat may be frightened by the chaos.
- Maak een checklist: Je kunt bijvoorbeeld een tabel maken met taken. Schrijf hierbij op wanneer je die gaat uitvoeren.
| Task | Deadline | Extra tip |
|---|---|---|
| Visit the vet | Two weeks in advance | Check if your cat has a chip. |
| Chip or address update | Two weeks in advance | This is very useful for a cat or other pet if it escapes. |
| Furnishing the room where the cat stays | One week in advance | Place the litter box and food bowl here. |
| Prepare the transport crate | One week in advance | Get your cat used to it. |
| Planning moving day | Day itself | Make sure the cat doesn't escape. |
Adapt this list to your own situation. Maybe you are moving to a smaller apartment or have a cat that never goes outside. If you find it difficult to estimate each task, ask friends or family for advice.
Moving day in your old house: practical tips
Moving day can feel stressful. You are lugging boxes or furniture and people are walking in and out. It is easy to lose a cat. Therefore, provide a quiet room where the cat can retreat, preferably with its familiar basket and toys. This way your cat will quickly get used to it.
Helping your cat
At Moving, we have seen that cats feel safer in a closed space. Put a sign on the door saying “Do not open, cat inside!” It sounds simple. Yet it prevents your cat from running away. You can also check the room regularly to see if your cat remains comfortable.
Don't forget the litter box
Don't forget to put the litter box in the same room. Then your cat won't have to go movers or open doors. If you have multiple cats, you can set up a separate room for each cat if space permits. Also consider their different characters. A nervous cat that does not like crowds will appreciate it if you walk in and out as little as possible.
Immediately after the move: getting used to his new environment
Once you’re in your new home, your cat may want to explore right away. However, it’s a good idea to let him recover in one room first. That one room will act as a safe base. Place his litter box, food and water bowls, and a basket with a blanket that smells like the old house there. This will convey a familiar scent.
Let the cat get used to it slowly
Don't ask too much of your cat right away. Most cats will be cautious about so many changes. Let him get used to the sounds and smells of the new home. When he seems calmer and sniffs at the door, you can gradually open other rooms. Keep an eye on him, because he can like to hide behind cupboards or curtains.
Moving with cats and getting used to them
For example: if your cat is used to lying under the bed, he can do that in your new home too. Give him the freedom to do so. You can think about whether you want to assemble the bed right away or whether he will stay in a small space first. With most moves, we see that a cat only really starts exploring his new environment after a few days.
Introduce the cat room by room
Introducing your cat room by room helps him not to be frightened by all those new impressions. Instead of throwing the doors wide open, you can introduce a room in a targeted manner. You then open a door, let your cat walk around and keep a toy or snack at hand. If the cat looks relaxed, you can let him sniff at furniture, chairs or tables.
Moving with your cat is difficult
Some cats get used to it quickly. Others need more time. Give your cat the space to return to the room where he felt safe. Then close the door again to prevent him from wandering through the whole house and losing track. This method works especially well if you move to a larger house. If you end up in a smaller apartment, you will notice that your cat can feel at ease more quickly, because he sees fewer new spaces.
Indoor and outdoor cats: special considerations
If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, this is often a little less stressful. An indoor cat is not familiar with the outdoors and feels fine indoors. Make sure there is enough challenge in your new home. Scratching posts, toys or climbing opportunities offer extra enrichment. You must give the cat the opportunity to get used to everything. This can also help the cat. Also when you have multiple cats in the house.
Let your cat outside
A cat that is used to going outside will experience the transition differently. He may become restless if he is not allowed outside. In that case, we recommend keeping him inside in the new environment for at least two weeks, so that he gets to know his way around the house. If you do not do this, he may get lost. After that period, you can leave the door ajar. Then let your cat outside just before feeding time, so that he quickly comes in when you call him. This way you prevent him from wandering too far away. Do not forget to chip your cat. Does your cat have an identification chip? Then the cat can go into the transport cage and be transported safely!
Multiple cats or a cat that never goes outside
When moving with cats, you will notice an extra challenge if you have multiple cats. Never put them all in one strange room at the same time, unless they are used to each other. If your cat prefers to be alone, you can place a separate litter box in each room. This prevents stress and disagreement between your cats. You have a cat, but actually also a little baby. In this way, your cats enter your home as loving creatures.
Does your cat go outside?
For a cat that never goes outside, you can follow the same approach as for an indoor cat. He is used to living in the house. Make sure he gets enough stimulation. Place some cat toys or hide treats in different places so he can go hunting in his new home. A cat that never goes outside can be just as happy as an outdoor cat, but he sometimes needs a bit more mental stimulation. Always do this so you don't have to worry about the cat.
Case Study: Sophie's Move
Sophie is a beautiful tabby indoor cat of seven years old. Her owner lived in a terraced house with a small garden. Sophie only went outside when it was really hot, otherwise she liked to stay inside. When her owner had to move, she chose an apartment in the city center. Sophie first had to get used to the many sounds of the street.
Moving with a cat or other pet can be difficult
To help her, her owner put Sophie in the bedroom with her basket, litter box and favourite cuddly toy. After two days, she noticed Sophie meowing curiously at the door. She then let Sophie explore the hallway. After a week, she was lying on the windowsill watching people pass by. By introducing the rooms slowly and giving her time, Sophie felt completely at home within two weeks. This proves that a cat can get used to it quickly, even if it has sensitive traits. Lock the cat in one room. This is where the cat will temporarily bivouac. This way, the cat can stay in the room itself. This is simply the room where the cat can temporarily stay. Do you not want to leave the cat unattended and do you think the nervous cat likes to be pampered? Then you can perhaps ask someone to stay with your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I place my cat elsewhere on moving day?
This is possible, especially if your cat is experiencing a lot of stress. Choose a familiar, quiet place and let it stay there until most of the work in your new home is done. Look at the cat carefully before you start this, so that the cat has the opportunity to indicate what it wants. Before you take your cat somewhere else, it is important to make good arrangements first. For example, they can warn you if they see the cat and it is very stressed. Moving is difficult and a cat can get a lot of stress from this.
Should I keep the cat indoors?
It is often said that you should keep your cat indoors from now on, but is your cat a real outdoor cat? Then this is of course not possible. Keeping your cat indoors for as long as possible will not be good in this case. As you have read before, you can provide a space where your cat can stay quietly. This is safer and friendlier for your cat than having to change everything for your cat. In this way, you ensure that your cat can move quietly.
How long should I keep my cat indoors before letting him out again?
We recommend at least two weeks. This way, the cat knows where to run inside if it gets scared or hungry. When the move is over, the cat can be alone. You will notice that the cat likes to hide while the cat walks through the new house. This way, the cat will get used to the new environment as quickly as possible because the scent of your cat is absorbed into the house. Moving is one of the most stressful tasks in a person's life and for a person it is less stressful than for cats.
What if my cat hides in the new house?
Let him sit. Cats like to hide when they feel insecure. You can put down a treat, but don't force yourself on him. This might lure the cat outside because of the smell, but if you see that the cat is nervous, it is better not to do this. Wait until the cat starts to explore its surroundings. The cat doesn't have much to do outside now, so give the cat some space.
Is it better to keep an indoor cat in an apartment without a balcony?
That is fine. Make sure there is enough distraction and play opportunities, because your cat needs exercise and mental stimulation. Let the cat eat as normal so that it is not hungry and will look for food. Do you let your cat outside just before dinner time? Then it will quickly look for food. If the cat does not go outside much, do not just put your cat on the balcony or in the garden. Never do this! because a cat does not like this. Your cat is used to being in a different house or environment, so give your cat time.
How do I prevent my cat from escaping through the front door?
Place him temporarily in a room before opening the door. Ask help from housemates or visitors to wait a moment before you close the door again. Stay where your cat is so that the cat can get used to it temporarily. Of course, every cat is different and cats that are strong are often cats that need less attention. Let the cat get to know each other gradually, but make sure that the cat can escape inside. You can then call the cat inside. Do not pick up the cat or carry it inside. Leave the cat alone when it is exploring.
Moving with cats
Moving to an apartment with your cat doesn’t have to be an insurmountable challenge. Start planning early, let your cat get used to his new environment at his own pace and take his character into account. Some cats take charge right away, while others prefer to explore slowly. Does this approach work for your cat? Try the method of exploring room by room. If necessary, use toys, hide some tasty treats or go on a discovery tour together with a fishing rod toy. It is simply very important to let the cat get used to it.
Help the cat
A cat can need some help, so offer peace and predictability. Don't be afraid to make small adjustments if you notice that your cat is getting upset. Give him some extra cuddles or place a fleece blanket from his old house in the living room. This way he recognizes his own scent, which reduces his stress. Help your cat so that he knows what to expect. Maybe you can spoil your cat extra these days by playing with him more. Finally... helping the cat at all times is the best thing you can do!
Do you have any questions?
Do you want to share your story or do you have any questions about moving with your cat or other pet? Let us know. We at Moving are here for you. Together we will ensure that your cat gets used to its new home as quickly as possible. Good luck with your move!
