Moving with Your Cat

We all know how stressful moving can be for us humans, but it can also be a time of great anxiety for our beloved pets.

Moving can be especially challenging for cats, who are territorial creatures. Not only will their routine be drastically disrupted, but they will also suddenly find themselves in a new environment and have to cope with all the stress that comes with adjusting to a new territory.

So while it’s important to consider your cat(s) during a move, the reality is that very little of what we do is likely to make the experience enjoyable for them.

However, the following suggestions can help minimize the chances of your cat feeling overly stressed on moving day.

Although easier said than done, try to remain as calm as possible leading up to and on the day of the move.

Any stress you feel will be picked up by your cat and may heighten any anxiety it is already experiencing.

Even though your home is likely to be in a state of chaos as you pack, it’s important to keep your cat’s routine as close to normal as possible.

Clear out one room entirely and keep your cat confined there on moving day with its cozy bed, litter box, food, water, scratching posts, and toys.

Place a sign on the outside of the door to let family members, movers, and helpers know not to enter and to always keep the door shut to prevent the cat from escaping and potentially getting lost.

Plan ahead and designate a room in your new home where your cat can stay while the furniture is being unloaded.

Once the moving van has left with all your belongings, take your cat in your own vehicle to the new home along with all its essentials.

When you arrive, the room you’ve set aside for your cat should be the first to be prepared.

Leave your cat undisturbed in this space with its bed, litter box, food, water, scratching posts, and toys.

Reuse the “Keep Door Closed” sign to ensure the cat doesn’t escape.

Although it’s generally recommended to keep a cat indoors for 2–3 weeks after a move, the actual duration usually depends on your cat’s personality.

If your cat is confident and loves being outside, it may be difficult to keep it indoors if it’s eager to explore its new surroundings.

When your cat does go out for the first time, it’s a good idea to do so on a weekend when you have more time.

Letting the cat out right before a meal can also help encourage it to return for food.

In case your cat decides to roam a bit too far while exploring its new territory, make sure it is microchipped and wears a safety collar with your phone number on it. Remember, these are completely unfamiliar surroundings for your cat—not the familiar, safe environment where it knows every inch.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.