Moving with a Cat

Like humans, cats have emotions too! If you plan to make a big move and have a cat, you have to keep reading!

We invited Mary Paulette McDonogh, an animal communicator based in Calgary, Alberta, to talk about preparing cats for a house move. She discussed the changes in your cat’s behaviour when you are in the process of moving and how you can learn to handle and understand them.

Differences of Dogs and Cats

Some people have both cats and dogs, so it is essential to learn how to deal with both pets. Dogs are sensitive, but cats are a level further! Cats do not want to be around anything moving fast, chaotic, overstimulating, or anything like that.

Unlike dogs who love to run around, cats prefer to stay in their kennel. You have to keep your cats in their safe place until you have settled everything after you moved.

Getting Used to a New Home

Cats need time to get used to a new home.

They have a strong sense of smell, so it will be great if you can manage what they smell when they get into your new house. Instead of washing your cat’s favourite blanket, you can put it in their kennel on the day of the move. This will provide a familiar smell to them where they can curl up until they get comfortable walking around your new place.

Once you get to your new home, put your cat in a quiet room, preferably in a high place where they can stay for a few hours while the move is happening. Cats are prey animals; that’s why they feel very vulnerable when they are on the lower ground, especially in unfamiliar places.

If your move-in date is set a day after you take possession of the house, take advantage of that and bring your cat to live there even if the place is still empty. Same way, you can also leave your cat for a day in your current house until you have finished preparing your new home.

If you have someone who can look after your cat on the day of the move, that is even better! By doing this, your cat will not have to deal with the chaos of watching all of the movements as you settle in your new house.

Moving is Stressful for Cats

Cats are creatures of habit. They take comfort in having their own spot, smells, timing, etc. For example, when your cat wants a treat, it will come to you at the exact same time all the time.
Any changes in a cat’s environment, such as moving to a new place, can literally turn their whole world upside down. To lessen their anxiety, you can provide them with a quiet space while moving. Don’t leave them on the ground where people are walking around, as that is terrifying to them.

Cats commonly hide when they are moved to a new place. Take note that the more you pressure your cat, the more it will resist coming out. Let your cat have their space and let them hide. They will come out when they are ready, normally at night when everybody is sleeping.

When cats are scared, they can go anywhere and squeeze themselves into anything. Ensure that your cat will not hide in dangerous places. So, upon getting into your new home, you have to close the access to the furnace room, ductwork, or any area alike.

Knowing When Your Cat is Stressed

Upon moving to your new home, you have to observe your cat to know when they are stressed out. Commonly, they scratch, try to go out, hide, and even stop eating when they have negative feelings.

If your cat refuses to eat for a few days and starts to lose weight, you should call Mary Paulette or your vet immediately. Professionals can help you understand what is going on.

You can tell that cats are stressed when their eyes are very cold. It is like meeting new people. Some people's eyes look very nice and warm, but others seem so aloof. You can tell when your animal has shut you out just by simply looking into their eyes.

Another sign of stress is hair pulling. The typical way cats groom is by licking and licking; however, when they start pulling their hair out, especially on their bellies, this is excessive grooming, which indicates that something is wrong.

Panting is another symptom of stress. If your cat is panting, it means that their stress level is already through the roof! You should also observe if your cat is overeating. If they are constantly begging for food, they are coping with their strong emotions by taking as much food as possible.

Helping Cats Ease Stress

When your cat is stressed out, focus on taking away all the sensations. You have to remove any stressful stimulus, including sounds, lights and any fast movement. Their ears are extremely sensitive to sound, and anything fast-moving will seriously scare them.

If your cat is hiding, it is tempting to coax and cuddle them thinking it will help them feel better, but that can actually make things worse. It is all about assuring them that everything is fine and safe. They can come out when they are ready.

If you have any questions about dealing with your cat when moving, you can visit www.marypaulette.com to reach out to Mary Paulette or book a FREE consultation with her via zoom. You can also go to her Facebook page, Connect with Mary Paulette or follow her on Instagram, @mary_paulette_mcdonogh.