How to Move with a Cat 

Your Complete Guide to Keeping Kitty Calm

Cats are relatively low-maintenance pets when they feel safe at home but they don’t always handle change well. An abrupt shift like moving to a new home can make them sick, scared or anxious. However, moving with your cat doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. With some preparation, you can ensure the move goes smoothly and your feline friend adjusts well to their new home.

This blog discusses some of the most common problems you may face when moving your cat and provides helpful solutions. As your premier moving company, we want everyone in your family to feel calm and happy during your transition.

Why Moving is Stressful for Cats

Cats are territorial animals that rely on familiar scents, routines and landmarks to feel safe. When boxes start piling up and furniture gets rearranged, they notice. Loud noises, unfamiliar smells and a sudden change in routine can cause them to hide, stop eating or act out. Some cats may even try to escape if they feel unsafe.

Because cats don’t understand what’s happening, they may display stress-related behaviors.

7 Signs Your Cat Feels Anxious or Stressed About Your Move

1. Hiding more than usual: Some cats may retreat under beds, inside closets or into secluded areas to avoid the disruption.
2. Excessive grooming: Cats may lick themselves compulsively as a way to self-soothe.
3. Changes in appetite: Many cats eat less or refuse food when stressed.
4. Increased vocalization: A stressed cat may yowl, meow excessively or sound more distressed than usual.
5. Litter box issues: Urinating outside the litter box or changing bathroom habits can indicate stress.
6. Aggression or clinginess: Your cat may follow you constantly for reassurance.
7. Scratching or destructive behavior: Scratching furniture or walls more than usual can be a way for cats to cope with anxiety.

Preparing Your Cat Before the Move: The Slow Approach

To keep your cat calm during a move, reduce disruptions in their environment, provide safe spaces, and maintain as much consistency as possible. Gradual changes will help your cat feel more secure before the actual moving day.

• Create a safe space: While packing is underway, set up a quiet room with your cat’s food, water, litter box and favorite toys. Keeping one area familiar reduces anxiety.
• Introduce moving supplies early: Place moving boxes around the house a few weeks in advance so your cat can get used to them. Avoid packing everything at once.
• Maintain a consistent routine: Feed your cat, clean the litter box and play with them at the same time each day. Routine helps them feel secure.
• Get your cat used to the carrier: If your cat rarely uses a carrier, start by leaving it open with a blanket or treats inside. Short practice rides in the car can also help.
• Update ID tags and microchip information: If your cat manages to slip away during the move, having current contact information increases the chances of quick recovery.

3 Packing Tips to Minimize Moving Stress on Cats

Packing up an entire home overnight can leave your cat confused and unsettled. Follow these steps to minimize disruption:

1. Pack gradually: Avoid overwhelming your cat by packing in stages rather than all at once.
2. Keep your cat’s essentials unpacked: Save their litter box, food bowls, scratching post and bedding for last so their space stays familiar.
3. Use calming sprays: Feliway or other pheromone sprays can help create a calming sense of security.

If your cat is highly anxious, keep them in a separate, quiet room while you pack, but visit with them frequently.

How to Calm a Stressed Cat on Moving Day

The goal on moving day is to minimize stress and keep your cat secure. With movers coming in and out, open doors create a high risk of escape.

• Set up a quiet room away from the chaos: Place food, water and a litter box in a separate room with the door closed.
• Put a sign on the door: Let movers and family members know not to open the door. This will prevent accidental escapes.
• Stick to feeding schedules: Keeping mealtimes consistent helps maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Transport your cat last: Keep them in their safe space until everything is packed and ready to go.

How to Transport a Cat (Across Country or Just a Few Miles)

The stress and anxiety associated with changing routines, the uncomfortable motion of the car and a lack of control over their environment can make many cats ill while traveling. He or she may meow constantly, drool, pant, pace restlessly or even vomit.

Take the following steps to calm a cat while moving to your new destination:

• Use a well-ventilated carrier: A sturdy carrier lined with a soft, familiar blanket gives your cat a secure resting place. Spray it with a pheromone product to make it more calming.
• Talk to a vet: Anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medicine could make travel easier on your cat, especially for long-distance moves.
• Keep the car environment calm: Avoid loud music and sudden stops. Speaking in a gentle voice can help reassure your cat.
• Avoid letting your cat roam in the car: Even if your cat dislikes a carrier, keeping it inside ensures its safety. A loose cat can be a dangerous distraction.
• Plan for long-distance moves: If you’re driving long hours, schedule breaks to check on your cat. Consider a harness and retractable leash to let them out for bathroom breaks. If flying, confirm airline pet policies ahead of time.

How to Calm a Cat After Moving

Once you arrive, your cat will need time to adjust. A new home may feel overwhelming at first, so introduce your cat to its new environment gradually to ease the transition.

• Start with one room: Set up a familiar space with their food, litter box and favorite items before letting them explore the rest of the house. Many cat owners recommend limiting cats for the first week and then gradually introducing more rooms.
• Stick to a routine: Keeping mealtimes and playtimes consistent will help your cat feel more secure.
• Use pheromone diffusers: This can help connect old and new spaces and create a calming environment.
• Watch for signs of stress: If your cat has been hiding, not eating or showing unusual behavior for more than a few days, they may need extra time to adjust. If symptoms persist for over two weeks, it may be time to visit the vet to rule out other health issues.
• Be patient: Give your cat attention, but let them set the pace during their transition.

Tips for Moving with Multiple Cats

If you have more than one cat, they may react differently to the move. Some may be more confident, while others may be more fearful.

• Keep bonded pairs together: If your cats are closely bonded, keeping them in the same carrier or room can help reduce stress.
• Introduce the new home slowly: Let cats adjust to a single room together before exploring the whole house.
• Watch for territorial behavior: Some cats may become aggressive when adjusting to a new environment. Providing multiple litter boxes, food bowls and resting areas can help prevent conflict.

The Best Way to Move with Cats

Moving with a cat takes patience, but with the right preparation and a reliable moving company, you can make the process easier for both of you.

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Bekins will help you and your furry friends relocate smoothly. Contact your local Bekins agent today to start planning a stress-free move that considers the needs of every member of your household.