Tips for Moving House with a Cat

There are a few things you can do before the move that’ll help make the day less stressful. These include the following:

If your cat isn’t already familiar with your cat carrier, make sure to introduce them in advance of the move. You can do this by placing the carrier in a quiet area with the carrier door open. Make the inside enticing by adding treats, toys or their favourite blanket. You can even feed them some of their meals in the carrier with the door open to encourage them in.

Make sure your cat’s microchip details are up to date with your new address and contact information by updating the microchip company. This will help if your cat wanders outside and get​s​ lost during the move and beyond.

It may help to designate a room in your current home for your cat to retire to during the moving chaos. This should be a warm, comforting spot they can have some alone time in while you pack. Include their food, an additional water bowl and litter tray, as well as their scratch post in this room for easy reach. Make sure not to disturb their usual litter box and water bowl, as this can cause additional stress.

Besides packing, unpacking and moving boxes, it’s important to take consideration of your cat during the big day.

When transporting your cat to your new home, use their cat carrier. The carrier must be robust, secure and well-ventilated. Place their favourite blanket inside to provide comfort. It may help to use pheromone/calming sprays to help your feline relax. See more on this further below.

If you are going on a long journey, include breaks where your cat can go to the toilet, eat and drink water. Once you have stopped driving, you can put your cat carrier in a safe dog crate which will provide the space for a litter tray and bowls.

If it is a hot day, make sure the car is well ventilated, your cat carrier is in the shade and your cat is never left inside a hot car should you leave for a break.

Once you have arrived at your new home, identify a room where you can leave your cat with all their essentials. Make sure all windows and doors are closed to prevent them from escaping and consider putting a sign on the door to stop others from opening the door during the move. This will give them the chance to familiarise themselves with the house without being overwhelmed.

The move is over and you’re finally in your new home. But for your cat, the stress isn’t over yet. Here are a few ways you can help your little friend settle in.

The space you kept your cat ​in ​during the move? Keep it set up as their own safe spot, with the door open and their litter tray, food, water, scratch post and favourite blanket inside. It may also help to ​create​​ ​ a cosy hidey hole where they can retreat to whenever they feel anxious. You can purchase hidey holes online or make one yourself using an empty box and a blanket/your jumper.

It may be best to keep your cat in one room while you unpack and move furniture around. Give them plenty of time to familiarise themselves with that room before gradually introducing them around their new home, one room at a time.

Consider using pheromone sprays or diffusers. These emit synthetic cat pheromones which can create a calming environment for your feline. Discuss with your vet which brand to use. For diffusers, I recommend using them for the first three months in your new home.

Keep watch of your cat’s behaviour during this period. Signs that suggest anxiety include excessive grooming, changes in appetite or peeing outside of the litter tray. Make sure you are finding moments to give your cat plenty of attention and care. If you are concerned, seek advice from your vet.

​​Outdoor cats need to stay inside the house for at least two weeks before they are let outside in their new environment (longer for particularly anxious cats). This will give your cat time to properly settle into their new surroundings and begin to see the new house as their home.

Choose a day when you are home and can supervise as they venture outside. Start by opening the door before you feed them breakfast in the morning. Leave the door wide open and let them take their time. You may need to accompany them into your garden. Once they return home, reward them with food/treats.

Remember, if they are coming into a new neighbourhood, there are likely to be other cats around with an existing working relationship/hierarchy, so it can take some time for this to settle. It is not uncommon for cats to fight over territory when new cats move to the area.

As your cat gets their bearings, make sure you keep them feeling safe and secure by establishing the below.

Keeping up with their regular routine will help reassure your cat that all is well. This includes consistent feeding times, play sessions and grooming.

Make sure that your home also feels like their home by placing their favourite blanket, toys and scratch posts around for their use.

It’s going to take time for your cat to become accustomed to their new surroundings. Allow them to move at their own pace. If they want to hide under your bed some days, let them. It’s all about taking it slow and steady.

Moving with a feline friend requires careful preparation and consideration. It’s as much a big change for them as it is for you. But by following these tips for moving house with a cat, your little one should begin to feel at home. Remember to provide plenty of love throughout the process. And as for you - enjoy your new home!

The information in this article is intended as a guide to help pets and pet parents on their journey together. It is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for professional advice from a vet, behaviourist, trainer or other professional. We encourage all pet parents to consult with their vet and/or behaviourist to ensure their pet’s specific needs are met.

Published on 28/04/2025