Moving Home Like The Starmers and JoJo and Prince? Here are some tips
If you're moving home with your cat, it's completely normal to feel concerned about how they'll cope with such a big change. Cats thrive on familiarity and routine, so moving can be stressful for them. With some preparation, however, you can help make the transition as smooth as possible.Before Moving Day: Create a Safe Room
On moving day, removal teams may be coming in and out of the house, with doors and windows frequently left open. This creates a risk of your cat escaping.
To keep them safe, set up a dedicated room well before moving day. Include all of your cat's essential resources, making sure they are spread out appropriately—after all, no one likes their food next to their toilet!
Provide:
Food and water bowls
Litter tray
Bed and hiding places
Toys and scratching post if possible
Place a clear sign on the door saying "Keep Out – Cat Inside" to prevent anyone accidentally opening the door.
Getting Your Cat Comfortable with Their Carrier
Depending on the size of your vehicle, a larger travel crate can be useful, allowing space for a bed, water and even a litter tray for longer journeys. Water bowls that attach to the side of the crate can help prevent spills.
Several weeks before moving day, leave the crate out in your home and encourage your cat to explore it. Feeding meals inside the crate with the door open can help create positive associations.
Having duplicate resources, such as extra beds, water bowls and litter trays, can make it easier to set up both the safe room and the travel crate without disrupting your cat's routine.
Helping Reduce Travel Stress
Some cats find travelling stressful. The following may help:
Spray bedding with Feliway® spray (a synthetic feline pheromone) approximately one hour before travel.
Speak to your vet about situational medications if your cat becomes particularly anxious during journeys.
Keep the car radio volume low to avoid startling your cat.
Bring spare blankets or towels in case of accidents.
Cover part of the crate with a blanket so your cat can choose whether to hide or look out.
During the Journey
Where possible:
Choose the shortest route to your new home.
Check for traffic delays before setting off.
Avoid roads with excessive speed bumps or rough surfaces that may make the journey less comfortable.
Settling Into Your New Home
Before bringing your cat into the main house, prepare another dedicated room with all of their resources spread out as before, doing this beforehand will be really helpful if possible. Labelling boxes containing your cat's belongings can make unpacking much easier.
Once the room is ready:
Place the carrier in the room.
Shut the door securely.
Open the carrier and allow your cat to come out in their own time.
Place a sign on the door to prevent anyone accidentally entering.
Giving your cat a quiet, secure space allows them to adjust gradually to their new surroundings before exploring the rest of the home.
Final Thoughts
Moving home can be a stressful experience for both people and cats, but careful planning can make a significant difference. By providing a safe space, preparing your cat for travel and allowing them time to settle into their new environment, you can help them feel more secure and comfortable throughout the move.