Many people are finding it difficult to adjust after moving from one residence to another, transition takes time no doubt about it. If humans are having hard time readjusting to their new home, what’s to say about cats?
Indoor felines are really problematic when having to move. During most removals, cats will act weird, even aggressive, they will be anxious, stressed and uncooperative. There is the odd chance that your cat will be scared stupid and will appear totally shocked and in stupor, but that is not too likely.
Man and van removal people know their job alright, but below you will find a few tips and bits of advice that even professional man and van removal don’t know, well not of them anyway. So, here is how to make moving places less of an ordeal for your feline family members:
- First up – breaking the habit (or creating a new one – same difference). A few days before the removal, put your cat’s food, food bowl, water dish, litterbox and all its toys like scratching and climbing posts inside a room with a door that closes shut. By doing this you are supposed to condition and accustom the animal to being in that room with the door closed. The purpose behind the exercise is to keep the cat inside that room on moving day while all the commotion is going on outside, without the cat climbing the walls with stress and frustration – hopefully! Remember to leave the door ajar in the days leading up to the removal – the cat needs to go in and out as it pleases.
- Prevent visual and physical contact between the man and van removal people and your cat on moving day i.e. keep the door to the room shut tight all along. Obviously you cannot prevent aural contact between the two parties – unless the cat is deaf of course. The idea is that your cat will not see strangers removing familiar looking and smelling items like furniture etc. – what they don’t know won’t hurt them, right.
- Instruct the movers not to open the door or enter the room where the cat is at. If necessary, stick a note on the door – ‘Beware of vicious dog’ sign also works, don’t know if the movers will appreciate it though.
- Next in line – bribery, no not the movers – the cat. Once everything is packed and loaded, enter the room alone and entice the cat with treats. The idea is to put the animal inside the carrier with the least amount of stress and fuss.
- Make sure to collect all cat toys and belongings, it is best to transport those using your own car as you can unpack them right away after arrival thus lessening the stress for the animal. Familiar toys in an unfamiliar environment should count for something, right Cat?!
- During travel, ensure the pet carrier is safe and secured. Don’t stick in the boot, your cat will likely be horrified from the experience. Your pet should travel in the passenger cabin of your vehicle. It is essential to strap the carrier tightly as bumps and bangs will not hurt the animal but will scare it do death and frustrate it quite badly.