How to move cross country and not lose your cat

Last year we blogged about how to move with Fido in tow. Now it’s the turn of his arch-nemesis. Here’s how to not only move with a cat in the car, but how to move cross country.

1. Before you go – Make sure your cat’s tag and microchip is updated

Before you make the move, make sure you have a new tag to pop onto your cat’s collar, and don’t forget to update your details with the microchip company. Though this sounds obvious, it’s reported that two out of three stray cats have a microchip with old details associated. Finally, it’s worthwhile letting your vet know that you’ve moved, just in case, and while you’re there, you may want to ask them whether they’d recommend any anti-anxiety medication for the journey.

2. Split your journey up and book a cat-friendly B and B

Car travel can be tough on kitty, so try to split the journey over two days where possible. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy website features a long list of hotels and B and B’s in the UK that will be happy to accept your furry friend. And remember, she should only have a light breakfast on days of travel (anything more and you could be running the risk of a cat-vomit covered car).

3. Prepare your cat for travel by making her comfortable with her carrier

Introduce your cat to the carrier by leaving the door open and placing her bed, blankets and treats inside. In the run up to the move, start serving her meals in there, and place a blanket over the top of the carrier to give it an appearance of a cosy hideaway. As she starts to use the crate herself, give her affection and treats in reward for doing so.

4. Remove the mystery of moving boxes

From your cat’s perspective, seeing piles upon piles of moving boxes can be intimidating, especially with all the other changes going on around the home. You can minimise this by showing your cat empty boxes and encouraging her to explore them by leaving treats inside.

5. Once you arrive, create a cat-safe room

Banging, moving boxes, open doors, new surroundings – your new home on move day will seem hectic for your cat, so create a cat-safe room in which to place her water, food and bed.

6. Once everything is more organised, allow your cat to roam around her new home

Remember to leave numerous litter boxes around the house, especially if your home is split over multiple stories.

Before letting her out, you should also place her scent around the house. You can do this by placing a sock over your hand and touching her cheek. This transfers pheromones, which can then be rubbed onto furniture at cat-level. Effectively this ‘marks her territory’, and makes this her home.

You can help ease the nerves of your cat as they find their way around by hiding treats around the home, as well as their favourite toys.

7. Don’t let your cat outside for two weeks (minimum)

Your cat will need two weeks to get used to their new home, letting her out before this time can result in her getting lost as she sets off in search for her new home.

So that’s Poppy, Oscar and Simba sorted – now for the small matter of your non-feline belongings. For a fast, efficient and problem-free national home removal service, choose Van Man York. Ready for your removals quote? Use our two-minute quote form. Alternatively, you can call Ralph, owner of Van Man York (and master mover!) on 07931 849 112, or email on 01904 375 995 | admin@vanmanyork.co.uk.