If you’re moving to Aspen with a cat, you may already know it could be stressful. But fortunately, this guide covers what you need to know to make it easier.
How to Prep Your Cat for a Move
Check out these tips to help prepare your cat for your upcoming move:
- Get your cat used to their carrier
- Pack your cat’s essentials last
- Keep your cat confined to one room on moving day
- Provide plenty of food and water (and extra pets)
- Keep your cat calm during the move
- Unpack your cat in their new home
- Help your cat adjust to their new surroundings
Here’s a closer look at each.
Tip #1 for Moving With a Cat: Get Your Cat Used to Their Carrier
Your cat’s carrier will be their sanctuary during the move – a safe space where they can feel comfortable and protected. It’s incredibly important to get your cat used to their carrier long before moving day.
If your cat has never been in a carrier, start by placing it in an area where they spend a lot of time, like their favorite sunny spot or sleeping area. Let them sniff around and explore it at their own pace. Once they’re comfortable, try offering treats or a favorite toy inside the carrier to entice them to go in.
If your cat still seems resistant, try placing their food bowl inside the carrier so they have to go in to eat. With time and patience, your cat should become more comfortable with their carrier and be less stressed on moving day.
Tip #2 for Moving With a Cat: Pack Your Cat’s Essentials Last
Packing up your home can be overwhelming, but it’s important to save your cat’s essentials for last. This includes food, water, toys, litter, and anything else they need to feel comfortable.
Pack these items in an accessible spot and put them in the car first on moving day, so you can set them up in your new home right away. This will help your cat feel more at ease in their new surroundings and make the transition smoother for everyone.
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Tip #3 for Moving With a Cat: Keep Your Cat Confined to One Room on Moving Day
On moving day, it’s best to confine your cat to one room – preferably with their carrier, food, water, litter box, and toys – so they don’t get overwhelmed or lost in the chaos. This will help reduce their stress and make the move less overwhelming for them.
Tip #4 for Moving With a Cat: Provide Plenty of Food and Water (and Extra Pets)
Make sure your cat has plenty of food and water on hand, as well as a litter box. It’s also a good idea to pack extra food and water in case of delays.
If you have multiple cats, it’s best to move them in separate carriers so they can each have their own space. This will help reduce stress and make the trip more comfortable for everyone.
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Tip #5 for Moving With a Cat: Keep Your Cat Calm During the Move
Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s important to keep them calm during the move. There are a few things you can do to help with this:
- Pack their carrier with familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket
- Play calming music to help them relax
- Talk to them in a calm, soothing voice
- Offer them treats during the drive
These simple tips can go a long way in helping your cat stay calm during the move.
Tip #6 for Moving With a Cat: Unpack Your Cat in Their New Home
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, it’s time to unpack your cat. If possible, set up their carrier in a quiet room where they can feel safe and secure. Then, slowly open the door and let them come out at their own pace.
If your cat is resistant to coming out of their carrier, try tempting them with food or a favorite toy. Once they’re out, give them time to explore their new surroundings at their own pace.
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Tip #7 for Moving With a Cat: Help Your Cat Adjust to Their New Surroundings
It’s important to give your cat time to adjust to their new surroundings. This includes getting them used to the new layout of your home, as well as any new pets or people in the household.
Here are a few things you can do to help your cat adjust:
- Create a safe space for them with their carrier, food, water, and litter box
- Let them explore their new home at their own pace
- Give them time to get used to any new pets or people in the household
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