Moving House With a Cat
14th February 2025
Concerned that your feline friend might not cope with moving house? There are things you can do to ease their fears and make the transition into a new home as purr-fect as possible.
Cats can get anxious when you pull them out of familiar territory and take them somewhere new and unfamiliar. Knowing that they are creatures of habit, what can you do to make your cat more comfortable when you move house? How can you minimise their stress levels and help them settle into their new home?
Here, we look at tips for easing the transition so that your feline friend will be purring with contentment in no time.
Preparing your cat before the move
As the boxes start to pile up (along with your stress levels), most cats will sense that things are changing. Give them plenty of cuddles and reassurance and keep an eye on their wellbeing. Disinterest in food or more toileting accidents around the home may be signs that they are distressed.
To help your cat feel more comfortable:
- Maintain a consistent routine: Stick to regular feeding times and play sessions.
- Introduce a cat carrier: Pop an old towel or t-shirt with a familiar scent in it, so your cat feels comfortable inside, especially if you are moving a fair distance and will be in the car for a while.
- Consider temporary relocation: Some people decide to take their cat to a cattery or trusted friend as their move approaches, feeling that this option may be less stressful than watching a house they know and feel safe in get packed up around them.
Looking after your cat during a move
On moving day, consider keeping your cat in a quiet room with some familiar items to minimise their stress. Make sure they have food, water, and a litter box easily accessible. This will help them stay calm while the chaos of moving unfolds outside their safe space.
To help your cat stay calm and comfortable during the move:
- Secure the cat carrier: Ensure it is comfortable with a familiar-scented item inside.
- Provide familiar items: Keep their bed, toys, and blankets around to give them a sense of security.
- Use a soothing voice: Talk to your cat during the journey to keep them calm.
- Enlist help: If possible, have a friend or family member look after your cat during the move.
Not a customer? Join Red Energy today.
When you arrive at the new home with your cat
Patience is key when you introduce your cat to a new home. It takes time for them to adjust, and if you rush things, there is the risk that your cat will run away or develop unwanted behaviours.
Here are some steps you can take to ease the transition for your cat:
- Set up a ‘safe room’ before your cat arrives: Choose one room in your house to be their safe space for the first few days. This gives your cat a small area to settle into before exploring the whole house. Make sure it’s well-ventilated and equipped with all the essentials – food, water, a litter tray or two, and a scratching post.
- Try to arrive after removalists have left: Ideally, arrive at your new home when it’s relatively quiet. You don’t want strangers stomping around scaring your cat!
- Take your cat straight to the ‘safe room’: Let your cat explore this new environment at their own pace. They might feel scared and want to hide somewhere (under a box, in a cupboard, etc.). If they do hide, let them stay there until they feel ready to come out.
- After a few days, let them explore indoors: You’ll know it’s time to let your cat out of the safe room when they are comfortably approaching you. Let them explore their new territory at their own pace.
- Got an outdoor cat? Take it slow: How long should you keep a cat inside after moving house? Start by settling them into the safe room. Once they seem comfortable indoors, you can slowly introduce them to the outside. Supervise their first few outdoor adventures to prevent them from getting lost or running away.
Signs that your cat is still unsettled
Moving house with a cat can be stressful. They might show some uncharacteristic behaviours before, during or after the move. If these behaviors persist or if your cat seems highly stressed, it might be time for a quick trip to your local vet to discuss their wellbeing:
- Door-barging, which is when a cat pushes past you to get through a door first
- Clawing at doors and windows
- Toileting accidents
- Hiding all of the time
The final word
Be patient when introducing your cat to a new environment. It will take them a while to settle in – but if you expose them gradually to their new home, it will be a lot less stressful for all involved.
Join Red today
We’ve been powering what matters to Australians since 2004. Switch or move with Red today.
-
About Red Energy
Red Energy is 100% owned by Snowy Hydro Limited, who own, manage, and maintain the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme in New South Wales. Our Customer Solutions team is 100% based in Australia.