Moving House with Cats: A Stress-Free Plan

Quick answer: keep routines normal while you pack, put your cat in one closed room with her things on moving day, move her last, start her in a single room at the new place, and keep her indoors for a few weeks. Update her microchip and ID tag before you go.

Two weeks before

• Get her used to the carrier (leave it open with treats inside).
• Update microchip details and order a new ID tag collar with your new address.
• Bring out boxes early so they’re boring by moving day.
• Keep feeding and play times the same.

Moving day

1. Put her in a quiet room (bathroom is ideal) with litter, water, a bed and a sign on the door: “Cat inside. Keep closed.”
2. Pack that room last.
3. Move her in a secure carrier like the Foldable 3-Way Cat Carrier, in your car, not the truck.
4. Keep the car cool and never leave her in it parked.

At the new home

1. Set up one room first with her familiar things.
2. Let her explore one room at a time over several days.
3. Keep doors and windows closed; new homes have new escape routes.
4. Keep her indoors for at least a few weeks.
5. Put up her window perch early so she has a familiar favourite spot.

Signs she’s settling

Eating normally, using the litter box, exploring with a raised tail, and napping in the open. If she’s hiding and not eating for more than a day or two, call your vet.

Related: Travelling with a Cat in South Africa.