Cats are creatures or routine and territory, which means moving house in Sydney can be a challenge. The house is their territory, and you’re about to dismantle it completely while they watch in confusion.
But it’s not the disaster most people expect. With some planning and an understanding of how to work with your cat’s instincts instead of against them, your move can go smoothly. Even skittish cats can handle moves if you set things up right. Here’s how to prepare to move house with a cat in Sydney.
Pack Slowly Over Time
Cats get upset and stressed by any changes to their routine and environment. So the best thing to do is pack your home gradually over days or, better yet, weeks to reduce the shock of it all.
Leave the cat’s bedding, bowls and toys until the last minute. Some cats will investigate boxes and climb into them. That’s fine. A cat treating moving boxes like a toy is handling things better than a cat who’s hiding under the bed monitoring every change you make.
Get The Cats Used to the Carrier
If your cat only sees their carrier or carry cage when they’re going to the vet, moving day will be a nightmare. The carrier means bad things are about to happen, and they’ll fight it.
Leave the carrier out in the cat’s area with the door open for at least a few days before the move. Put a towel in it, toss treats inside, and let them sleep in it if they want. They should start seeing it as just another piece of furniture, not a prison.
On Moving Day
On moving day, it’s best to either leave your cat with someone they know or keep your cat in the last room to be moved. Put them in here before any removalists arrive or any furniture is removed. A cat loose in a house full of strangers, chaos, and open doors will either hide or bolt outside.
Place a sign on the door that says “CAT INSIDE – DO NOT OPEN” so your Sydney removalists know the door is not to be opened. Make sure your cat has their carrier, food, water, litter tray, and something that smells like you in there with them.
Set Up Your New House With Them in Mind
When you arrive at the new place, don’t let the cat out into the whole house straight away. Set up one room with their stuff and keep them in there until all packing is done and the removalists have left.
They may want to stay there for longer if they’re anxious, and that’s okay. Leave them with familiar toys, blankets and bowls to make them feel a bit more secure. Let them own that space first, then gradually open up the rest of the house over the next few days.
Accept It If They Act Weird
Some cats hide for three days. Some cats won’t eat. Some become extremely vocal. Some suddenly become needy and follow you everywhere. All of this is normal.
However, if they refuse food for more than 48 hours, or stop using the litter tray at all, call a vet. Stress can trigger urinary issues in cats, and a cat who won’t eat can develop serious liver problems within days.
Most cats settle within a week or two, but a few take longer. Let them come to you when they’re ready.
Keep Them Inside Longer Than Feels Necessary
If your cat normally goes outside, it’s best to keep them inside for at least a month before letting them explore outside of the new place.
A cat let outside too soon will try to return to their old territory. They don’t know the new address is home yet. People lose cats this way every year.
When you do start letting them out, do it before a mealtime so they’re motivated to come back in. Supervise them the first few times and only allow them out for a short time.
Small Things That Will Help
Feliway diffusers as well as calming treats might help and are worth a try. Some cats respond well to these, but others don’t.
What definitely does help is routine:
- Feed them at the same times you always did.
- Place their familiar food bowls and litter trays in the same rooms you kept them in your old place.
- Play with them at the same time of the day.
Keep as much the same as possible while everything else is different.
Moving house with a cat takes some effort, but most cats adapt faster than people give them credit for. They might hide for a few days or act clingy for a week, but once they’ve scent-marked the new place and figured out where the good napping spots are, they settle in.
Help them claim the new territory by giving them time, routine, and patience. Within a few weeks, most cats act like they’ve lived there forever.