Crazy Cat Lady Chronicles: How to Move a Kitty to a New Home

Where are we?  I thinks we stays in box until you take us home. 

Cats are really silly animals that seem to see and perceive things that us humans miss, and they are very sensitive to all sorts of things. Moving is very hard for a kitty, and makes them very confused. When we move they have to find all new napping spots, locate new litter boxes, find more napping spots and figure out where to start marking the carpet with their claws. When indoor cats run away from their home they will hide in a very quiet and dark place, and barely move until they feel it is quiet enough to go back home.  Felines are very attached to their environments, so moving is high stress for a kitty.  

Us humans get stressed with moves as well, and sometimes we can be neglectful to make our kitties to feel as comfortable as possible. Moving takes a lot of energy, and sometimes we just don't have the time to accommodate our kittens. I am going to give you some tips on how to move a kitty, and these tips apply to other animals as well.

1)  When you are moving out of your home make sure you cat is in an isolated room with everything he/she needs.  Litter, food, toys and plenty of water. If you hire movers make sure they know not to open the door to the room, and put a sign outside of the door.

2) Before moving, if you get a chance, take kitty to new home.  Bring some catnip and treats to encourage her/him to explore. Make sure that all windows/door secure.  It will be very hard for your kitty to find way home to new house.  

3)  When moving your kitty make sure that they are in a transporter.  You should buckle in the crate, and make sure that the kitty is comfy as possible and secure in your vehicle. 

4) When moving in your stuff to your new home make sure that kitty has another isolated room to get used to. This will keep them out of the way. It is easier for a kitty to get used to one room at a time.  Make sure to take breaks from unpacking to give kitty affection and companionship.  

4) Once all your stuff is moved in, introduce kitty to each room, one at a time.  Let her see where all hiding spots are.  Give her plenty of affection and petting to let her know you love her.  Maybe even carry her around to show her these place are safe.  A lot of this will depend on your cat's personality.  If you have a more finicky/shy cat holding them will be better.  If you have a more bold/adventurous cat you may want to let them prowl around on their own.

5) If you are feeling lazy, think about all the times your animal was there for you without question.  You are the love of their lives, and that deserves to be respected with equal love at a time of kitty need!  Also, watching them explore can be very cute and fun!  They will crouch and roam around, bobbing their heads up and down.  You will actually miss their exploring phase once it is over.  

6) Be patient.  Kitties need a lot of time for adjustment, and will probably not be themselves for the next week or so.  Give them treats, snugs and hugs!