Are you moving to a new home and wondering if you need to bring your cat with you? The answer is, it depends. If your cat is used to being an indoor-only pet, then she may not be ready to handle the change of having to go outside. Conversely, if your cat is accustomed to going outdoors and roams free in your current neighborhood, she may not take too kindly to being confined indoors again. Here are a few things you can do to help make the transition easier for both of you.
How to Make a Cat Feel Comfortable in a New Home
The key to helping your cat feel comfortable in a new home is to give them plenty of time to adjust.
Start by setting up their own space in a quiet room away from all the moving chaos. Include their bed, food and water bowls, litter box, and any toys or scratching posts they love.
Let them explore their new space at their own pace and don’t try to force them to come out and socialize until they’re ready.
As your cat starts to feel more comfortable in their own space, slowly start introducing them to the rest of the house.
Allow them to approach you and other family members on their own terms.
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Tips to Help an Outdoor Cat Adjust to Indoor Life
If your cat is used to going outdoors, there are a few things you can do to make the transition to indoor life easier for her.
- First, give her plenty of vertical space to climb. Cats love to be up high where they can survey their surroundings. Set up a cat tree or shelves near a window so she can watch the birds and squirrels outside.
- Second, provide lots of toys and puzzles to keep her mind challenged and engaged. Toys that mimic hunting and stalking behaviors, like wand toys with feathers or battery-operated toys that move around on the floor, are especially good at providing mental stimulation.
- Third, create hiding spots throughout your home where she can go to feel safe and secure. Cardboard boxes, covered cat beds, and pet tents are all great options.
Making the transition to a new home can be tough for anyone, including your cat. But by taking things slowly and giving them plenty of time to adjust, you can help make the process a little easier for both of you.
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Extra Tips
If you’re moving house and have a cat, it’s best to leave them at your old place until most of the move has occurred. Taking a cat home to a place where most of your items have already been settled will lessen the commotion for them.
This way, they can familiarize themselves with their new surroundings at their own pace and won’t be as stressed out by the move.
Of course, if it’s not possible to leave your cat behind during the move, just do your best to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible during the transition.
Give them plenty of love and attention, and try to keep their routine as normal as possible. With a little patience and care, your cat will soon adjust to their new home.
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GPS Tracking
If your cat likes to roam around outside, you may want to consider investing in a GPS tracking collar.
GPS collars are equipped with a small GPS device that uses satellite tracking to pinpoint your cat’s location. This can be helpful if your cat tends to disappear for hours or days at a time.
GPS collars typically come with a base station that you can use to track your cat’s location, and some models also include features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and activity monitoring.
GPS collars can be expensive, but they offer peace of mind and can help keep your beloved pet safe.
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Letting Your Cat Outside
For many cat owners, the thought of relocating their feline friend is a stressful proposition.
After all, cats who are used to spending time outdoors are not always thrilled about being confined to the indoors.
And there is always the fear that your cat will try and find their way back to their old neighborhood and get lost.
How to Let Your Cat Outside (Safely)
If you’re planning on letting your cat outside, there are a few things you need to do first:
1). Get your cat microchipped and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. This is important in case your cat gets lost or stolen.
2). Choose a safe area for your cat to roam. If possible, pick an enclosed space like a backyard or patio.
3). Introduce your cat to the outdoors gradually. Start by letting them out for short periods of time and gradually increase the amount of time they spend outside.
4). Make sure they have a safe place to come inside. Provide a cat door or window so they can get in and out of the house as they please.
5). Keep an eye on your cat at all times. Don’t let them out of your site, especially if they’re new to the outdoors.
6). Be prepared for the worst. If your cat does happen to get lost, make sure you have a recent photo and their microchip information on hand so you can quickly start searching for them.
Moving to a new home is stressful enough without having to worry about your cat getting lost or hurt in the process.
But by following these simple tips, you can help ensure a smooth transition for both you and your furry friend.
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