Spring is the time of year when people move and when some people report lost pets as a result. Moving to a new home is one of the most stressful times in both people’s and pets’ lives, and most cats do not like change: moving a piece of furniture is enough to upset some cats, let alone moving to a completely new home. Please think of your pets during this time of turmoil. Following are a few helpful tips for before, during and after the big move.
Before:
Give your cat plenty of attention and love during the packing period and keep its belongings unpacked for as long as possible, ideally until the day of the move. Now is a good time to get your cat permanent identification with a microchip for optimum traceability.
Moving Day:
Keeping your cat in a secure spot is vital. Doors to your old and new homes will be left open for the movers. You may consider boarding your cat for the day at your veterinarian clinic or at least keeping it with all of its belongings secured in a room in the home you are moving from. This room will be the last to be moved. Similarly, the first thing you should do at the new home is move your cat first with all of its belongings into another, secured room. Neither room will be accessed by the movers.
Post-Move:
It takes awhile for both humans and pets to settle into a new home. Consider a “starter” room for your cat. This gives the cat a smaller space to feel comfortable in before it discovers the rest of the new home. Your pet will tell you when it is ready for exploring.
MEOW does not advocate cats as outdoor pets, but if yours does go outside, please do not let it outside for quite some time. Your cat doesn’t know its new home or where he is. Many cats are lost forever because of an escape during a move.
Lastly, please remember to update your pet’s tattoo or microchip information to reflect your new address. If your pet is lost from your new home, its life will depend on this information being accurate.
