When we first learned that we 'd be moving our two cats, Andy and Fiona, from Wyoming to Washington, we knew we were in for a wild ride. Getting her to prosper in a dog crate in the cabin of a moving truck was going to be a difficulty.
Traveling with felines is no simple task. They're delicate animals with a fondness for regular, and they have a propensity to 'hole up' if required out of their comfort zones. Remember: when moving cross country, your pets' primary sense of stability will originate from one location: you.
Feeling some stress and anxiety about the entire thing? Here are nine expert tips that will help smooth the process, both for you and for your felines.
Before the Move
1. Keep their regimens, as long as possible.
In the midst of packaging moving boxes, resolving lists and handling that huge move spending plan, it can be easy to let seemingly unimportant things like scooping the litter box every day fall by the wayside. Don't let it happen!
Cats depend on consistent routines to make sense of the world around them. The last thing you want to do is let on to the major upset that's coming around the corner.
2. Provide consistent levels of affection.
Maintaining routine is about much more than keeping feeding schedules. It's also important that you continue providing lots of love and affection in the midst of the pre-move hustle.
Set aside meaningful playtime, chat with them like you would in normal life and make sure they're getting all the cuddles their used to. They will be grateful for the assurance that you're still there for them.
3. Make a vet visit.
If you're moving your cat across the country, it's important that you go to the vet before you go. In particular, you'll wish to ensure that:
Your cats are up to date on all vaccinations and, if they're on medication, that you have a refill or more convenient.
You have copies of your family pet's medical records (consisting of an immunization passport). This will assist when it comes time to sign up with a brand-new vet upon arrival.
You ask your vet about possible cat anti-anxiety medication. While I do not advise this for every single family pet, if you believe they will be too scared to cope on the journey, this may be sensible.
During the Move
4. Stay calm and gathered.
Your existence brings with it feelings of security and stability, even in the middle of a stressful relocation. As you make the drive, concentrate on keeping yourself calm and gathered so as not to pass any sensations of anxiety on to your cats.
I advise downloading relaxing music or podcasts ahead of time if it assists you remain relaxed. You'll both be grateful for this!
5. Communicate with them.
Whether your cats are communicative or not, it's a fantastic idea to talk with them in a soothing manner. They may not get the nuances, but explaining what's going on, assuring them with a soft voice and assisting them understand that you acknowledge their distress can be truly handy.
6. Offer them breaks occasionally.
When we started the 1,000 mile plus drive to Washington, all we wished to do was go, go, go. Our cats, however, needed to be able to keep rate.
We took purposeful breaks every couple of hours to let them drink and stretch water outside their crates, making sure to obstruct off any possible escape paths in the automobile first (this is key!) and kept a small travel bin of toys and deals with convenient.
Keep in mind: Tension may cause your cats to end up being less than thinking about food or utilizing the litter box. Don't stress it. They'll get there in their own time.
After the Move
7. Re-establish "regular" as quickly as possible.
When you reach your destination, take them to a designated room that has been protected and completely outfitted more info with all their essentials like food, water, litter tray and toys.
Do not let them run loose in the new home up until they have actually had some time to adjust! You are most likely to be not familiar with the location, and the last thing you want to be doing is trying to lure your feline out of a remote hiding area you never knew existed.
8. Reward etiquette.
As soon as you feel that your feline has had enough time to relax down, use the potty and consume, and adapt to brand-new smells, take them on a tour of the rest of the house. Interact often, show them around, and reward their interest and calm with treats!
9. Give them time to change.
Preferably, your feline will alleviate into his/her new living situation without problem. Provide lots of time to adjust, devoting as much quality time to them as possible, and keep your eyes peeled for any indication of anxiety.
Need to be away from house for a duration of time while you get settled? Consider hiring a family pet caretaker on a hourly basis to ease the separation! They'll provide affection and care while you're away, increasing the sense of stability that your family pet so frantically needs at the close of the move.