Moving with a Cat? The Cozy Comfort Carrier Can Help!

Moving into a new home is stressful. But moving cats to a new home is another story. Because on top of the planning, packing, and other moving chaos, you also want to ensure the transition is smooth for your feline. Cats are averse to change – and will make sure you know it. Meowing, messes, increased aggression, and even attempts at escape are common during and after the new move. While some choose to place their kitties in boarding hotels, this option isn’t for everyone. Minimize your moving stress – and theirs – with these tips for moving with cats from Cat-in-the-Bag!

Comfort Your Cat with the Cozy Comfort Carrier

Whether you’re moving to a new state with a cat or a few towns over, you’ll need a great cat carrier! This is especially important if you’ll be traveling by car. Your carrier keeps your kitty secure during the car ride and helps prevent any escape attempts. You want a carrier that’ll be comfortable throughout the entire car ride, yet also provides much-needed security. The Cat-in-the-Bag Cozy Comfort Carrier is a comfortable and convenient option! Our soft cat carrier is roomy enough for them to sit and turn comfortably, comes with a seat-belt pass-through loop for secure car rides, and is snag- and scratch-resistant for added durability. The cat pouch carrier also features a heads-free design, which is perfect for timid cats and kitties with a fear of confinement. Worried about accidents when moving with a cat by car? Pair our Acci-Don’ts cat carrier liners with your cat purse carrier to keep your cat and your car dry!

Flying? Plan Ahead

Flying with your feline can be extra stressful. You’ll want to plan well in advance to not only reduce your anxiety, but reduce the risk of any travel-related issues. Make moving with cats simpler with these tips:

• Visit Your Veterinarian – Gather any documents you’ll need, such as a health certificate or vaccination records.
• Book the Right Flight – Make sure you book a flight with an airline that allows your cat to fly in the cabin with you instead of in the cargo hold. You should also try to book a direct flight. This will help minimize unnecessary stress and anxiety when moving with a cat.
• Check Airline Requirements – Many airlines have specific cat carrier requirements. Avoid any surprises in the airport by checking them before your flight and ensuring you have a comfortable, lightweight cat carrier.
• Exercise Your Cat – Indulge in playtime before your flight to tire them out and release any excess energy.

Grab the Travel Essentials

Cats traveling in cars need their essential supplies for a smooth ride. It may help to make a checklist of essentials, including:

• Food and water
• Toys and/or blankets to provide comfort
• Travel bowls
• Travel litter box and litter
• Vet paperwork/documents
• Optional: leash and harness for rest stop breaks

Update their Microchip

Moving cats to a new home means you’ll need updated microchips. This is a must before moving long distance with a cat! If your cat gets lost along the way, it’ll help someone reach you.

Give them Time to Settle

It’s completely normal for your cat to be nervous and anxious once you’ve arrived in your new home. They may hide under furniture, meow more frequently, over-groom, experience a decrease in playfulness, experience changes in appetite, or exhibit other behavioral changes. Again, this is all normal! Cats find change unsettling, so it may take them time to adjust to their new environment. Help them settle in by:

• Maintaining their Routine – After moving with a cat, maintain their usual feeding times and litter box cleaning schedule. Routines help provide familiarity, which is comforting to cats.
• Gradually Introducing the New Environment – Moving cats to a new home can be overwhelming, especially for older cats. Allow them to explore new rooms slowly over time.
• Providing a Safe Space – It may help to keep your kitty in a designated space surrounded by familiar scents and items like their bed, favorite blankets, and toys.
• Keeping them Indoors – This is one of the most important tips when moving with cats! Since it’s common for cats to attempt a return to their old home, you should keep them indoors for at least 2 weeks to get them used to their new home.

Take New Introductions Slow

Moving with a cat to a home with new roommates? Let your kitty take the lead, allowing them to approach and sniff your roommate when they’re ready. Your roommates should also be aware of sound sensitivity. Softer voices and slower movements will help ease moving cats to a new home. Introducing your cat to other animals requires a similar approach. Be patient and take things slowly after moving with a cat to this unfamiliar space. It may take weeks or even months for cats to become comfortable with their new companions. Keep them separate for at least a few days. You can gradually get them used to each other’s scent by swapping blankets or beds. After a week or so, you can allow visual introductions and let the new furriends spend time with one another.

Do Your Best to Stay Calm

Your cat is more attuned to your emotions than you may think! Try to remain as calm as possible when moving with a cat to minimize their stress. Treats, familiar items, and the Cat-in-the-Bag cat carrier can also help comfort your cat.

Moving Cats to a New Home

Every cat is different. Kittens often adapt to new environments quicker than adult cats and are generally open to exploring new spaces. You might also just have a naturally calm cat! But we suggest using these tips when moving with cats of all ages. Proper planning and preparation can not only reduce stress moving with a cat, but help you handle anything that comes your way!