Relocating? Don't Forget the Cat!
According to a recent article in the Kansas City Star, a frightened cat hid in the box springs of a bed and was accidentally "packed" on moving day. Twenty-one days later the box was unpacked and the missing cat was found. Fortunately, this cat survived, but not all cherished family pets would be so lucky.This cat's reaction to the frenzy of moving day was quite normal and predictable. Cats are territorial by nature. A cat's "home" is just as important to its security as their owners are.Like Garfield, some cats would prefer to change owners rather than change homes. Change in the cat's surroundings, removal of familiar furniture and the influx of strangers into the home causes a cat to become disoriented and stressed.
Here is a few tips to make moving your cat plesant and safe.
First make sure that your cat is healthy and that all vaccinations are current prior to the move. Most states require proof of vaccination for rabies and a health certificate. Also get your cat's nails trimmed. Afrightened cat's claws can become dangerous weapons. While at the veterinarian's office, discuss the need to use a mild tranquilizer or anti-anxiety medication during the trip and have your cat checked for fleas and ticks. You don't want to move these to your new home. Be sure to collect your cat's health records to pass along to your new veterinarian.
Finally, purchase a collar without a breakaway feature and a leash for your cat's travel. Cats can jump out of your arms in a heartbeat. Also, order a tag with your new address so that you can be easily contacted if your cat gets lost or runs away during the trip. The easiest way to "move" your cat is in a kennel or crate. If your're traveling by plane, you will need a metal one.
On moving day, place your cat in the kennel and move it to a room that will have very little activity, like a bathroom. Place the cat's favorite play things, a blanket, some food and a small amount of water in the kennel. Bring some water from your old home with you. some cats are very picky about the water they drink and will adjust easier if they don't have to drink "different" water for a few days. If your destination city is several days away, identify some pet-friendly motels in advance. Travel guides list motels that accept pets. Lodging for pets is limited though so call ahead.
When you arrive in your new home and movers have left, slowly introduce your cat to its new environment. Do this by placing your cat, the litter pan and food in a small room, like the bathroom first. Allow your cat to stay in the room for at least 24 hours to adjust to the smells and noises of the new home. Then check your whole house for small openings that your cat might get caught in and trapped. One relocating family's cat found a hole under a whirlpool tub that was not enclosed properly and the cat crawled between the first and second floors of the two story home. Needless to say, this was not an easy problem to fix. The frightened cat finally came out after several days.
Your cat may exhibit some unusual behavior after the move. Some meow very loudly as if to say, "take me home". Like dogs, cats may also want to establish the new home as "their" territory. They can "mark" by spraying urine. Check your cat's litter box. If it is rarely used, you can be sure that they are urinating somewhere. Look for signes, the sooner you catch the stress-induced behavior, the easier it will be to correct. consult your veterinarian for help with this problem. If your cat is an "outdoor" cat, you may want to keep it inside for at least a month so that it will accept its new home. Teaching your cat to come to you when you call is important to do before the big move. if your cat does run away, immediately identify the owners of your old home because the cat will most likely head there.
Remember your pet is part of the family and deserves to love their new home as much as you do, patience and planning will make this possible.
