Up Rooting Your Cat's Home

Moving can be a traumatic undertaking, not only for your family, but for your feline friends as well. If you are anticipating a move in the not so distant future, there are a number of things that you should consider in order to make sure that your cat’s health is not compromised. Remember to think about your furry friends when making your plans.

On the day of the move, it is a good idea to confine your cat to a single room or have a neighbor watch him/her for the day. Movers are busy and very often carrying very bulky items, and have no time to watch out for your cat.

Your curious kitty could also climb into the moving van or a box and get packed away! What a disaster! If your cat usually stays inside, the open doors are also a worry, since it is easy for a pet to bolt out the door. Many a cat has been left behind because he/she couldn't be found when time to leave.

About a month before you move, have your cat wear his or her collar full-time, even if he/she  does  not normally wear it. All of his or her information should be updated and the tags should reflect your new address.

When cats are confused, they often run. A cat in a new neighborhood may not be able to find his or her way back to their new home very easily. If your cat needs certain medication, this can be very dangerous. By having your pet wear a collar at all times, at least until he or she gets used to the new location, you can make sure that your precious family member  is returned home if lost.

While en route, don’t forget to make special accommodations for your cat. A well ventilated cat carrier is a necessity If the trip will be more than a few hours, you’ll also need to carry food, water, and a litter box for him/her.

Cats that are not used to riding in cars may get sick, so talk to your vet about ways to prevent this. You can also cover the carrier with a blanket to provide a bit of extra security for a stressed-out kitty when you’re in heavy or  loud traffic.

After you arrive, you’ll need to find a vet in your new neighborhood. This should be a top priority. Also, talk with your current vet about having your cat’s medical records transferred to a new location, or collect them from your vet and take them with you when you leave. 

If your cat is acting strangely at all, do not hesitate to call your vet for more suggestions about moving him.