The cat is an animal that clings to routine to feel safe and avoid everything that puts its he alth and well-being at risk. Unlike other domestic animals, the cat's routine is usually quite marked, since it is common to observe that it follows the same schedules for eating, sleeping, playing, hygiene or socialization. For this reason, sudden changes in the environment often cause a lot of stress in the cat, in addition to other negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety and insecurity. For the feline, the move is a very significant change
Therefore, if you are thinking of moving with your feline, it will be essential to understand that he will need his own time to adapt to the new house. Ideally, this transition should take place as a gradual process, and never suddenly and abruptly. In this way, it will be possible to favor the adaptationof your feline and make him feel comfortable and safe in his new home
Do you want to know how to move in with an adult cat? Then we invite you to continue reading this article on our site to discover some tips and very useful recommendations that will help you succeed in this process. Guaranteed!
Before a move with cats…
As we told you in the introduction, cats are animals that love routine, for this reason, sudden changes can easily cause stress and anxiety. Understanding this point is fundamental, because before starting with our tips for moving in with an adult cat, we want to remind you that as a responsible guardian, you must respect the adaptation times and do everything possible to promote change without it becoming a bad experience, which could quickly lead to trauma.
No animal, regardless of its age, gender or race, is capable of instantly adapting to a new reality or a new environment. Adaptation is, in itself, a process and each individual needs their own time to overcome it in a positive way.
Moving is a complex experience for cats, at any stage of their life. However, kittens or young cats are often more adaptable and flexible than adult cats. This does not mean that adult or elderly cats cannot experience a good move, however, they will need more patience and dedication on the part of their guardians.
8 tips for moving cats
Now that you know how cats can experience the move, you should know 8 practical tips to make their adaptation as positive as possible:
- Make the move a positive: Many people stress themselves when starting a move, however, this attitude directly impacts the feline, although it may not seem so. The first thing you should do so that your cat assimilates the move as something positive and goes through this process with peace of mind, is to take it on yourself in this way. If the idea or process of moving makes you nervous, anxious or stressed, your body language will express these negative feelings and this will not go unnoticed by your feline's powerful senses. Sensing your mood swings, your cat will probably be distrustful and will also assimilate the events around him in a negative way. So, our first advice for moving with an adult cat is to take the move, from the beginning, in a positive way, keeping calm and planning each stage so as not to have unforeseen events or accidents during the transition to the new home. Perceiving your calm and security, your cat will also feel calmer and safer to live this new experience.
- Pack your things little by little: lack of planning and rushing at the last minute are two factors that make moving something stressful not only for you, but also for your kitty. If you leave to pack your things in a day or two, in a huge hurry, you will probably feel stressed and end up physically and mentally exhausted. Furthermore, this last-minute rush means exposing your cat not only to a sudden change in her environment, but also to the stress and mistrust of observing your unusual "swinging", the accumulation of boxes around her and the "disappearance" of the elements of its environment. If you plan your move step by step and pack your things little by little, one box at a time, you will be smoothing out the changes in your cat's environment and helping him to assimilate this process gradually, with complete peace of mind.
- Provide a shelter for your cat during the "ups and downs" of the move: time to unload the boxes to take them to the new house it is a "swing" that is chaotic for your pussycat. The movements from here to there, the piling up of boxes, the entry of unknown people into their territory, the process of emptying the home… All this can generate a lot of stress in your cat, therefore, it is best to prepare a safe and calm shelter in a room, where your kitty can remain oblivious to the "swing" of the move and be calm enjoying his bed or his toys. You can also put some relaxing music in the environment or simply leave the television on so that the noises from outside do not disturb the tranquility of your feline. Another very useful tip is to leave a cardboard box available to your kitty in this safe room, with some toys, some treats and a blanket inside. In this way, your cat will also have a "second refuge" in case he perceives any strange movement or loud noise coming from the move.
- Pick up your cat's belongings at the last minute: While we recommend packing up your things and household items little by little, It is key to leave your cat's belongings until the last minute, when you have already accommodated it safely in its carrier and are ready to go to its new home. Thus, we prevent the pussycat from feeling nervous or anxious when identifying a sudden change in his environment. The carrier is a key element in the routine of a domestic cat, since it allows you to transport it safely, whether to take it to the vet, move or go on a trip with your kitten. Therefore, it is essential that your cat gets used to staying calm in his carrier and staying calm while traveling in a vehicle. At AnimalWised, we offer you some recommendations for traveling by car with your cat and getting him used to his carrier correctly.
- Always carry your cat with you, in total comfort and safety: after making sure your cat is calm in his carrier and collecting all your things, it's time to go to the new house. Throughout the journey, it is essential that your cat travels with you, with the necessary comfort and safety. Your cat should not go next to the boxes or feel imprisoned in a moving truck. Always take him with you, transmitting your tranquility and affection, and make sure that he feels comfortable and safe throughout the trip.
- Let it go when everything is ready: When you arrive at the new house, you must repeat the safe haven strategy, which you adopted to make the outward move. Make sure you prepare a safe and clean room for your kitty, where he finds his bed, his toys and accessories, his feeder and drinker, and the other elements that made up his safe haven before leaving his old home. You can also leave the same cardboard box, with its toys, treats and blanket inside so that it has a "second coat" from the "chaos" of moving. In this way, you soften the feeling of arriving in a totally strange place, presenting it in a similar way to its familiar and homey atmosphere of the old home. While you arrange the boxes and finish the process of arrival at the new house, let your kitty feel safe in his shelter. When the "swing" of the move is over and tranquility reigns again in your new home, you can release your cat, after verifying that the environment is totally safe and positive for him.
- Give him freedom and time to explore his new home: again, we remind you of the importance of giving your kitten time and freedom to explore his new house, following his own instincts. In addition to ensuring the safety and hygiene of the new home, it will be essential to offer it an enriched environment that stimulates its natural curiosity and allows it not only to entertain itself, but also to develop its cognitive, emotional and social capacities.
- Spend time with your cat in the new home: While all of the above tips are very helpful when moving with a cat As an adult, the key aspect for a kitten to feel comfortable, safe and welcome in his new home is the affection and dedication of his guardian. For this reason, always remember to dedicate a special time of your day to playing with your cat in the new house, preparing an exquisite homemade meal or simply enjoying his company while he sleeps next to you on the sofa. Love is the most powerful "ingredient" to transform a property into a true home.
How long does it take for an adult cat to adjust to a new home?
Wonder how long it takes for a cat to adjust to its new home? The time is variable and will depend on your own personality and the environment offered by your tutors. You must be patient and respect that your feline takes his own time to feel safe and start wanting to explore his new home. Remember that Forcing a cat to do something against its will is Totally counterproductive to their adaptation, he alth and education.
Without a doubt, it is totally natural for a feline to be more shy, confused and even a little fearful when they have just arrived in an unknown environment and encounter all the new stimuli in this environment. Therefore, it is possible that he prefers to be hidden the first few days, or he may be more reserved regarding his behavior in the old home
However, in addition to respecting it, you can help your cat in many ways. First, by providing a positive, comfortable and calm environment, where your feline feels safe to express himself freely and explore his new environment. Balanced nutrition and essential he alth care will also be key to guaranteeing your well-being and optimal development, before, during and after a move.
In general, cats can take from a few weeks to several months to adapt to a new home. If you need to know more, continue on our site to find out the best tips for the first days of a cat at home, which will help you to promote the adaptation of your cat after moving to the new home.
