Moving house with a cat
Cats are definitely creatures of habit. Their home environment, including all the familiar smells, routines and landmarks, form part of their sense of security. So, when you move home, you’re disrupting everything they rely on. Add in all the sudden noises of a move, such as doors opening and closing, strangers moving furniture etc, and it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety.
The good news though is that by thinking ahead, you give your cat a chance to adjust, retain a sense of control, and gradually accept the new territory.
How to move a cat to a new home
Here’s a step-by-step approach to moving home with a cat, plus some typical issues you might encounter and how to deal with them.
Prepare before the move
- 1
Acclimatise your cat to being in a carrier
If they’re not used to one, leave the carrier open at home with bedding and treats inside.
- 2
Arrange a “safe room”
For both the old and new home. This is one quiet room where your cat can be kept safely, undisturbed, while the move is going on.
- 3
Choose a calm room
In the new house, choose a calm room (ideally a spare room) as a base for the first few days. This room shouldn’t be too busy or have access to a cat flap yet.
- 4
Bring familiar items
Such as cat beds, favourite toys, blankets, scratching post, food and water bowls, litter tray, etc. If possible, include something that smells of you or the old home (e.g. an unwashed item of clothing) to help carry your scent through the move.
- 5
Consider using a pheromone diffuser or spray
Use this in the safe room before arrival to help your cat feel calm. Natural alternatives are also available (provided they are verified as safe for cats and used with a vet's guidance.)
- 6
Update their microchip and ID information to your new address
So that if your cat goes astray, you’re easier to contact. It’s also recommended to register with a new vet as soon as possible if you have moved to a new area.
On moving day/during transport
- 1
Put your cat in the safe room well before any moving vans arrive.
Remember to check that the doors and windows are shut so they can’t run away.
- 2
Travel in a secure, comfortable cat carrier.
If your cat is particularly nervous, you may want to spray or wipe it with a pheromone product ahead of time.
- 3
Avoid feeding immediately before travel
If your cat tends to get motion sickness.
- 4
Keep the journey calm
Drive steadily, avoid sudden jolts, and speak softly if needed.
Arrival and initial period
- 1
Take your cat immediately to the safe room
Place all their familiar items there, such as their bed, litter box, food, water, hiding places etc.
- 2
Leave the door of the carrier open
So your cat can step out when they’re comfortable. Don’t force them.
- 3
Give your cat some alone time
You can then quietly visit them, talk, offer treats, let them smell and explore the new room at their own pace.
- 4
Gradually open up access to other rooms
Make sure that doors and windows remain closed.
- 5
Stick to a routine
Including regular feeding times, play times etc. Familiar schedules can help to reduce any anxiety.
Common issues when moving home with a cat
Despite the best prep in the world, it’s not unusual for a few things to either go “wrong” with a move, or your cat to take a little longer to settle than you expected. Here’s a few common issues you might encounter:
Why cats hide after moving
It’s very common for a cat that’s put in a new environment to hide, whether it’s under the furniture, behind doors, in wardrobes, etc. This is their coping mechanism. To help them feel safe, provide multiple safe hiding spots (e.g. boxes, igloos, cardboard tunnels) and leave them alone to retreat to them when they need to. Don’t force them out. Instead, use consistent gentle presence, treats, low voices, and in time they should gradually come out.
Cat not eating after moving
A cat losing their appetite is quite common under stress. There are a couple of things you can do to encourage them to eat, such as offering their favourite treats or a special tasty meal. You can also provide small, frequent meals rather than one large meal. Sometimes warming their food slightly (if safe to do so) can help increase its aroma and appeal.
If their appetite still doesn’t return within 24-48 hours, check in with a vet, as stress plus not eating can lead to health issues (especially in older cats or those with pre-existing problems).
Cat avoiding litter box after moving
Sometimes cats or kittens may avoid using their litter tray after a move, which can potentially be a more serious issue. This usually happens because the tray is in a stressful or exposed spot, they don’t yet understand where it is, they’re anxious or marking territory, or travel and changes have disrupted their routine.
To help them get back into the swing of things, try placing the tray in a quiet corner of the settling room, away from food and water, and use the same litter type they’re used to. If possible, add a second tray so they have options, and clean any accidents promptly.
Again though, if problems persist, consult a vet to rule out urinary or other medical issues.
When moving house how long should you keep cats in?
When moving house with an outdoor cat, the general advice is to keep them indoors for a few weeks so that they can become familiar and build scent in their new home.
Cats Protection recommends keeping them indoors for about three to four weeks before allowing them out. The RSPCA advises keeping cats indoors for two to three weeks post-move so they settle. During that time, gradually let them explore indoors and then start with carefully supervised outdoor sessions.
When you start letting them out, do it just before a meal (so food pulls them home), supervise them, leave doors open, and begin with short sessions.
Cat gone missing from new house
Unfortunately, despite our best intentions, cats sometimes do go missing for a short while after a move – maybe they’ve been accidentally let out too soon or they’ve gone to explore the neighbourhood and got disoriented. But it’s not always a disaster. And in fact, many cats return on their own when they feel confident or are drawn by routine or the scent of food.
What you can do
Here’s a few things you can do to help your cat find their way back.
- Search immediately and also around nightfall / early morning, as cats often move under the cover of darkness.
- Walk around the neighbourhood quietly, calling their name.
- Notify your new neighbours and ask them to check their sheds, garages, under decking etc.
- Put out familiar scents, such as blankets, bedding, your clothing, at the back door or in the garden to help them smell their way home.
- Leave food and water outside in a safe spot, such as by the back door - food with a strong scent, such as warmed tuna or sardines can help guide them back home.
- Try not to panic. It’s obviously a worrying time if your cat goes missing, especially after a big move, but many cats go AWOL only to reappear after a few hours or even a night two.
What about sprinkling their used cat litter outside?
Some websites suggest placing your cat’s used litter or litter tray outside to help guide them home by the scent, but this can have a few negative consequences. For example, it may attract other cats, confuse territorial boundaries, and even draw in predators, which may make your cat feel less safe about returning.
Moving with cats tips
- Here’s a roundup of some essential tips when moving home with a cat:
- Here’s a roundup of some essential tips when moving home with a cat:
- Plan well in advance, gradually introducing your cat to their carrier if it’s unfamiliar.
- Designate a “safe room” in both your old and new home.
- Kit out the new safe room with some familiar items and hiding places.
- Use pheromone products if needed (diffuser, spray, wipes etc.).
- Travel calmly and securely.
- Keep the cat confined in the new home until you’re confident they’re settled in.
- Gradually open access to other rooms, then outdoors.
- Maintain their routine, such as feeding, play, interaction.
- Be patient. Let your cat set the pace for exploring their new home.
- Monitor their eating, litter use, and signs of stress.
- Keep outdoor access controlled and supervise them when they first go out.
- Update their microchip and ID details.
- Contact your vet if you spot any behavioural or health issues that don’t settle.
More information
For more information about your cat’s behaviour, health and diet, read our range of guides and advice.
FAQs about moving home with a cat
- Written by
- Adam Jolley
- Last reviewed on
About the Author
Adam Jolley is a writer specialising in insurance, personal finance, and pets. He’s worked for Confused.com and Admiral Insurance, and currently writes and edits for an online magazine. His strangest pet was a hissing cockroach. Now, he’s a proud cat dad to Penelope, affectionately known as Nelly.
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