Moving can be stressful. Moving with cats can be a very stressful experience. It doesn’t matter if you are moving across the country or just a few states over. You should always consider your cat’s family members.
You can do a few things to make moving easier for everyone, whether preparing your car to cross the country or preparing the plane to fly.
Here are 12 tips to get you started.
Where to Start When Moving With Cats
It’s also important to be aware of cat stress and anxiety signs to monitor your pet during the move.
It’s essential to understand how to deal with these symptoms, whether physical, such as a coat change, or distressing, like the cat destroying items or going outside the litter box.
1. Get Vet Visits and Vaccinations Out of the Way
Taking your cat to the veterinarian is the best way to handle any strange symptoms. Your cat’s symptoms will be treated and their vaccines updated.
They may suggest mild sedatives or anxiety-relieving medications to make the journey less stressful. This medication may help your cat relax and sleep, or it could put them to bed.
2. Register Microchips
It’s important to microchip your cat before moving long distances. Don’t forget to register the microchip online. The information typically includes your name, the name of your pet, their physical address, and your phone number.
The first thing a vet will do if your cat is lost and taken to an animal shelter or vet is scanning its microchip. This is the easiest way to be contacted by anyone besides a collar.
3. Determine How You’ll Be Traveling
After you have confirmed that your children are healthy and safe, you can decide how you will travel together. Most people travel by car or plane. Both have pros and cons, so you should consider your cat’s needs and make your final decision after considering these factors.
Flying With a Feline
The first step to flying with your cat successfully begins before you even arrive at the airport. Plan and prepare for the trip to make it as stress-free as possible. You can prepare for your trip by keeping in mind a few tips.
4. Stay Together When Possible
You should first check if your cat can travel with you in the cabin. You can’t give your cat a seat, but you can keep them in a carrier underneath the seat in front. You’ll need to adhere to each airline’s weight and crate size requirements. You will also need the correct paperwork. You may need the following:
- A certificate of health or a veterinary inspection certificate
- Vaccination records
- Documents necessary for medication
It’s essential to make an appointment with a veterinarian before your flight.
Your cat may not be allowed to fly inside the cabin. In this case, your cat will have to be placed in the plane’s cargo hold. Pets traveling in this manner is a controversial topic. However, having them with you is best to ensure the airline can accommodate your pet.
5. Know How to Move Through Security
It is important to note that your cat must be removed from its carrier at the TSA checkpoint. You’ll need to take them with you through the X-ray machine.
You should use a leash if you know that your cat is likely to run. This will prevent them from escaping while you are going through the metal detector. Some airports have private rooms for screening pets, but this is not always guaranteed. Ask at the security checkpoint.
6. Get a Good Carrier
You’ll also need a suitable carrier for driving and flying. It’s essential for cars. Your cat could end up in dangerous places if you don’t secure your vehicle. This includes under the pedals or dashboard and even on the steering wheel. They can also bolt if they are not secured.
You want to ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable throughout the journey. Although spacious enough for your cat to sit, stand, and turn around, it should be dark and comforting. The seat should be large enough to hold food and water dishes and a blanket or towel at the bottom. This will help them not slip during the ride.
If you have multiple cats, keeping them separated during the trip is best. This means that you will need to buy each pet a carrier.
It’s a good idea to let your cat drive if you can. Take them on short trips as often as possible in the weeks leading up to your move. You’ll find they are less anxious when it comes time to move.
Make the Drive
Moving long distances with cats can be stressful, but driving the extra mile is a worthwhile experience. You can control their environment better, and it’s quieter than an airport. You won’t need to remove them from their crate to go through a security checkpoint. And you can stop to provide them with water and their litter box every few hours.
What else will you have to think about?
7. Get Them Used to Their Carrier
It is best to start preparing your carrier a few months before your move. Turn your cat’s carrier into the destination they want. You will save both you and them a lot of hassle. Keep their carrier with the door open near their favorite places in the house. Consider making it warm and soft. You can also keep their water and food bowls inside. Traveling with your cat will be easy if it is comfortable in the carrier. Even better, if they love being there.
Allowing them to spend some time in the airline before you depart can be a great way to make them feel good about their travel experience.
8. Pull Together Travel Essentials
It’s time to gather their travel essentials. You’ll want to have the following items on hand.
- Paperwork
- Food
- Water
- Leash/collar and harness
- Toys
- Travel bowls
- Travel litter box
- Bags of litter
- Products with familiar scents
9. Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations
You may also want to look for pet-friendly accommodations if your trip is lengthy. If you need to give your pet medication, it’s best to plan your trip so you can stop at the hotel when they start feeling restless.
It is helpful to have items that smell familiar in a new place because they provide your cat with the comfort of home. The best items to use are blankets, pillows, and soft objects with the home scent.
It is crucial to help them become comfortable with the carrier. You’ll give them a place to go when they feel overwhelmed. They will be less likely than ever to hide somewhere you can’t find later.
Travel Tips (No Matter How You Travel)
10. Trust the Pros
Moving with professionals like Seans Moving Company of Sarasota will keep your pet family members comfortable and happy no matter what you do. Their container can carry your belongings while you and your pet drive or fly to the destination.
No need to worry about towing an enormous rental truck or trailer. You don’t need to worry about losing your cat in the chaos of moving in and out. Your moving and storage container is delivered right to your driveway. There will be plenty of time to load and pack your belongings, then repeat the process at your new house. Packing at your own pace and on your time will reduce the stress your pet would otherwise experience. This gives Whiskers more time to settle in and less stress.
11. Keep Things Calm
You are the one who gives your cat emotional cues. You are the person they turn to when stressed. You may not realize how attuned they are to your emotions. This is important when preparing for a long-distance move with cats. There are ways to help your cat adjust, regardless of how you travel.
Acting normally and moving slowly is the best course of action. There will always be things that make them anxious, but keeping your cool and keeping them relaxed while you move may make a significant difference in how well the procedure goes.
12. Plan Ahead
Planning and establishing a routine, if you do not already have one, is an excellent way to keep things calm. Keep up their routine when leaving and arriving at your new house. It will help them to know what to expect and be more likely to adapt to the new environment.
When you get to your new house, designate a space where they can come and settle in. You may feel that you must give your cat constant care to ensure they are okay after moving to a new house, but this is not always true. Your cat is social, but it can also be overwhelmed. They may need some quiet time to adjust.
It’s a good idea to keep your cat safe in the bathroom while giving them some space. They can’t destroy many things if upset and still have hiding places if needed. You should have everything ready for them when they leave the crate.
Also, remember that they may need some quiet time. You can introduce them to each room one at a time once they’ve become accustomed to the bathroom. Letting them wander around the house may seem like an excellent idea, but you might not be aware of a hidden spot. It’s best to wait until they are comfortable in a particular space before letting them roam.
Final Thoughts
Moving with cats can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation and care, you can make it easier for you and your feline companions. It’s essential to prioritize your cat’s well-being during the moving process and be aware of the signs of stress and anxiety. By following the provided tips, such as getting vet visits and vaccinations out of the way, microchipping your cat, and determining the best mode of travel, you can ensure a smoother transition for your cat.
Preparing your cat’s carrier, gathering travel essentials, finding pet-friendly accommodations, and trusting professionals like Seans Moving Company of Sarasota can also help alleviate stress. Remember to keep things calm, plan, and establish a routine to ease your cat’s adjustment to the new environment. By taking these steps, you can make moving with cats a more positive experience for everyone involved.
Suppose you’re planning a move and need professional assistance to ensure a seamless transition for you and your furry friends. Contact Seans Moving Company of Sarasota today. Their team of experts will prioritize the well-being of your pets and provide top-quality moving and storage services.
Don’t let the stress of moving with cats overwhelm you – let Seans Moving Company of Sarasota handle the logistics while you focus on keeping your cats safe and comfortable.
FAQs
How can I transport my cat across the country and remain sane simultaneously?
Planning and preparation are the best ways to achieve this. Get updated records, and get a comfortable carrier. You’ll find that the more you prepare in advance, the easier your family will be able to move to your new home.
What’s better, to drive or fly a cat across the country?
The short answer is: it depends. It’s louder to fly but faster and more convenient than driving. It might be worth it to fly if your cat is healthy. If you have an older cat, or you feel that taking your time driving will be less stressful for you and them, then this is often easier.
How can I prepare my cat to move across the country?
Make your cat as comfortable as possible with traveling. Allow your cat to explore their carrier a few months before you move. Take them for short drives before moving day if you are driving. Take them for short walks if you are flying. This will help to reduce anxiety.
What is the best method to transport cats over long distances?
Your cat determines the best options for travel. Traveling by plane is a good option if your cat is healthy and can handle stress. You can get to your destination and home quicker, but it’s not the best option for everyone. Driving may be the best option if your cat cannot handle stress well or has health issues. You should consult your veterinarian if you are unable to answer the question.
How can you travel for 12 hours with your cat?
Keep things as quiet for your cat as possible during long-distance traveling. Staying calm in an airport or even on an aircraft can be hard. But staying calm will let them know that they are safe. They will do the same if you start to panic or become stressed.
Can you cross the country with a cat in tow?
It is possible to move across the country with a cat. Moving your cat to its new home will be a breeze with the proper preparation and planning.
