Your cat may even enjoy playing in the empty boxes. It’ll be less anxious about packing if it sees the boxes as fun and non-threatening. [2] X Research source
Cats like predictability and aren’t big fans of sudden change. Your pet will be much happier if you pack gradually and let it stick to its normal routines as much as possible.
Additionally, you’ll be packing hazardous or delicate objects at some point in the process. Keeping your cat in a closed room will prevent it from getting into trouble. Before letting your cat out of its room, make sure any boxes you stack are secure, and look out for other packing-related hazards. Try to keep your cat away from packed boxes to prevent it from damaging them or getting hurt. If possible, pack up your cat’s room last so it has a calm, safe space throughout most of the packing process. When you need to pack up its safe room, keep your cat and its necessities in another comfortable, secure area.
The crate or carrier should be just large enough that your cat has room to turn around. Always offer your cat treats and praise when you put it in the enclosure. Do your best to make the training process as stress-free as possible. After training your cat to spend time in the carrier, practice taking short drives with it to get it used to traveling.
If you’ll be traveling with your cat later that day, feed it a light meal in the morning to help prevent it from getting carsick.
To help keep your pet calm, place a towel, pillow, or soft toy with familiar scents in the carrier. Offer reassurance by occasionally talking to it in a high-pitched, soothing voice. Ask your vet for other recommendations for keeping your cat calm during travel. They might recommend a calming dietary supplement, such as Zylkene. It’s unsafe to drive with a cat outside of its carrier, especially if your vehicle is packed with your belongings. Your cat could get injured or it may distract the vehicle’s driver.
If there’s room in your vehicle, set up the litter box on the floor and see if your cat will do its business. If there’s no room, set up the litter box on the ground outside of the vehicle. Just don’t let your cat out of the vehicle unless it’s harnessed. It might not be comfortable enough to use the litter box during a break en route. If that’s the case, set up the litter box as soon as you get to your destination. Place it in a closed off room and give your cat some privacy to encourage it to go. If you need to stay in a hotel overnight, search in advance for pet-friendly accommodations on your route. [13] X Research source
A spare room that doesn’t need to be set up right away is a good choice. That way, your cat can get acclimated without furniture and boxes being shuffled around it. Spray the room you select with a calming pheromone spray, such as Feliway. These sprays have a smell that cats find calming and reassuring. When you unload boxes and furniture, keep a sign on the door so no one accidentally lets out your cat. Keep hiding spots, climbing perches, and scratching posts in the room to enrich your pet’s environment. Empty boxes can be entertaining, so try placing some in the room as you unpack.
Artificial pheromones mimic the scents cats use to mark their territory and are commonly used to help reduce stress in cats. You can also use a pheromone spray or diffuser to calm your cat while you pack or when you’re on the road.
You’ve probably noticed your cat loves to rub its face against everything from sofas to your shin. Cats do this to mark their territory, and marking spots with the cloth can help your cat understand that your new house is its turf. Spraying artificial pheromones around the house can also help your cat feel more at home.
Offer treats and toys as your cat explores to help keep it calm. [18] X Expert Source Brian Bourquin, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 20 December 2019. Let it explore a room or section of your house for 10 or 15 minutes, then take it back to its safe room. It may take a couple of days to get your cat used to your entire house. Make sure the areas you let your cat explore are free of stacked boxes, breakable objects, and other hazards. Don’t, for example, let your cat in the kitchen if glasses, plates, forks, and knives cover all of the counters.
After 5 to 10 minutes, call it back inside and offer the food. If its normal meal doesn’t grab its interest, offer a strong-smelling treat, such as tuna. Let your cat out for gradually longer supervised trips outside once a day. Leave it unattended only when it appears confident outside and reliably returns when called.
