Moving to a new home can be stressful for anyone, including our furry feline friends. Outdoor cats can be especially territorial and have a hard time adjusting to change. If you have an outdoor or indoor-outdoor cat and are preparing to move, you’ll need to take some extra steps to help your cat gradually transition to the new environment. With planning, patience and care, you can make moving day less stressful for your beloved cat.
Evaluate Your Cat’s Personality and Needs
The first step is getting to know your cat’s unique personality and needs. Here are some key things to consider:
- Is your cat shy or bold? Shy cats will likely need a longer transition period and more hiding spots in the new home. Bold outgoing cats may explore the new surroundings more quickly.
- How territorial is your cat? More territorial cats will have a harder time adjusting to the new territory and may try to escape back to the old house at first. You’ll need to keep them inside until they get used to the new sights and smells.
- Does your cat go outdoors? Outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats have an established territory they are used to patrolling. They will need time to get used to the new yard or surroundings and may want to escape back to the old turf at first.
- Does your cat tend to hide? Make sure there are plenty of “hidey-holes” and high perches for shy cats to retreat to in the new home. Bring familiar soft bedding that smells like home.
- What activities does your cat enjoy? Bring along favorite toys and activities to make the new home welcoming and fun. Set up cat trees, scratching posts and play areas to keep your cat engaged.
Knowing your cat’s personality and needs ahead of time will allow you to set up the new home for success and help the transition go more smoothly.
Prepare the New Home in Advance
If possible, try to set up your cat’s space in the new home before moving day. Here’s how:
- Bring familiar items like beds, blankets, cat trees and toys to the new home first so scents are already there on moving day.
- Set up litter boxes in quiet areas. Bring some used litter to keep scents familiar. Have an extra box while your cat adjusts.
- Cat-proof the new home by checking for small spaces where nervous cats may hide. Make sure windows have secure screens.
- Set up cat food, water stations and litter boxes on the main floor first, then gradually move them upstairs as your cat adjusts.
- Consider installing microchip cat flaps so your cat can come and go but not escape outside.
- Spray some synthetic pheromones like Feliway in corners to help relieve stress.
- Be sure your cat’s registration and ID tags are up to date in case your cat escapes outside.
The more you do to prepare the new home in advance, the faster your cat will settle in. Take them to visit the new home several times before moving day to get familiar with the new smells and surroundings.
Keep Your Cat Confined At First
On moving day, keep your cat confined in a single room with their familiar items and litter box. This could be a bathroom, spare bedroom or utility room. Avoid high traffic areas. The confinement helps ease the transition to unfamiliar surroundings, while keeping windows and doors closed prevents darting outside.
Here are some tips for the first few days in the new home:
- Check on your cat frequently and spend time playing or cuddling to reassure them.
- Make sure your cat is eating, drinking and using the litter box normally. Appetite loss and housetraining issues are common signs of stress.
- Keep a radio or TV on for background noise and comfort. Bach and classical music are especially soothing.
- Try calming pheromone plugins and treats designed to relieve stress and anxiety in cats.
- Prevent escapes by double checking for open doors or windows if you do let your cat explore the house. Expect some initial escape attempts.
Be patient – it can take cats several weeks to fully acclimate to a new home. Go slow with the introductions.
Gradually Introduce New Areas
After a few days to a week, you can start letting your cat explore other areas of the new home for short supervised periods each day. For shy cats, keep a path of blankets or towels from the safe room to new areas so they are stepping on familiar scents.
Here are some tips for gradually expanding their world:
- Show your cat how to use new staircases safely. Cats can injure themselves if unfamiliar with step heights and depths.
- Try feeding times or play sessions in new areas so positive associations are built. Offer tasty treats in new rooms.
- Make sure litter box areas are easy to access from newly explored spots. Some cats won’t venture far if a box isn’t nearby.
- Keep dogs and other pets separate at first, then do slow introductions with supervised interactions and separate eating areas.
- Prevent access to dangerous areas like balconies, crawl spaces and garages until your cat is fully acclimated to main living areas.
Go slowly and let your cat set the pace. Provide constant reassurance and supervision until they seem fully comfortable.
Adjust to the New Yard and Outdoors
For cats that go outside, getting used to the new yard takes time. Here are some tips:
- Build outdoor “catios” or enclosures so your cat can be outdoors safely as they adjust.
- Go out together frequently so your cat learns the yard under your supervision.
- Keep your cat inside for at least 2-3 weeks so new sights and smells become familiar before unsupervised time outside.
- Make sure the yard is cat-proofed with appropriate fencing and no hazardous plants or toxic substances. Walk the perimeter.
- Consider training your cat to walk on a leash and harness so they can explore with you.
- Continue providing indoor litter boxes and “home base” comforts until your cat is fully acclimated outside too.
With an abundance of patience and care, an outdoor cat can eventually feel right at home in a new yard. Take it slow and let their confidence grow through each supervised outdoor session.
Find Vet Care and Update Records
Another important task is establishing a relationship with a new veterinarian in the area:
- Ask your previous vet to transfer medical records and any x-rays or test results to the new clinic.
- Make sure your cat’s rabies vaccines and other shots are current, as requirements may vary by region.
- Have your new vet scan for a microchip and update registration info so your cat can be identified if lost.
- Consider a vet visit to establish care and discuss any behavioral concerns related to moving or introducing new cats.
- Research emergency vet clinics nearby in case your cat needs urgent after-hours care during the adjustment period.
Having a go-to vet you trust will provide peace of mind in your new hometown. Take the time to find an experienced cat veterinarian in the area.
Be Patient During the Transition
While introducing your cat to a new home takes work, the most critical thing is giving them plenty of time to adjust. Cats bond closely with their environments and can resist change. Have realistic expectations, and know that some cats may take over a month to adapt.
Here are some signs your cat is still getting used to the move:
- Hiding, restlessness or vocalizing more than usual
- Avoiding social interaction and wanting to be left alone
- Changes in litterbox habits or urinary issues
- Aggression or acting out when cats had previously gotten along
- Loss of appetite or digestive upset
- Escaping or trying to run away and return to previous home
- Excessive grooming, hair loss or compulsive behaviors
Consult your vet if behavioral or physical issues persist beyond the initial adjustment period. With time, patience and TLC from you, an outdoor cat can eventually feel like king of the new castle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving With Outdoor Cats
Making an outdoor cat feel at home in a new environment takes time, planning and effort. Here are answers to some common questions about easing the transition:
How long does it take cats to adjust to a new home?
Most cats need 2-4 weeks minimum to adjust to a move. Some particularly territorial cats may take 2 months or more to fully acclimate to new surroundings, especially if they are an only cat who has lived in one place a long time. Be patient and go at their pace.
Should I let my cat outside right away in the new home?
No, it’s best to keep even outdoor cats confined indoors only for the first 2-3 weeks after a move to allow them to adjust to all the new smells and sounds. Only after your cat is fully comfortable indoors should you start supervised outdoor time in the new yard.
What if my cat stops using the litter box after moving?
Housetraining accidents or marking territory with urine are common in newly moved cats or cats adjusting to living with new animals. Make sure litter boxes are easily accessible in quiet spots and limit changes. Clean any accidents with enzymatic cleaner. If this persists, consult your vet to rule out underlying medical issues.
My cat seems depressed since moving. What can I do?
Cats may vocalize more, sleep and eat less, hide, or act apathetic after moving. Make sure your cat isn’t exhibiting prolonged symptoms of stress. Give them space but also plenty of play, cuddle and lap time. Consider calming pheromone plugins to help ease the transition. Talk to your vet if symptoms don’t improve.
How can I cat-proof my new yard?
Walk the perimeter and make sure fencing has no escape points. Check for toxic plants and dangerous ponds or sheds. Install screened porches or cat patios so your cat can enjoy the outdoors safely. Consider training your cat to walk on a leash until they learn the yard under your supervision and can be trusted off-leash.
Should I expect my outdoor cat to urinate or mark new areas?
As cats acclimate to new surroundings, some temporary marking with urine is normal, especially if they smell unfamiliar cats nearby. Make sure your cat is neutered or spayed to decrease territorial instincts. Provide ample litter boxes indoors and use enzymatic cleaners on any accidents. The marking should taper off as your cat gets comfortable.
The key is being tuned into your cat’s unique personality, providing plenty of reassurance and patience, and adjusting timelines to their comfort level. With time, even the independent outdoor kitty can relax in their new home.
Conclusion
Moving with an outdoor cat can be tricky, but taking the proper precautions makes it possible to help cats adjust to new environments and prevent escapes. Evaluate your cat’s personality and slowly acclimate them to home and yard over a period of several weeks. Keep their familiar items handy, set up safe rooms and catios, and consult your vet early on to ease the transition. While outdoor cats flourish on routine, with ample love and patience from you, the new digs can become their castle in no time.