Moving to a new home can be stressful for both you and your outdoor cat. Outdoor cats are especially prone to running away or hiding when their familiar environment suddenly changes. Here are some tips to help ease the transition and prevent your outdoor cat from bolting when you move.
Preparing Your Cat For The Move
Start getting your cat accustomed to the carriers, crates or cages you plan to transport them in. Place treats and catnip inside so they associate it with something positive. Take your cat on short drives around the neighborhood so car rides become familiar. Stick to their normal feeding schedule. Cats don’t like change so maintaining routines will help lower stress levels.
Inspect The New Home Before Moving Day
Walk around the entire property to look for potential escape points. Check fences for holes or loose boards. Make sure window screens are secure. Identify busy roads to avoid and any potential dangers. Locate quiet areas your cat can retreat to if feeling overwhelmed. Set up a safe room in your new home with food, litter box, bedding and toys so your cat has a familiar space on moving day.
Use Calming Aids During The Move
Consider using synthetic pheromone diffusers and calming treats or supplements. These can help relax your cat during the upheaval of a move. Make sure your cat is wearing a properly fitted harness, leash and collar with ID tag. This will provide you with better control over your cat on moving day. Always keep your cat in a secure carrier when not supervised.
Explore The New Yard With Your Cat
Don’t let your outdoor cat rush outside as soon as you arrive. Leash walk your cat around the new yard first so they can experience the sights and smells in a controlled way with you present. Give them time to investigate under bushes, corners and hiding spots where they may dash to if frightened. Allow them to discover escape routes slowly and safely.
Use Repellents Around The Perimeter
Consider using citrus or pepper repellent sprays around the perimeter of the new yard. Cats dislike these strong scents and will be deterred from boundaries. Place plastic carpet runners spike side up along top of fences. The uncomfortable texture will keep cats from jumping up. Use motion activated sprinklers in problem areas. The sudden spray will encourage cats to avoid those zones.
Provide Hiding Spots Around The Yard
Give your cat some outdoor hiding places so they can retreat and decompress if they get scared. Simple cardboard boxes with bedding work well. You can also place logs, branches or outdoor cat shelters around the yard for security. Providing hiding options gives skittish cats a sense of control over their environment.
Keep Your Cat Indoors At First
It’s best to keep your outdoor cat inside for the first 2-3 weeks after moving. This gives them time to adjust to all the new sights, smells and sounds in the home and yard before introducing the full neighborhood. Supervise any time outdoors and restrict to only a portion of the yard at first. Building up slowly allows your cat to gain confidence.
Use Treats And Play Time For Positive Associations
Make sure to reward and praise your cat when they exhibit calm behavior in the new home. Bring out the treats when they explore the yard without running off. Initiate play sessions with favorite toys to help form positive memories. The more you reinforce that the new home brings good things, the less likely your cat will want to escape.
Moving with an outdoor cat can be daunting but taking preventative measures will help ease the adjustment period. Remain patient and understanding of their stress. With time, your cat will settle into their new territory and accept it as home. Consistency, preparation and giving them secure spots can go a long way in keeping your outdoor cat from bolting when you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take my outdoor cat to adjust to a new home?
It usually takes 2-3 weeks for an outdoor cat to adjust to a move. Each cat adapts at their own pace though. Some may take less time while more skittish cats may need a month or longer to be comfortable. Have patience and go at their speed.
What if my cat still seems distressed after 2-3 weeks?
If your outdoor cat continues to seem anxious, stressed or tries to run away frequently after the initial few weeks, consult your veterinarian. Medication or synthetic pheromones may help for cats having an exceptionally hard time with change. Seek help sooner rather than later.
Should I keep my outdoor cat confined at a new home?
Yes, it’s best to keep outdoor cats confined entirely indoors at first when moving to a new home. After 2-3 weeks of adjustment, you can begin leash walking them around the new yard. Closely supervise any outdoor access for the first month. Slow introductions build confidence.
How can I catproof my new yard?
Walk the perimeter and make sure fencing has no gaps where a cat can squeeze through. Use plastic carpet runners spike side up on top of fences to deter climbing. Install motion activated sprinklers in problem zones. Use citrus or pepper repellents around boundaries.
What if my cat escapes the new home right away?
If an outdoor cat does escape the new home upon arrival or shortly after, don’t panic. Try searching the immediate neighborhood first. Leave familiar bedding items outdoors near the house to attract them back. Alert neighbors, contact microchip company if applicable and file a lost pet report right away.
Conclusion
Moving with an outdoor cat requires advance preparation, patience and preventative measures to avoid escapes. Start getting your cat used to carriers and car rides. Inspect the new home for hazards and catproof the yard. Provide hiding places and use repellents around the perimeter. Keep your cat indoors at first for gradual introductions. With time, reward-based training and understanding, your outdoor cat can learn to be comfortable in their new territory. Remain vigilant but also have faith in your cat’s ability to adapt. With the proper transition time and training, your outdoor cat can feel at home in their new environment.