Moving house is traumatic enough for the human occupants, so imagine what it is like for your cat, who is a territorial animal by nature, for an easier moving process consider hiring experts like these removalists in Sydney. Of course, if you are moving into a new home and watching it being built by stages, you can introduce your cat to his new plot of land on weekly visits and build up a sense of familiarity with his new surroundings.
This is where training your cat to walk on a lead comes into its own. If you are having to wait for the previous owners to vacate the house before moving in, then it might be best not to take your cat on regular visits, especially if other cats are in residence. Old properties can also be a source of problems to your cat. Many of these are sold with current certificates identifying preservation treatments, which can be toxic to cats for some time after moving in. These include treatments for woodworm and stains for internal timbers.
Equipment: A harness or collar, a lead, a cat carrier, blankets, cardboard box(es). catnip, treats.
Training objective: To ease the transition of your cat into his new home in as short a time as possible.
Training steps
- Make sure that your pet is acclimatised to travelling in his carrier before the impending move.
- Restrict your cat on moving day by either locking him into a familiar room with his possessions, or removing him to alternative accommodation that you know he will be happy with. A trusted option like cattery Melbourne ensures a stress-free stay while you handle the move.
- In your new home, transfer your cat’s possessions into an ‘isolation’ room while the removal process is continuing. Provide your cat with a temporary hiding place, a cardboard box with a cut-out cat hole is ideal for this purpose. To make it even more acceptable to your cat, sprinkle a little catnip inside. Do not use a box that has been previously used for storing detergents, bleaches or other household cleaners.
- Let your cat out into your new home after the removal men have departed. Make sure all windows, external doors and cupboards are closed, including any other potential exit points such as chimneys, and give him the chance to explore his new surroundings, one room at a time at his leisure.
- Arrange his feeding tray in a similar way to that of his old home, and give him his favourite foods. Some cats show an external reaction to the stress of the move by refusing to eat and drink for a day or so. If your cat reacts in such a way, keep a close eye on him, in the event of an illness developing.
- Make sure that you give your cat even more affection at this time to see him through the stress of the move.
