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Moving house with a cat: Advice for every stage of the move

Moving house can be stressful for us and our cats. Take a look at our top tips on how to make your move hassle-free.

Moving house with a cat: Advice for every stage of the move

Moving house can be stressful for us and our cats. Take a look at our top tips on how to make your move hassle-free.

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Moving house can be a big deal for cats. They feel safer and more relaxed when surrounded by the familiar sights, sounds and scents of their own territory. It’s also very stressful for humans, so some thought and careful planning will ensure it’s a smooth move for everyone. 

How to prepare before moving house with a cat  

Before you move, decide what will be best for your cat on moving day. The option you choose will depend on your own personal preference and your cat’s character, as every cat is different. The best option is usually the one your cat will find least stressful for the shortest time. There are three main options:

If you book your cat into a boarding cattery for a few days, you won’t have to worry about them while you move. This may be the easiest solution for both of you, although time in a cattery can be stressful for cats. You’ll need to organise it well in advance and make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date before their cattery stay. 

If possible, it’s best to book them into the cattery for the day before you move, so they are away from all the commotion.  

How to choose a cattery.

If you have a responsible and trusted friend or family member who is willing to look after your cat, this could be a good option. Make sure: 

  • they have no pets of their own or have a room they can keep your cat in away from other pets 
  • they will be able to keep your cat indoors and not let them outside 

Move your cat to their home a few days before the move so they can avoid the commotion of packing. 

If your cat would find a cattery too stressful, keeping them with you may be the better option. Follow our guide below to keep them safe and as stress-free as possible. Everyone’s circumstances are different, so you may need to alter parts of the guide to fit your own situation and your cat’s character.

Two weeks before the move 

Choose a safe room 

Decide on a safe room in your home that can be cleared of furniture a week or two before the move. At the same time, pick a safe room in the new home where you can put your cat when you get there. 

Both rooms should be quiet and out of the way so your cat can be left undisturbed for as much of the move as possible. 

One week before the move 

Set up their safe room 

Start getting your cat used to their safe room in the current house and allow them to explore it.  

Set up their safe room with the following items: 

  • a familiar bed and blanket 
  • a litter tray 
  • their cat carrier 
  • a food bowl 

Begin feeding them here so they become familiar with their safe room.

The evening before the move 

Move the following items into their safe room: 

  • a scratching post 
  • toys  
  • a water bowl 

Secure the windows and shut your cat in the room to make sure they don’t go missing before the move. 

If you have more than one cat 

In the safe room, provide each cat with their own set of the items listed above to prevent any conflict. If you know your cats don’t enjoy each other’s company, it may be better to give them separate safe rooms during the move.  

What to do with your cat on moving day  

  • Keep your cat in their safe room 
  • Feed them a small meal. If they’re prone to travel sickness, it’s worth withholding food for three to four hours before the journey 
  • Make sure they have fresh water 
  • Clean the litter tray  
brown tabby cat sat inside grey-and-white plastic cat carrier with the door open

How to move a cat to a new home safely 

When you are ready to leave, put your cat into their carrier and load them into the car along with all their belongings.  

Your cat may be less anxious if the carrier is sprayed with synthetic pheromones, such as FELIWAY®, at least 15 minutes before placing them inside.  

Travelling with your cat

Settling a cat into a new home 

When you arrive at your new home, take your cat straight to their new safe room. Set up their new safe room with: 

  • their bed 
  • a litter tray 
  • food and water 
  • a scratching post 
  • toys 
  • something that smells of you, like an unwashed item of clothing, to help them settle 
  • something to hide in, such as a cardboard box 

Close the door and leave your cat alone for a while. Tell the removal staff and the rest of the family which room your cat is in so they don’t disturb them or accidentally let them out. Put a sign on the door as a reminder.  

Keep your cat in their new safe room for a few days, as it can be overwhelming for them to have access to the whole house straight away. Most cats will let you know when they’re ready to explore the rest of the house. It very much depends on your cat’s individual character.  

When you do let them out of their safe room, make sure all external doors, windows and cat flaps are closed as they’re not ready for the outside world yet! Make sure they always have access to their safe room in case they feel the need to retreat.  

Use familiar scents 

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and will settle more quickly if their new home smells familiar.  

  • Gently wipe a clean cloth around your cat's face to collect their scent 
  • Rub the cloth on furniture and surfaces in the new house at cat height 
  • Take your cat’s familiar bedding and blankets to the new home 
  • Leave an unwashed item of your clothing with your cat so they have your scent nearby  

You can also use a synthetic pheromone diffuser or spray, such as FELIWAY®, before and after moving to help create a reassuring environment.  

Pheromone therapy

Important reminders when moving home with your cat 

  1. Update their microchip details. Contact the microchip database your cat is registered with to update your address and any other contact details. Check which database your cat is registered with by entering their microchip number into the identi look-up tool. If your cat is not already microchipped, getting them chipped is your best chance of being reunited with them if they go missing. Microchipping is now compulsory for all pet cats over 20 weeks old in England. Make sure they’re microchipped before letting them outdoors. Even indoor cats should be microchipped in case they escape. 
  2. Register with a new local vet. The new vet practice will request your cat’s veterinary history from your previous practice. If your cat has existing health issues, you may want to organise this before you move. 
  3. Update your pet insurance provider with your new address.  
Microchipping your cat
Finding a vet
Pet insurance for cats

Moving house with an outdoor cat 

How long should you keep a cat indoors after moving? 

Your cat should be kept indoors for at least three weeks. This gives them time to learn that their new house is a safe place and to make it smell like them to help them find their way home. It’s important that your cat feels relaxed and secure in their new house before venturing outdoors. Some cats go missing shortly after moving house because they’ve been let outside too soon. These cats sometimes find their way back to their old home.  

Why do cats go back to their old home?

Letting your cat outside for the first time after moving 

Before letting your cat out, make sure they are microchipped to help them be reunited with you if they get lost. If they are already microchipped, don’t forget to change your address details on the microchipping database when you move.  

When you do let them out: 

  • let them out in the morning or early afternoon, as cats are more likely to venture further at dusk 
  • do it just before a mealtime when they’re hungry so you can call them back with their favourite food 
  • open the door and step outside, encouraging your cat to go with you 
  • don’t pick them up. Let them make the decision to go outside themselves 
  • leave the door open so they can run back into the house if they feel insecure 
  • only let them out for short periods at first. You can gradually build up the time they are out until you are confident they can come and go as they please 
Garden and outdoors

Moving an older cat to a new home 

Older cats might struggle more with big changes and find the move more stressful.  

  • Visit the vet. A few weeks before the move, take your cat to the vet. They can give you advice for the move tailored to your cat and their health needs 
  • Take things slow. Shut them in their safe room at your current house a few days before the move. This will give them more time to adjust and help them avoid a lot of the packing stress 
  • Sit with them. If they like company, set aside time to sit with them in their safe room to reassure them 
  • Keep an eye on them. Look out for any signs of stress or signs of pain. Speak to your vet if you think your cat is struggling 
Elderly cats
black-and-white cat with yellow eyes lying on a grey sofa

Cat behaviour after moving house 

Moving house is very stressful for cats. They feel safest when they’re in their familiar territory, so moving away from that territory is unsettling for them. The stress of the move may cause changes in your cat’s behaviour, such as: 

To help reduce your cat’s stress, follow the advice on this page to make the move as stress-free as possible. Any initial signs of stress should hopefully improve once your cat starts to feel more settled in their new home. If you’re concerned about your cat’s behaviour, speak to your vet for advice. 

Cat stress

Moving abroad or bringing cats to the UK 

If you’re moving to a different country, you’ll need to make sure you plan carefully to ensure your cat travels safely. For individual country requirements or re-entry to the UK, check the UK Government website. 

  • Research the area you are moving to 
  • Check whether there are different parasites, disease risks or healthcare needs to protect your cat 
  • Find a vet in your new local area 
  • Check whether your pet insurance is valid once outside of the UK 
Foreign travel and cats

Top tips for moving home with a cat 

  1. Plan ahead. Plan your whole move before you actually move. This might sound obvious, but if you’re organised and calm on the day, it’ll help your cat stay calm too. 
  2. Have space for your cat. When you move, you’ll need to choose a safe room in your current house and the new house for your cat to be in. This will help them feel happy and safe. 
  3. Provide toys and enrichment. Keeping your cat in a room for a few days and keeping an outdoor cat indoors for a few weeks can be frustrating for them. Increase their opportunities to play so they don’t get bored. Cats and play.  
  4. Get a secure carrier. To avoid any escapes, make sure you have a good cat carrier that your cat is used to and happy with. Choosing and using a cat carrier. 
  5. Use a pheromone diffuser. In the run-up to the big move, all the packing and change can be stressful for cats. Try using a plug-in diffuser, such as FELIWAY®, during this time to help keep your cat calm. Pheromone therapy. 
  6. Consider a cattery. You know your cat best. If you think they’d be happier in a cattery while you move, then book them in. Remember to make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Choosing a cattery. 
  7. Help them settle in. For the first few days in your new home, it’s a good idea to keep your cat in one room. It can be overwhelming for them to have access to the whole house straight away. Make sure they’re surrounded by things that smell familiar, such as blankets and their favourite bed. 
  8. Register with a vet. If you need to change vets, you should do this in plenty of time before your move so that your new vet has all your cat’s medical records. Finding a vet. 
  9. Update their microchip. As soon as you’ve moved, make sure you update your cat’s microchip details in case of any escapes. Microchipping advice. 

Free guide

Download our free guide packed full of all the information you need about moving home with your cat.

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