Moving into a new home is exciting, but if you’re a cat parent, it can also feel like a high-stakes balancing act. Cats are creatures of habit, and a big change like a move can really throw them off.
From boxes piling up to new smells and unfamiliar surroundings, it’s no wonder some cats act out or hide during the moving process. But with a little preparation and patience, you can help your feline friend feel safe, secure, and maybe even curious about their new home.
Before you move
Here’s what to expect and plan for before moving cats to a new home.
- Prep a new home base: Choose a quiet, enclosed room where they can safely stay for the first few days after the move. It should have all the essentials: their litter box, food, water, and familiar comforts like bedding or toys.
- Expect behavioral changes: As you're packing, don’t be surprised if your cat starts acting a little differently. They might become clingy, hide more often, or get a little moody. That’s totally normal.
- Strive for normalcy: Try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible—keep up the playtime, snuggles, and feeding schedule. That sense of normalcy goes a long way in helping your cat feel secure during the move.
Moving long distances with cats
Moving cross-country with cats? Whether you’re road-tripping or flying, a little prep makes a big difference.
- Get your cat used to their carrier ahead of time: Keep it out with the door open and toss in a treat or two so they start associating it with positive experiences.
- Plan your route: If you’re driving, plan your route to allow for occasional breaks.
- Pack the essentials: Food, water, a disposable litter tray, cleaning wipes, and a calming blanket or toy.
- Keep your cat secure and comfortable: In the car, keep your cat safely secured in their carrier—not roaming free. Place the carrier somewhere stable and well-ventilated.
- Lower their stimulation: Some cats do better with a towel draped over the top of the carrier to reduce visual stimulation.
Should you use a cat sedative for travel?
For especially anxious cats, your vet may recommend a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help them stay calm during the trip. Don’t try anything new the day of your move—do a test run in advance to make sure your cat tolerates the medication well. You can also try natural calming supplements or pheromone sprays, which work for some cats without the side effects of medication.
Note: Do not give your cat medication without talking to your vet first.
If traveling by car
A road trip with a cat can go smoothly with the right prep:
- Make sure the carrier is secured
- Offer small amounts of food before traveling (but avoid a full meal right before hitting the road)
- Plan to stop every few hours for check-ins and potty breaks
- Keep the car well-ventilated
- Bring along extra litter, disposable trays, and cleaning supplies
If traveling by plane
If you're flying with your cat, make sure your carrier meets the airline's requirements for under-seat storage.
Most cats do best traveling in-cabin where they can stay close to you. Direct flights are ideal to reduce stress and the risk of delays or mishandling.
If your cat has to fly cargo (which is not recommended unless absolutely necessary), follow these guidelines:
- Choose a pet-friendly airline with a good track record
- Schedule the flight during mild weather
- Add a comfort item inside the carrier, like a familiar-smelling towel
- Be sure your cat has ID tags and a microchip in case there are unexpected detours
How to introduce cats to a new home
When it comes to introducing your cat to a new home, it’s best to take things slow.
- Keep your cat confined to one room: Resist the urge to let your cat explore everything right away. Keep them in one room with the door closed for the first few days. This gives them time to adjust to the new smells, sounds, and routines without getting overwhelmed. Add familiar bedding, favorite toys, and their regular food and litter. These small comforts can make a big impact.
- Let your cat take the lead: At first, your cat may want to stay in their carrier where they feel secure. Don’t try to pull them out—just open the door and give them space to emerge on their own.
- Monitor for escapees: If you have movers coming and going, double-check that your cat is safely tucked away with the door closed.
- Reunite cats appropriately: If you live in a multi-cat household and they don’t always get along, introduce them slowly to the new space. Start with scent-swapping by rubbing a shirt or towel on each cat and placing it in the other cat’s area. Use baby gates or short visits to ease them into reuniting.
- Try calming pheromones: Pheromone diffusers, like Feliway, can also help create a calming environment, especially during the first week.
Every cat adjusts on their own timeline. Some may be confident explorers from day one, while others need a few weeks to fully settle in—and that’s OK!
Where to put the litter box in your new home
The best litter box spot is one that’s quiet, private, and easy to access. Avoid placing it next to loud appliances or in areas with heavy foot traffic. Think about how your cat moves through the space and how far they’d have to go to use the box.
In smaller homes or apartments, multi-functional furniture that conceals the litter box can be a game-changer. Look for discreet spots like open closets, corners of bathrooms, or unused nooks. Just make sure your cat always has a clear path in and out.
If you’re using an automatic litter box like Litter-Robot, keep in mind that it needs to be plugged in and placed on a level surface. Choose a location with a nearby outlet and enough room around the unit for your cat to enter comfortably. Bonus: Litter-Robot helps reduce odor and litter tracking, which is especially helpful when space is limited.
