Stress-free relocation with cats

When moving with cats, it is important to note that cats are very loyal to their territory and are reluctant to leave their familiar surroundings. Moving house causes cats enormous uncertainty and requires an intensive settling-in period. It is therefore important to take particular care when moving with cats in order to make the transition as stress-free as possible for them.

If you have ever moved house, you know how stressful it can be: all your belongings are cleared out and packed away, and nothing is in its usual place anymore. Many confident cats take a curious interest in the moving process, as if they want to help.

However, moving house with cats can be stressful for sensitive or anxious animals: familiar objects disappear, the home changes daily, people are stressed, and no one has time to play and cuddle. For many cats, an apartment where a move is taking place is a crisis zone. Take precautions in good time before your cat panics or increases the chaos through uncleanliness and aggression.

Unlike indoor cats, outdoor cats spend a lot of time outside and are therefore more difficult to get used to their new home. Moving with outdoor cats requires special precautions to ensure that your cat adapts quickly and safely to its new environment and does not try to return to its old home.

Cat owners who have moved within the local area often report that their outdoor cats stubbornly try to return to their old home. It is particularly difficult if the move was only a few streets or kilometers away, as the outdoor cat is already familiar with the terrain. In such cases, it is difficult for the cat to understand that it now belongs in a new home. The cat's motivation is clear: it wants to continue to control and patrol its former territory, including the old house, to prevent another cat from taking it over. It is therefore important to initially deny outdoor cats access to the outdoors for a while after moving. This helps them to get used to their new home and accept it as their new territory.

Outdoor cats should stay in their new home for at least four weeks to familiarize themselves with their new territory. Ideally, you should get your cat used to wearing a harness and explore the neighborhood together. When your cat is allowed outside on its own again, change its feeding time to coincide with its return so that it associates its new home with being fed. Limit the time they spend outside and keep their microchip or tattoo registration up to date with your new address. If your new living situation no longer allows your cat to go outside, make sure they get enough exercise by providing them with plenty of activities, even if you have to expect some protest.

Once you have finished furnishing your new apartment or house and all the furniture and furnishings are in place, don't throw away all the boxes. Trust us, your cat will love playing with the boxes and sleeping in them for a few days after the move is complete.