What to do when moving across the country with cats: 7 steps

If you’re among people who love their cats but are also considering moving across country with cats, there are some things you should keep in mind. 

Cats are creatures of habit, and they generally do not like change. This means they may have difficulty adjusting to a new home and become withdrawn or even aggressive.

Cats are susceptible to temperature changes and may suffer from heatstroke or frostbite if they’re not acclimated properly.

Cats are notorious for being escape artists, so it’s essential to ensure that your new home is designed to keep them safe and sound.. Make the transition as easy as possible for your feline friend. Moving across the country with cats is not easy, but possible. 

Here are some tips for making a move easier on your furry friend

1. Screen Your Movers.

When you’re moving across country with cats, your fate is in the hands of a moving company. You can do all the research you want to find one experienced with transporting. 

When you’re moving across country with cats, it’s essential to do your research and ask plenty of questions before you sign any contracts. You’ll want to find a reputable pet care facility that can provide your cats with the care and attention they need while you’re away.

When you’re moving across country with cats, it’s essential to do your research and ask plenty of questions before you sign any contracts. You’ll want to find a reputable pet care facility that can provide your cats with the care and attention they need while you’re away.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a pet care facility. Ensure that the facility is well-maintained and clean. Ask about the staff’s experience and qualifications. Be sure to get references from other clients who have used the facility in the past.

Once you’ve found a reputable pet care facility, ask plenty of questions about their policies and procedures. Find out how often the cats will be fed, what food is provided, and how often the cats will be exercised.

Here are some questions to ask:

• “Do you have experience with moving exotic pets?”
• “How long has your company been in business?” 
• “What kind of training do your movers receive?” 
• “How do you ensure the safety of your animals?” 
• “Do you provide crates or carriers?” 
• “Do you have a policy for lost or damaged items?”

2. Prepare Your Cat For Car Travel

Before you can start packing, you’ll need to ensure your cat is ready for the trip. This means preparing them for car travel, finding a safe place in your new home, and giving them enough time to adjust once you get there.

Getting Used To The Carrier

The first step to preparing moving across country with cats is getting them used to their carrier. Cats need plenty of space and privacy when traveling.

If they’re not comfortable in their carrier, chances are high that their trip will also be uncomfortable. This should be done long before you’re ready to hit the road.

It’s never too late! You can start by having your cat lay down in the carrier with treats on hand so that they associate good things with being inside.

Once they’ve gotten used to relaxing inside with some tasty treats on hand, try closing the door while someone else holds onto the handle at first, then move right onto, taking off through town.

Getting Used To The Car Seat Your cat will not be thrilled about being confined in a car seat, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. There are plenty of ways around this, including:

• Putting down a blanket or pillow for them to lay on 
• Setting up a playpen next to the front seat (this will give them plenty of room to roam around but also makes it easy for you to keep an eye on them)
• Using a carrier with a safety belt 
• Providing them with plenty of toys and treats so that they’re distracted while you drive
• Keeping the windows down or rolling them down the part way if your cat is particularly adventurous 
• Cracking a window if you’re going on a long trip to let some fresh air in
• Making sure that your cat has a comfortable place to sleep 

3. Create A Safe Travel Space For Your Cat

• Make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to turn around.
• Make sure there are ventilation holes.
• Make sure there is a non-slip bottom.
• Keep the carrier in an area where it will not be jostled by other luggage, pets, or children while packing your belongings and heading out the door. 
• Your cat’s comfort is of utmost importance at this point, so ensure they’re safe and secure during travel preparations and on their way to their new home.

Make sure your cat has food, water, and litter in their carrier. If you are moving across country with cats, ensure each one has their page, and they are secure before you leave.

4. Traveling with a cat can be stressful, so be sure it’s healthy before you leave.

• If you have a pregnant or nursing cat, this is the time to have her spayed.
• Make sure your cat is healthy before traveling. Check for fleas and ticks regularly, as well as health issues that travel could exacerbate, like epilepsy and heart problems. 
• Vaccinations are essential, too—especially rabies vaccinations, which must be kept up-to-date in every state (although some states may allow out-of-date certificates). 
• Make sure your cat is up to date on medications like antibiotics or steroids, especially if they require multiple doses over the day. 
• If you see any behavioral changes in your pet before traveling
• Like anxiety or stress—take him to a veterinarian before moving across country with cats.
• Line anything that will come into contact with your pet with absorbent towels or pads, so he doesn’t get wet from the moisture in his carrier during travel time.
• Try to fit some litter box inside the carrier, so your feline friend can access potty breaks along the way.

Ensure your cat has a towel or blanket to sleep on and toys and food/water bowls that are easy to clean.

If you have a long road trip ahead of you, consider making a quick stop at a pet store or pharmacy to get some supplies. You’ll want something like a litter box, food, water bowls, toys, bedding—anything you might need in an emergency.

5. Plan Stopovers And Make Them Cat-Friendly.

• If you’re planning to make multiple stops on your road trip, plan for it. There are some pet-friendly hotels and motels, but don’t assume that they all are because one is pet friendly. 
• Check out reviews before booking a room at any place that has never hosted an animal before (and even if they say yes!).
• Ensure you are familiar with the laws in the state or province where you will be moving. Some areas have different rules about how long you can keep your animals in quarantine before releasing them into the general population.
• Whether this is 72 hours, a week, or two weeks depends on where exactly you are going and who tells us what we need to do with our pets. 
• It’s always good practice for yourself and others who might come into contact with your cat after they return from quarantine.

If you plan on moving across country with cats, you should check out the laws in that state or province before bringing your pet along. Some areas have different rules about how long you can keep your animals in quarantine before releasing them into the general population.

Whether this is 72 hours, a week, or two weeks depends on where exactly you are going and who tells us what we need to do with our pets (the list goes on).

It’s always good practice for yourself and others who might come into contact with your cat after they emerge from quarantine. If you plan on moving across the country, you should check out the laws in that state or province before bringing your pet along.

6. Minimize Stress During The Trip

When moving across country with cats, the first thing to do is ensure your cat is healthy. It would be best to vaccinate your cat, take it in for a checkup, and provide comfort in the carrier.

Also, ensure they do not feel too hot or cold and be careful not to let them get over-exerted during the trip.

Once you have made sure your cat is comfortable and healthy, it is time to prepare everything it will need for the trip. You will first want to pack a bag for your cat that includes food, water, and litter.

You will also want to pack some toys, treats, and litter boxes. If your cat is used to sleeping with you at night, it might be a good idea to bring a pillowcase or blanket that smells like home. You will also want to bring along any medications or vitamins your cat takes daily.

Finally, you will want to bring along some things for your cat to do during their trip. You can pack a few toys, treats and even a DVD of their favorite show if they like watching TV.

Once you have packed everything your cat needs for their trip, it is time to ensure that the carrier is comfortable. Cats tend to be very sensitive about their treatment.

If you do not take care of their needs before leaving on a long trip, there is a chance that they will become stressed out or even sick. It may be best to leave the carrier out so they can get used to it before going anywhere.

7. Give Your Cat Time To Adjust 

Most cats adapt well to change but are creatures of habit and need time to adjust. It’s best to give your cat some time at home before taking them out for a walk or introducing them to other cats. 

You can also try taking the cat on short trips around the neighborhood, but keep in mind that it may take them longer than you expect before they feel comfortable exploring or venturing far from home.

Letting your cat explore their new surroundings will help them settle in faster and make them less stressed when they arrive at your new home.

It’s also essential to make sure that your cat has their own space. Introducing yourself to your home and allowing them time to explore will help them adjust, but it’s also essential for them to have a place of comfort where they can retreat if needed.

This can be a litter box, a cat tree, or even a cardboard box. Cats like to feel secure and often choose one spot in your home as their private area where they can retreat for some alone time. If you have other pets in the house, make sure there is a safe place for them to get away from each other if needed.

It can be stressful for everyone involved if you’re trying to introduce two cats that don’t get along. It’s best to have one cat at a time in your home until they are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings. 

Then, once they know where everything is and have explored every nook and cranny of your house (including hiding spots), you can introduce the second pet.

Moving across the country with cats can be stressful and take planning, but it is manageable.

Moving across the country with cats can be stressful, but it is manageable. When moving across country with cats, there are many things to consider – and your cats are no exception. While it may seem daunting at first, there are ways to make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your feline friends.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when moving across country with cats:

• Make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccinations and have a recent health certificate from your vet.
• If possible, travel with them in the car so they can gradually get used to the new surroundings. Otherwise, ship them ahead so they don’t have to spend too much time in transit.
• Set up their new home as similar to their old one as possible, with familiar furniture, toys, and litter boxes. This will help them feel more comfortable in their new environment.

The best way to ensure your cats are comfortable during the move is to get them used to traveling with you. Take them with you on trips around town, or even drive around aimlessly for a few hours so they can get used to being in the car.

If you are taking a plane, consider booking an aisle seat. This will allow your cats to travel in their carrier on the floor between your feet. Be sure you have a sturdy page so they cannot escape and run around the cabin.

The best way to ensure your cats are comfortable during the move is to get them used to traveling with you. Take them with you on trips around town, or even drive around aimlessly for a few hours so they can get used to being in the car. 

If you are taking a plane, consider booking an aisle seat. This will allow your cats to travel in their carrier on the floor between your feet.

Be sure you have a sturdy carrier so they cannot escape and run around the cabin. If you’re moving across country with cats, try to find out if your new home has any restrictions on animals. Some apartment complexes do not allow pets of any kind, while others may limit the number of pets per household or require a monthly fee.

Conclusion

Moving across country with cats can be stressful, but it is manageable. Take your time and plan ahead. With the proper care and planning, your cat will be happy to join you on your next adventure. 

Cats are creatures of habit and like to know what’s happening around them. With some care and planning, you can make a move easier for your cat and ensure they’re happy in their new home.