Moving House with a Cat

by Sarah Hartwell

When your cat arrives at your new home, either from the cattery or your previous home, you need a secure room and/or kitten pen as before. The cat may now be hungry so provide food, but remember that an upheaval can upset a cat's system and make it sick. Make sure that no-one enters that room; if necessary, temporarily fit an out-of-child's-reach bolt on the door. Your cat may have to live in that room for a few days while you try to organise the rest of the house. When he is allowed to explore the rest of the house, keep external doors and windows shut. You will need to keep your cat indoors for two or three weeks to get used to his new home.

If your cat is to be allowed outdoors, familiarise him with his surroundings by escorting him using a harness a lead for the first few forays. Sprinkling some used cat litter (but not cat faeces) close to the house will provide him with a scent 'signpost'. Some cats settle in quicker than others. He will need plenty of reassurance and petting while settling in and it is critical that he wears a collar and tag, at least until he has settled in.