How To Move An Older Cat To A New House?(Practical Tips)

If Your moggy is getting on in years, they may seem rather set in their ways. However, what do you do when you need to move your older cat to an entirely new environment?

To move an older cat to a new house, you should ensure that you make your cat comfortable before the move and during travel. You should prepare a safe room in your new home and gradually introduce your cat to each new area. Most of all, you should spend time with your cat while they adjust.

If you want to know how to teach your old cat new tricks, here are some tips to help your cat adjust. Check out the list of the best organic cat treats on Amazon now!

How to Move an Older Cat to a New House? 

Cats are notoriously territorial and thrive on the familiar. Older cats are more inclined and often take longer to adjust to their new surroundings than the more resilient younger cats.

It is essential to know that preparing your old cat for your move includes the preparation to move and the traveling arrangements.

The Process Begins Before You Leave

It stands to reason that if your cat is suffering stress before the move, it will influence how long it takes for your old cat to adjust to its new home.

Packing and furniture moving can cause your senior cat stress even before the actual moving work begins.

Make sure you create a safe room where your kitty won’t be disturbed by all the moving commotion, with your cat’s favorite blanket, toys, litter box, and food and water.

Make sure your kitty is around familiar smells and that you spend as much time as possible spoiling your cat so that it does not experience anxiety.

Traveling With Your Old Cat

Ensure that you have a comfortable and secure cat carrier to move your best furry friend to your new home safely. Include a favorite blanket or an item of your familiar clothing so that your cat is calmed by your scent.

If your older cat is particularly shy or nervous, you should consider consulting your vet for a mild sedative to calm your kitty on the drive.

Preparing Your Older Cat’s New Abode

Try to leave your kitty with one of the family members or invite over a familiar friend so that your cat will have company during the chaos of the move.

Before fetching your cat, there are certain things you make sure most of the movers, noises, and potentially frightening noises are out of the way BEFORE you bring your kitty to the new home.

Prepare Your Cat’s Transition Room

Choose a room in the house with minimal traffic, such as a spare room, where your older cat can adjust to his new home. Prepare all the things your cat may need before he arrives to minimize movement in and out of your kitties’ new space.

Other essential tasks to make your cat’s transition easier are as follows:

• Ensure your transition room has no escape avenues such as open windows or crawl spaces.
• Place familiar items such as your cat’s bed, favorite blankets, and toys in the transition room to make her feel at home.
• Place your older cat’s favorite food and water within reach.
• Take some time off work so that you can spend time helping your cat adjust.
• Spend as much time talking to, stroking, and spoiling your old kitty in the initial adjustment period.
• Keep your cat from being overwhelmed with your new home by keeping them in one room for several days or until they start adjusting.
• If you introduce your cat to new rooms, ensure they are secure for the adjustment period (several days to a month).

Let Your Older Cat Adjust at Their Own Pace

Each cat is unique, much like human beings. Please don’t put a time frame on adjustment, but rather let your cat show you when they are ready to take over their new kingdom.

Depending on your cat’s individual nature, the process may take from a few days to several weeks.

However well your cat may seem to adjust, one should not let them begin to explore outside for at least a month. A cat may panic outdoors and flee into unfamiliar territory, which may be dangerous.

So you should consider the following steps:

• Introduce your cat to an enclosed area of your yard if you can.
• Always keep the door to the inside of your house open so that they have a place to flee should they get startled.
• Always be present when your cat ventures outside and speak calmly.
• Start with several minutes and gradually extend your cat’s adventures into the yard.

Related Post: 9 Effective Steps To Move An Outdoor Cat To A New Location

Moving an Older Cat Q&A

Older cats get set in their ways just like older humans and may take more time to get used to their new environment. However, an old cat can learn to love their new home by following some simple steps.

Here are a few questions you might still have about this topic:

Q:Is It More Difficult for an Older Cat to Move Into a New Home?

It is generally more difficult to move an older cat to a new home, especially if they have lived in the same house for many years. Like older humans, older cats can become heavily reliant on their set routines and environment.

Allow your older cat to adjust at its own pace.

Q:Can You Move an Older Cat to a New Home?

You may certainly move an older cat to a new home as they are part of your family.

Ultimately, your older cat has bonded with you as their owner and not just the house where they used to live. In a sense, you are your older cat’s home, and with patience and love, they will adjust.

Q:How Long Does It Take for an Older Cat to Get Used to a New Home?

It takes several days to a month for a cat to adjust to a new home, but older cats may take longer to feel at home.

Ultimately, each cat is different according to breed and personality, so you shouldn’t impose a time limit on your older cat. Watch your cat for signs and act accordingly.

Conclusion

You love your old moggy, and moving will be difficult for all concerned. However, there is no reason why your aging kitty can be back to its purrfect self if you follow the above steps.

In time, your cat will be standing on your head in the morning for breakfast and demanding lots of love