Cats are amazing creatures, but they can be difficult to move around. There’s no denying that cats can be quite the handful. As soon as they start to move around, it can be impossible to keep them in one spot. Not only do they need to be supervised at all times, but they also need exercise. These characteristics can prove to be a real challenge if you’re planning a long-distance move and need to take your cats with you, but fortunately there are plenty of ways to help your fur babies out. Here are some basic tips for moving your cat across the country.
Make Sure No Cats Are Pregnant
First, you need to ensure that none of your cats are pregnant. This means making sure that they aren’t going to breed. If you have any cats that aren’t fixed, check with a vet to make sure none of them are in the early stages of pregnancy. Once you know for sure, it’s time to start looking into how you can take care of your cat while you pack and clean.
Look into a Pet Sitter Service
It can be challenging to find the time to take care of your cats while you’re planning your move, packing, and cleaning. Find out about local animal rescue groups and any other options for housing and caring for animals. The local animal rescue groups are also pet sitters, so they might have a temporary home for your cat. After your move, it might also be a good idea to hire a pet sitting service in your new city so that you can finish unpacking and setting up your new home.
Pack Plenty of Cat Food
Make sure that all of your current foods are safe and appropriate for cats to eat en route. You don’t want to be stopping midway across the country just to search for that one particular brand of food your cat loves. If you only have room for a limited supply of cat food, try packing a variety of different snacks your cats love and mixing them up as you go along. This way, no one gets sick of eating the same thing all the time!
Adopt Out Kittens
If one of your cats recently had a litter, you might not be up for the challenge of taking the entire litter with you on your move. If the kittens are old enough to be removed from their mom, it might be best to get one or two kittens ready for adoption. A vet can help you determine which are healthy and well-behaved enough to be adopted out. You don’t have to give up all of them if they aren’t adopted in the first place, but at least get one or two ready to be adopted.
Make Your Cats Comfortable in Their New Home
After moving, it’s important to keep your cat as happy as possible by keeping up with all of your normal care. This includes brushing their fur constantly, walking them every day, making sure that their food and water are always available to them, and that they get plenty of exercises. It’s a traumatic experience for a house cat to be forced into a new environment, especially after going through the ordeal of a long-distance move. It’s important to take extra time to help your cats feel comfortable in their new home.
