Moving with your cat to Toronto – Simple tips

Making a life-changing decision can be stressful and intimidating. Trying to find a perfect house and neighborhood that fits all your demands seems impossible. Eventually, you might just find the one you have been looking for, the house of your dreams, but the problems don’t stop there. There is the endless packing and the actual moving day is slowly approaching, which makes you feel even more anxious. However, what if you have another living being to take care of your pet? Especially, if you are a proud owner of a cat, you will have to take a different approach. Cats particularly don’t like changes or leaving their well-known territories, so this move can have a huge impact on them. It is best to follow a simple list, which can be divided into three sections, pre-moving, during moving and post-moving care. Let’s start with simple tips for moving with your cat.

Before moving

The first thing you will need to do is to get your cat microchipped in order to avoid any unpleasant scenarios if your cat gets lost. Also, make sure your cat has one of the ID tags that will contain all your information, in case your cat decides to run away amidst all the commotion. Secondly, it is desirable to follow your cat’s daily routine as closely as possible since that will make them feel less anxious. Since you will have many boxes in the house, it will be better to keep your cat away from them. Your cat could try to play or hide in one of those boxes. This might make packing more difficult for you or you even might end up accidentally stepping on a cat’s tail or a paw. To avoid any unnecessary injuries, it is best that your cat stays away in someplace safe.

Visit a vet

Another important thing to do before moving with your cat is to visit your pet that knows your cat. The first one would be to make a copy of your cat’s medical records so you can give them to a new vet. Additionally, the vet can check your cat’s overall condition. If you know that your cat suffers from anxiety, ask your vet for some medication. It would be wise to consult your vet about medications even if your cat never had problems, just in case to be prepared.

Getting a carrier

The main means of transportation when you are moving with your cat is a carrier. Here are the easy steps to follow if your cat has never used one before.

• Buy a carrier for a cat and make sure it is comfortable
• Put the carrier on the floor and open the door
• Place the food bowl next to the carrier so your cat can approach it
• Next time, you should put a couple of treats in the opening in order to get your cat inside
• Every following time, put the treats further away so your cat will enter the carrier completely
  

  

The moving day

The moving day has finally come and here is how to prepare accordingly. By now, you have found a good reliable moving company that meets your demands and that will come to get your things. Since there will be many people entering the house and moving around, it might make your cat feel anxious. It is best to close your cat in one room, preferably a bedroom or a bathroom with a litter box, water, and food. Make sure to inform the people from the moving company not to open the door where your cat is. Additionally, close every window in that room so your cat will not escape.

The Journey

In the morning before a trip, give your cat a light meal to avoid upsetting their stomach and put your cat in a carrier. Before the ride, check the weather report so you can prepare on time for summer or winter conditions. During the trip, do not open the carrier to pet your cat because your cat might choose to run away. Long rides can be stressful and tiring. If you are planning to take a long travel, check for pet-friendly places and hotels, which will allow some break for you and for your cat. Give your cat some food and water and also some attention to make them feel better. Your cat will appreciate if you pet or play with them.

The new house

The stress of relocation is over, but now you must introduce your cat to a new environment. If you know your cat is extremely nervous, it will be wise to use a synthetic feline facial pheromone to reduce the level of the cat’s stress. Once you enter the house, close all the doors and windows. Then remove any possible threats to your cat. Put litter box, food and water on a visible place and let your cat out of a carrier. It will take some time for your cat to smell and discover every inch of a new house, so you should be patient. Every day, open a new room for your cat to explore and be close in case of an emergency. In a couple of days or weeks, your cat should be comfortable with the new surroundings.

Last tips for moving with your cat

Preparing your cat for a move is an essential part when you are moving with your cat. Your cat needs special care and attention as it can be stressful for them to leave their home. Make sure your cat is microchipped, healthy and comfortable all the time. Medications prescribed by the vet might help with the anxiety during the long journey as well as a carrier. Be patient with your cat for a couple of days, as your cat also needs time to explore new surroundings. If you have prepared on time, you will avoid any unpleasant situations. Soon enough you will get to enjoy the new house with your cat.