With Britain’s housing market seeing a mini-boom post lockdown, thanks in part to the recent stamp duty cuts, many Britons will soon be on the move.
With Britain’s housing market seeing a mini-boom post lockdown, thanks in part to the recent stamp duty cuts, many Britons will soon be on the move.
But during all the last-minute arrangements when moving house it is just possible that your cat’s welfare might not be top of your priority list.
Between signing contracts, organising removal firms and trying to keep everyday life ticking over in the meantime, it’s difficult to find time for the quieter family members.
But a little thought put in advance can save you – and your pet – lots of trauma when it comes to upping sticks and flitting to a new home.
Experts at Britannia Movers International, the UK’s leading independent removal firm, have some sound advice to keep your cat happy on moving day and make sure he doesn’t scarper off back to the old house as soon as you arrive at your new pad.
Your cat could easily become distressed when the removal team arrive and start shifting everything with which he is familiar. So, before the removal van arrives, put Tiddles in a cat carrier, with a little food, in the smallest bedroom in the house and put a notice on the door telling the crew to leave that room until last. If your cat is of a nervous disposition, you could use a plug-in pheromone diffuser – such as Feliway – in the room to help him relax.
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Don’t feed your cat just before you leave the house. Take the cat out of his temporary confinement to let the movers finish the job. Then put the cat carrier securely in your car ready for the journey.
Don’t let him travel in the removal van. Although there have been many stories of stowaways, it’s not a great idea for either the cat or the furniture.
If you have moved locally it’s possible that your cat will return to his old hunting grounds and follow the trails back to the original house. If you think this is likely, tell the new occupants and ask them to call you if he turns up. Tell them not to feed him – no matter how fed up he looks!
Once you have your cat ensconced in your new home – don’t let him or her outside for at a fortnight. Help him to feel secure by rubbing a soft cloth around his face, then spreading the scent around the house by rubbing the cloth on doorways and furniture.
When you do let him venture out, open the door and let him choose to explore – don’t carry him. Don’t feed him before he goes: if he’s hungry he won’t stray far. Leave the door open so he can easily get back in when he’s ready. Chase any strange cats away – he’ll need lots of help to establish his territory in the new area. A water spray is the method recommended by animal sanctuaries.
Try to maintain the same routine you had at the old house. Make sure he has an identification collar with your phone number on and, if he’s not microchipped, now’s the time to do it.
Moving house can be a stressful time for everybody. Follow these guidelines and you will help make sure it’s as easy as it can be for your feline friend.
