Moving across the country can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when you have a furry friend. Cats, known for their love of routine and aversion to change, can find long-distance moves particularly challenging. Despite this, with careful planning and preparation, you can minimize your pet’s stress during travel and ensure a positive experience together.
This article will share ten tips to make your journey across the country with your cat smooth and happy. We’ve covered you, from creating a safe and comfortable travel environment to introducing gradual changes. Let’s embark on this journey together and learn how to move across the country with your dear feline companion in the most stress-free way possible.
Tip for how to transport cats across the country
If you prepare beforehand, you can make moving your cat easier for both of you. Getting them used to the move’s features can make traveling easier.
Streamline the Veterinary Visit
You may not need extra vaccinations if you move to a state that doesn’t require them. If you’re moving to a place that requires vaccines your cats don’t have, visit the vet before the move. The challenge lies in that while some cats enjoy visiting the vet, many do not. Make sure your cats are relaxed during a move by taking them to the vet a day before.
Your lively felines already have enough to handle. Make it easy for them to move by scheduling vet visits as soon as possible. Contact your vet early and plan the appointment ahead of time. This gives your pet a chance to rest after the visit before the big move.
Get Your Carriers Months Ahead of Time
Get ready for your move with cats by buying appropriate carriers early. Whether staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or flying, carrying your pets in carriers is necessary.
When flying, learn about the airline regulations. for bringing pets. Many airlines now restrict the number of pets allowed in the cabin, so keep this in mind. To secure a spot for your furry friend, schedule them on your flight well ahead. There are separate rules if your pets are flying in the cargo hold. Still, it’s essential to plan.
Get your cat’s carrier and see if it’s okay, even if you’re going by car. Invest in a new page if needed. Choose one that fits well on your car seat or vehicle floor.
By getting the cat carrier early, your cat can get used to it before you move. Avoid associating the carrier solely with vet visits or stressful moves. The carrier can be used at home as a comfortable place to sleep or relax for your cat before you need it. Try doing this to make your cat comfortable during travel to the new home, whether by car or plane.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Similar to humans, cats value comfort. Providing a suitable environment is crucial for a cat’s well-being during travel. This can ease their stress while staying in new places like hotels.
To ensure a comfortable environment for your cat, consider the following:
- Use a carrier that is spacious enough for them.
- Put a cozy blanket in the carrier to keep your pet comfy and minimize any mess caused by anxiety.
- If your cat has a favorite toy, include it in the carrier if possible.
- While traveling, removing food and water dishes is advisable to prevent spillage.
For exceptionally calm cats, using a harness could be an option. Choose a seat belt clip for your cat’s collar that secures them in the car during a crash, keeping them safe. If you make your cat feel comfortable and safe during the trip, it will be less stressful. This will help create a relaxing environment for your furry friend.
Introduce Pets to Their Travel Environment
Introducing pets to air travel can be challenging. Are you embarking on a road trip? Make sure to introduce your cats to the car before you leave.
Taking your cats on several shorter drives as a trial run is advisable to prepare for the long drive. This lets you gauge their comfort level and see if they experience car sickness. If anyone feels uncomfortable, opening the car windows can reduce their symptoms. You may need a larger carrier if your cat seems uneasy while traveling.
Early exposure to the travel environment also helps you plan the space accordingly. Put your cats in their carriers inside the car to see how much space they will need. Planning helps make the moving day smoother. If you plan everything, you won’t have to rush and move things around last minute.
ID Your Animal Properly
Give them updated tags with their new address to ensure your cats are safe. It’s wise to get new tags for your cats with updated address info before moving. Taking this proactive step will give you peace of mind and help in case your cats wander off during the move.
Ensure the new tags display your current address and include a contact phone number. It’s important to let your new neighbors know about your move so they find you. If your cats escape during the move, they might return to your home with your neighbors’ help.
Plan for the Mover’s
You can hire movers if you don’t want to move by yourself. Their help can quickly move you, but remember to consider your cats’ feelings. It’s a good idea to let the movers know if you have cats so that they can take care of them properly. You could create a room for your cats while moving.
You can ask someone you know to care for your cats until the van is loaded. Your cats can have fun in a new place while you care for the hard work of moving.
Use Calming Sprays
Moving across the country with cats can be stressful for them, even if you try your best to make it easy. There are, however, ways to relieve some of the anxiety cats experience, such as using sprays with calming effects, such as pheromones spray, that help cats relax. The way to prepare your cat for moving is to find ways to help him.
The travel spray makes it easy to soothe your cat’s nerves when you’re on the go. Mist their bedding and travel space for immediate relaxation. Despite the mist being harmless, it’s crucial not to spray mist directly on the cat. Alternatively, botanical drops can be effective if you prefer a natural option. Add a few drops to your cat’s water bowl or administer them orally. It’s good to talk to your vet before using calming sprays or botanical drops for your cat. This makes sure it’s right for them.
Pack Food, Water, Comfort Items, and Litter Within Easy Reach
Making sure your cats are comfortable on a long journey is very important. One big mistake to avoid is putting their needed items in a box that is hard to reach. Packaging a box with food, water, litter, and toys for pets on a trip is essential. This helps reduce stress and keeps the adventure smooth.
If you intend to stop multiple times during your move across the country, it is essential to keep this in mind. Your cats will undergo many changes on the trip, so make sure their stay at the hotel is comfortable. Give them toys they like and a litter box they’re used to. Here’s a checklist of items to include:
- Food dish and an ample supply of pet food.
- Can opener (if wet food is part of their diet).
- Water dish and a gallon of water for hydration.
- Comfort items like blankets and toys provide a sense of familiarity.
- Good litter and a litter box for their bathroom needs.
Pack these items securely within easy reach. For high school students, use a see-through container that can be on top of your stuff. Make sure it’s fastened with a seatbelt attachment or wedged in place. This way, you can easily retrieve it at your hotel.
Organize your storage ahead of time.
Cats can be susceptible in the weeks leading up to a move. When you pack up, it can disturb animals’ usual hiding places. The noisy activity can make them miss their routine and wish for peace. Making it easier for yourself and your cat during a move can reduce your cat’s stress.
The good idea is to start essential tasks early to have more time for your cat before the move. Plan your storage before moving cats across country if you want to leave things behind. Choose your storage unit well in advance of your move. Start by packing away things that can be stored, then move them to the assigned storage unit. If you clear your house of mess early on, you’ll have a peaceful atmosphere when you pack. This will help you and your dear cat feel better.
What is the best way to move cats long distances?
The best way to move cats long distances differs depending on the situation. Here are several alternatives to consider:
- Travel with your cats in your vehicle: If you prefer to drive, you can transport your cats in your car. Ensure that the cats are safely secured in appropriate carriers or crates. You must provide them with a soft place to sleep, fresh water, and a box for going potty. Plan for breaks during the trip so your cats can stretch and use the litter box if needed.
- Fly with your cats by booking a flight: consider booking a flight for you and your cats if you want to travel far quickly. Contact the airline beforehand to understand their pet policies and requirements. Airlines have rules for pets when traveling. They require a suitable carrier and health documents. When traveling with your cat, try to choose a cat-friendly airline. Book a direct flight whenever you can to avoid extra stops and reduce stress for your pet.
- Use a professional pet carrier service: You can hire a pet carrier service to transport your cats. There are experienced professionals who can handle it carefully. Pet transportation services have handlers to keep your pets safe and comfortable while on the move. They can do it all – paperwork, flights, ground transportation, crates, and carriers. This choice is helpful when you can’t take your cats while traveling or have many cats to move.
You and your cat should assess your situation and decide what works best. It’s essential to make both you and your cats comfortable.
Do you think flying or driving a cat across the country is better?
There are advantages and cons to flying and driving with your cat. However, the ASPCA and The Humane Society usually think it’s better to drive.
The ASPCA suggests not flying with pets unless they can fit under your seat. They believe that driving is a better choice.
The Humane Society of the United States advises driving as the preferred option if you bring your pet on vacation.
FAQ’s
Should I let my cat roam freely in the car during the move?
No, letting your cat roam freely in the car during the move is unsafe. Cats may distract the driver or run away through open windows or doors. Keep your cat secured in a carrier for their safety.
How can I make the car ride more comfortable for my cat?
Make your car ride more comfortable by adding a soft towel or blanket in the carrier for your pet to rest on. Try not to make sudden moves or loud sounds to make your car ride smoother. Keeping a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle will also help.
Should I feed my cat before or during the journey?
It’s best to feed your cat a small meal a few hours before the journey to avoid a full stomach during travel. Offer water often to prevent dehydration. Do not overfeed to avoid getting a stomach ache.
Is leaving my cat alone in a hotel room during the move okay?
Cats should be supervised in a hotel room for an extended period. Plan your trip with cat-friendly places or arrange for someone to watch your cat if you need to go.
How can you assist your cat in adjusting to his new home?
You should make your cat a cozy and peaceful area when you move to your new home. Include things they know, like their bed, toys, and scratch posts. Introduce your pets to different parts of the house slowly so they can explore independently.
Can cats adjust to new environments quickly?
The adjustment period for cats can vary. Some cats adjust to new surroundings faster than others. It can take weeks or months for others to feel comfortable in a new environment. Be patient and provide your cat with plenty of love and reassurance.
Conclusion
Moving across the country with a cat requires careful planning and consideration. This article gives tips to make your journey with your cat easy. As a result, you and your cat can have fun together without stressing out. Make sure to get your cat ready before the move. Create a safe and comfy place during the move. Give support and reassurance during the adjustment time. Taking proper care of and paying attention to your cat will soon make them feel at home.
We hope you found everything you needed to know! If you find yourself in need of a place to rent out a storage unit for the short or long term consider renting out a spot at one of our local SecureSpace Self Storage facilities today. Thanks for reading!
