Cats are resistant to habitat changes.
At the time of publication, the Humane Society website reports that "there are approximately 86.4 million owned cats in the United States." The U.S. Census Bureau further reports that the average American "makes 11.7 moves in a lifetime." With statistics like these, it is clear to see that many cats will need to transition with their owners to a new home at least once in their lifetimes. Since cats can become stressed out or aggressive as a response to change, it is imperative to transition your cat to a new home as gently and conscientiously as possible.
Instructions
1. Set your open cat carrier beside your front door a few weeks before your move. Gradually place cat treats further and further inside the cat carrier, so your cat must fully enter the carrier to eat the treats.
2. Put cat treats in the very back of your carrier right before taking your cat to its new home. When the cat enters the carrier, gently close and lock the door of the carrier behind your cat. Immediately place the carrier on your empty passenger seat, and strap it in with your shoulder seat belt.
3. Do a quick walk-through of your new home before letting your cat loose inside. Close all windows, hide all exposed wires, and remove all potentially toxic plants or pest deterrents.
4. Bring your cat into a quiet room in your new home that will not receive a lot of foot traffic on a daily basis. Leave your cat in its carrier while you set out its food and water, litter box, bedding, and cat scratcher. Place a few cat treats just outside the carrier.
5. Close the door to the room, and open your cat carrier door. Encourage your cat to come out and explore its surroundings. Leave your cat in this room for its first few days in the new home, so it is not overwhelmed by too many sights and sounds.
6. Spend time with your cat in this room, so he does not get lonely. After a few days, let your cat explore your entire new home, offering close supervision. Bring him back to his small room when he begins to seem overwhelmed or anxious.
7. Leave the door to your cat's "home-base" open, so he can roam in or at at will. Leave the original litter box in the cat's "home-base", and set out another litter box in a second room your cat seems to frequent most.
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