Getting a new house and was wondering.

When I move the cats if I should buy some of those feliway spray or plug ins to help with the transition? I just don't want them to get all freaked out and start to fight amongst themselves. The girls already are not on great terms with each other but will tolerate each other, and Twig will tolerate Neffie so I don't want this to turn into a huge cat free for all. I just want this to be as smooth as possible so we are taking our time getting moved out, (moving all our stuff then the cats) after getting the house painted and done the way we need it to be.

I figure we will move maybe small things out first or room by room, I'm not sure yet, I just know that we will be locking the cats in the bedroom to do this so that'll probably be the last room done, so they are at least ok in there and not that freaked out.
Anyone have any ideas to make this transition more tolerable for them and us?

When we moved I used the diffusers. I also restricted the cats to a jack and jill bedroom set up with the bathroom between. I let them get settled there first then slowly allowed them to expand the area.

Don't wash all their beds and such as part of the move. I know its tempting to want to start with everything clean and new but having their own scent on their beds and such helps them feel at home.

I was told not to let them see the house dismantled by the movers. We shut them in a room that was the last to go on the truck and first to come off. The cats went into that room first after it came off the truck.

Jack and Jill?
We are not using movers. We are moving things ourselves. I'm in charge of watching the cats and moving the little things while this house is being torn apart, then when we get to the new house, I'm going to put the cats in one of the bedrooms and leave the door shut there and go from there. What a fun day this will be. YIKES!!!

Moving house can be a stressful time without cats but I think as long as you all know what the plan is about kitty-care during a move, things will be a lot easier for all concerned

I have moved a fair few times and always do what you are planning

Get kitties settled into a room you will not be going into at all - have all the things they need, cat-lit, cat-biscuits, water, an old jumper so they can relax (they will recognise your smell) and toys. It might be helpful if this room has a window.

Then leave them. Get on with all the moving, when you have a coffee break - highly recommended go sit with the kitties and give them a bit of attention

I am sure they will be fine - they will be safe, warm & fed, once you are settled you can let them out so they can explore

Good Luck

Coffee break. Sounds good right now. I'm just so stressed about moving, selling the house we are in now, the cats and how they are going to react to the new house, and everything we have to do before we actually move into the house. ACK! So much to do and we haven't even closed on it yet.

Originally Posted by jugen

Coffee break. Sounds good right now. I'm just so stressed about moving, selling the house we are in now, the cats and how they are going to react to the new house, and everything we have to do before we actually move into the house. ACK! So much to do and we haven't even closed on it yet.

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Great advice given already!

I have moved multiple times with multiple cats. It's stressful every time but they have been great about it. No matter what you do, they will most likely be nervous and shy, even hide in their new home. Let them come around at their own pace. But like others said, there are key things to do:

When you are moving, isolate cat/s in one room that is already emptied (aside from their needs) or move what is in that room last. They should not be in the immediate vicinity of all the ruckus. Plus they could scatter about and get lost or hurt.

Keep their favorite bedding (even a tshirt of yours with your scent) with them as you are packing trucks, and use that bedding in their carriers. Spray the carrier with Feliway about 20 min before placing kitty in carrier. You can also spray the car a bit for good measure. Oh and try to avoid feeding the cats too close to the move--at least 2 hours prior is fair.

I have never medicated a cat for a move and dont' recommend it, but this is between you, your cat, and your vet; some cats are just so high strung it's the only way to get moved. Last resort, however.

Some cats will like a towel draped over the carrier for a sense of security.

Make sure the carrier is WITH you in your traveling vehicle and stable.

At the new house, I always try to set up something ahead of time (a temporary holding room with their litter boxes, etc.) This move I am plugging in Feliway diffusers in rooms at least a week ahead of time.

THen I place cats in a quiet room, door shut, with their carriers door open. Water right away, food a little later (in case of upset tummy). Litter is available, bedding is already in carrier or I place something familiar.

Cats stay in that room while we move furniture in--that room is used last. I don't let cats out till most of the ruckus is over, and usually much later, sometimes the next day--depends on set up of the house. I like to start with one section at a time if possible--not just open them up to the entire place (if it's a large home).

I can always expect some hissing and hiding from most of my cats--(one of my females loves to move--she is character). I show them where their litter boxes are--but this should be done after they are more comfy in their holding room and not still hunkered down in their carriers.

Then they have to explore at their own pace. Do a good 'cat proofing' of a new home--things *THEY* could get into but you wouldnt necessarily think of. I had 2 cats hide behind DRY WALL in the basement. We couldnt; find them for hours and I was in tears. There they were, looking up at me, all wide eyes and 'hey mom!'. We have *NO* idea how they got there and we had to rip the board down to get them out.

Ideally, if you can move your stuff into your new place THEN bring your cats after your mostly moved in -- that would work best. We might be doing that this time, (time and distance is key here).

It's stressful no matter what but pets are more resiliant than we give them credit for. Be patient with them and they will come around!

We are moving about 5 minutes away from our current house.
I guess it's almost time to get some Feliway plugins so that the cats aren't so freaked out and so they don't fight when they get to their new home. I have already decided that they will be in a bedroom that's off limits to any and everyone except me (even Dh until the chaos is over) so that there's hardly any chance of them escaping.
Then after all the chaos dies down, I will let them explore the upstairs of the house for a few days, since I can shut the door to the basement (it's a finished one) but then after a week, I'll let them down there. Looks good typed up huh??
I just hope everything works like I planned it to.