We’re planning to move soon. What can I do to help my cats through the transition?

Set up one room in your new home for your cats. Let them get comfortable in that room before exposing them to the rest of the house. A change as drastic as moving is one of the most stressful experiences cats go through. Don’t overwhelm them with the whole house all at once. They also need time to learn the location of the litter box.

One way to help your cats become comfortable with an unfamiliar home is by assisting them in marking the new territory in a positive way. Cats use scent glands on their faces to distribute pheromones (scent chemicals). These facial pheromones are used to mark the nest and have a calming effect on the cat. Put socks over your hands and gently rub around each of your cats’ heads, paying close attention to the sides of the mouth. Then, rub the sock along doorways, wall corners, etc. Do this 8" up from the ground (nose height of an average cat). his should be done when you let your cats out of the room to investigate the house. Encountering the pheromone-marked objects will help make them feel at home. There is a product called "Feliway" that contains synthetic feline pheromones. It's available at pet supply stores.

For more tips on how to prepare cats for a move to a new home and what to expect those first few nights, refer to Think Like a Cat and Cat vs. Cat. You’ll also find information on how pheromones are used in training in numerous situations.
142 days ago

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