Moving house is normally a big deal for the whole family so there needs to be careful planning before the move to minimise the stress for everyone.

Cats are very clever creatures who mark out their territory. They get comfortable with their surroundings (sights, sounds, terrain) and daily routine. Cats map out their route within their territory – safe zones, favourite toileting areas and napping spots. If we suddenly change our feline’s environment by moving house it is not surprising that they may want to return to their “safe territory” which is the old house. We need to understand their needs, give them “emotional preparation” time and create safe zones in the new house – this will decrease their stress after the move and negate their need to return to the old house.

Guidelines for planning your move:
The aim is to minimise stress, especially on the day of the move. You need to decide if you are going to keep your cat indoors on the day of your move or if you would prefer to book him into a cattery.

He will start suspecting something is up as you start to pack boxes which may be weeks before the actual move. If you are going to keep him on the premises on the day of the move then you must designate a room for him well in advance, where doors and windows can be kept closed. All the furniture should be removed from this room prior to the day of the move so he can be left undisturbed during the move.

Populate the room with all the cat’s things (bed, scratching posts, toys, litter box, food and water bowls etc.) weeks before the time to make it a relaxing, safe area that he is comfortable in by the time moving day arrives. He should be closed up in this room the night before the move. Choose a similar room in the new house.

Once you are ready to move your cat, pop him into a suitable, secure carrier and place him in the designated room in the new house. Remember not to feed him directly before travelling if he gets car sick. Unpack all the cat's things into the room before you let him out of the carrier. An unwashed item of clothing or blanket you normally use can be left with him as a familiar smell that will make the new space feel like his old home. You can also ask your vet for pheromone diffusers or sprays to help him settle in his new room – these mimic the smells produced by the glands around his head.

He needs to be fed, made comfortable and remain in this room till after the move is completed and some cats need to stay in this room for a few days. Before letting him out of his room into the rest of the house you can take a clean, dry facecloth and rub it around his head. This will pick up the scents from the glands around his face. These scents can then be rubbed throughout the house on walls and door frames (remember to do this at his level so he can smell it). Before allowing him out to explore the rest of the house, make sure every door and window is closed.

Once he has been kept indoors for about 3 weeks and is showing confidence in his surroundings you can let him go outside. Only do this once he is perfectly relaxed in his new indoor environment. Never force your cat to go out by picking him up and carrying him. Open the door and you lead the way – he will follow if he is ready. The duration of these outside sessions should be gradually increased.

Tips to remember:
Always leave a door open for your cat to retreat through should he get stressed when he is outside. Remember to always microchip your cats before a move and update all your address and contact details on the database.

If your cat is already returning to your old house then you must fetch him every time. Tell the new owners not to feed or encourage him, but to call you every time they see him. Possibly keep him in for the 3 weeks, if you have not done so and at the same time try to identify the cause of stress in the new environment. Decrease his stress with the use of pheromone diffusers.

By Dr Shirley Haupt