Your vet can do this quickly and easily and it doesn’t hurt or distress your cat. A tiny microchip is inserted under the skin which can be quickly scanned by a vet. The chip will have all of the owner’s details on so you can be quickly reunited. [2] X Research source You need to update your details when you move or if you change phone number, since the database is only as good as the information you give it.
This is a cheap and simple thing to do but it could make a big difference. It’s sensible to leave your phone number for the people moving into your old house in case your cat heads back there.
Let them get used to the basket before you try to get them to go into it. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source You can do this by leaving the basket out in the house for a few days before the move. You can even put a little piece of dried food in there to encourage them in.
Consider using Feliway, a calming pheromone product for cats, starting two weeks before the move, allowing it plenty of time to take effect. Keep them in one room, which should be kept closed off all day. Make sure everybody knows that the cat is in there and it must remain closed. It’s advisable to put them into the room the night before the move and keep them in there overnight.
Cats rely on scent, so putting furniture in the room that smells of you can also help. Put a sign on the door and tell the movers not to open it, a panicked cat could make a run for it. You should also make sure all your family know which room you are keeping the cat in when you move.
When you open up the cage or basket, spend some time sitting with them in the room to help put them at ease. Give them some food or treats. Don’t worry if they go and hide in a corner or under a bed somewhere, they are just taking time to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient with them and don’t try to force them out of cover.
Keep an eye on them when you allow them to explore more and be on-hand to comfort or play with them if they appear stressed. If you have a cat leash, you could use it to make sure they are unable to make a run for it. If your cat is not used to a leash this could just make them even more stressed out.
It is a particularly good idea to use one in the room your cat will be spending a lot of time in at the start. Different cats will react in different ways to these diffusers and some may not react at all. You could keep some catnip handy as an alternative.
Take extra care to make sure your don’t leave doors or windows open in this period and generally be observant and careful. If you have a very adventurous cat who is desperate to go outdoors, don’t give in. Keep them in for a minimum of two weeks; the amount of time depends on the disposition of the individual cat.
An enclosed space should be one where there is no chance of them getting out to a road or escaping over a fence into a neighboring garden. When you take them out, you should stay close to them and be attentive.
Always ensure there is an easy route back into the house if they get spooked or want to dash back in. Leave a door wide open for them and don’t block it off.
