Moving House With Your Cat: Top Tips for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Moving home is stressful enough for humans, but for cats, who thrive on routine and familiar territory, it can feel especially overwhelming. New smells, boxes everywhere, unfamiliar noises and a completely different environment can all trigger anxiety.
The good news is that with a little planning and patience, you can help your cat settle into their new home calmly and confidently.
Start Preparing Early
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is only thinking about their cat on moving day itself. In reality, many cats start feeling unsettled weeks beforehand as furniture moves, boxes appear and routines change.
Try to keep feeding times, play sessions and daily routines as normal as possible throughout the packing process.
Leave the cat carrier out well before moving day so it becomes part of the furniture rather than something scary that only appears before stressful journeys. Add familiar blankets or bedding inside to encourage your cat to investigate and rest there voluntarily. Experts and veterinary behaviour advice recommend gradual preparation before moving day to reduce anxiety.
Consider Calming Support
Many cats benefit from calming aids during a house move, especially nervous or indoor cats.
Pheromone Products
Products such as FELIWAY Classic Spray can help create a sense of familiarity and reassurance. FELIWAY mimics natural feline facial pheromones associated with safety and comfort. It is commonly recommended for stressful events such as travel, vet visits and moving house.
You can spray it:
- Inside the travel basket or carrier
- On bedding
- Around the litter tray area
- In “safe rooms” within the new house
Always spray the carrier or bedding around 15 minutes before your cat uses it, and never spray directly onto your cat.
Many owners also find plug-in diffusers useful in the new home, ideally switched on before the cat arrives if possible.
Calming Supplements
Some cats may also benefit from supplements such as Zylkene, which is widely used to support pets during stressful events including moving house. Guidance from Zylkene recommends starting supplementation several days before packing begins.
These supplements are available online and in many larger pet shops, but it is always sensible to speak to your vet first if your cat is particularly anxious or has any medical conditions.
Create a Safe Space on Moving Day
Moving day itself is noisy, chaotic and full of open doors - not ideal for cats.
Keep your cat safely confined to one quiet room while removals are happening. Include:
- Food and water
- Litter tray
- Familiar bedding
- Hiding spots
- Toys
- Their carrier left open
Place a sign on the door reminding movers and family members not to open it.
Once you arrive at the new home, set up a single “safe room” first before introducing the rest of the house. Let your cat come out of the carrier in their own time rather than forcing them to explore. Behaviour experts recommend allowing cats to gradually adjust room by room.
Keep Familiar Scents Around
Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. Washing everything or replacing all their belongings immediately after moving can actually increase stress.
Bring familiar items from the old house, including:
- Beds
- Blankets
- Scratching posts
- Toys
- Food bowls
Try not to deep-clean everything before the move — familiar smells are reassuring.
Expect Some Hiding
Many cats hide after moving home. This is completely normal.
Some may:
- Eat less initially
- Stay under furniture
- Become clingy
- Vocalise more
- Sleep more than usual
Give them space and avoid overwhelming them with attention or visitors. Most cats gradually relax over days to weeks.
If your cat stops eating entirely, seems distressed for prolonged periods, or develops toileting problems, contact your vet.
Keep Cats Indoors Initially
Even cats that normally go outdoors should be kept inside for at least 2–3 weeks after moving house.
If allowed out too early, they may:
- Try to return to the old property
- Become disoriented
- Panic in unfamiliar surroundings
Once your cat seems relaxed and confident indoors, begin gradual outdoor access.
A useful trick is to let them outside shortly before mealtimes so they naturally return home for food. Start with short supervised outings and build up gradually.
Patience Is Key
Every cat adjusts differently. Some settle within days, while others need several weeks before behaving normally again.
Staying calm, maintaining routines and providing reassurance will help your cat feel secure as they adapt to their new territory.
With careful preparation and supportive tools like pheromone sprays and calming supplements, moving home can be a much smoother experience for both you and your feline companion.
