Moving is always a lot of work, especially if your new home is far away. If you have pets the moving process can be even more stressful for you and it's not easy for your pets either. This is a guide to moving with pets.
I had new dog tags made for all my dogs with our cell phone numbers and also my mother-in-law's phone number. I also contacted the microchip company where all our dogs and cats were registered and updated their files with our new address before the actual drive.
At the time, we had 4 dogs and 2 cats. One of our dogs did not travel well and was known to throw up within 10 minutes of being in the car. I worked with her a little each day, getting her in and out of the car and some afternoons just sitting in the driveway with her. On moving day, I gave her Benadryl and for the most part she slept.
Once we reached our new home, the first thing I did was put our cats in one room with their litter box, dishes, food, water, toys, and beds. This way while we were moving in, there was no way for them to escape through open doors. I also put a sign on the door that stated that the door to this one room was not to be opened except by me.
All our furry children survived the move and adjusted well to their new surroundings.
By CaroleeRose from Madison, AL
There are a few pheromone sprays available at pet stores that when sprayed into the carrier, help calm and relax kitty. The pheromone is the scent that mama cats have during nursing.
Also, my experience has been to do with more of a "last out, last in" practice. This means getting a few things from the old home in place at the new home first. Have a secure place for kitty to "hole up" in. As you drive to your new home, have kitty with you, so she knows she's part of the plan. Then when you get to the new house, tuck the carrier between some boxes so that she feels safe. Have food, water and "facilities" in place and ready. Then open the carrier. If kitty normally sleeps with you, try and have the bed made and ready for a good snuggle.
Some cats will be ready to walk out and explore, some will take a few days to feel safe. Let them decide. Just keep talking to them, but let them take the first step. The secret is to let them think that this was all their decision!
By Maile from Onalaska, WA
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