How to Keep Cats and Dogs Calm When Moving House
If you’re a pet owner preparing to move house, it’s important to consider the needs of the four-legged members of your family.
Cats and dogs can find moving unsettling and sometimes become withdrawn, destructive or anxious. To help your beloved pet make a smooth transition to your new home, here are three tips.
Stick to your usual routine
Cats and dogs are creatures of habit and can get anxious when their daily routine is upended.
For this reason, try to keep things as normal as possible. Don’t pack your pet’s toys, bedding and food bowl until the very last thing, and stick to feeding them at the same time every day.
With dogs, walk them as usual, as this will help calm their nerves - and yours as well.
On moving day
Moving day can be frenetic, so taking your pet to a sitter or friend is best. That way, you can shift your belongings (and deal with other admin, like meter readings) without worrying about them.
If this isn’t possible, ensure your dog or cat is safe and secure. As people will be coming and going carrying boxes, there’s a chance your pet could get out. With so much going on, a frantic search to find an AWOL pet is the last thing you need.
Settle in slowly
When you get into your new home, set your pet’s belongings up in a quiet corner so that they have their own little safe nook.
The RSPCA recommends keeping cats indoors for a few weeks to help them adjust to their new surroundings (so you’ll need plenty of kitty litter). When you do let your cat out, put a few familiar household items, such as a blanket or mat, outside so they can trace the scent if they need to.
With dogs, carefully check that there are no gaps in the fences where they can escape. Also, look out for poisonous plants in the garden and exposed wires indoors.
Update the address information on their microchip and reintroduce a daily routine as soon as you can.
If you’d like to relocate, contact us today. We can help find you a new home. E-mail Nick or Teresa at Quarters Estate Agents in Wokingham on hello@quarters.agency – we’re here to help!
