Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure for the whole family.  But the furry members of our family may not so readily understand just what is going on.  Here are some main pointers to remember when moving with a pet:

Do plan ahead.  If your move is out of country, be sure to arrange all necessary travel documents and certificates.  Make arrangements for transporting your pet well in advance of the big day.  Be sure to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have any necessary vaccinations or medications administered.  Also inquire about sedation if you think it may be necessary.

Don’t feed your pet too soon before traveling.  Even if you are only moving a short distance and are moving your pet by car, it is better to hold off on feeding until you are settled in at your new destination.  Your pet will likely be fine with just a few treats throughout the day.

Do plan for regular pit stops along the way if traveling by car.  Have fresh cool water on hand that you have brought with you so as not to upset your pets digestive system, and try to plan stops  where there is some room for a bit of exercise as well.  Be careful when letting your pet out for exercise in a strange place. Never leave your pet inside a vehicle on a hot day.  If it is very warm, have someone stay behind with your pet so you can leave windows open or air conditioning running.

Do pack a moving box of your pet’s items such as blankets, beds, feeding dishes toys and food so that everything you need for your pet is readily available once you arrive at your new home.  If you will be traveling for a few days, pack a small travel pack for your pet as well.  In this kit have food, water, dishes, a favorite toy and blanket, a few treats, some shop towels or wipes and a pet waste bags.

Do be sure to give your pet some time to adjust to his new home once you have arrived.  Keep him indoors for a while and allow him to explore his environment.  Unpack his toys and familiar things right away and give him a meal of his favorite food. Supervise him carefully during the first few ventures outdoors into the new neighborhood.

Don’t get so caught up in the move that you ignore your pet.  This whole moving business can be very upsetting, especially to cats and dogs.  Take some time to reassure your pet that everything is okay and that the whole family is staying in the new location with them.

No matter where you’re moving from, New York, Dallas, Miami, or Seattle moving companies will all agree that it is just as important to prepare your pets for the move as anyone else in the family.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.psmoving.com as the original source.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

If moving is a stressful activity for you, you must know that it can be the same or even worse for your cat.

Cats are extremely suspicious creatures when it comes to change within their space.  Even small changes within a room can make them nervous; thus, imagine what a complete change of house can do to them.

Luckily, there are some tips you can follow to ease your friend’s reaction to a major house move and make it less stressful for you too, if putting him in a good pet nursery for a few days is not an option.

1.    About a month before you move, leave the carrier in which you will be transporting your friend close to his surroundings, so that the cat gets used to its sight and smell.

2.    On moving day, put the cat in a completely closed room to keep him away from the hectic activity and to be able to find him easily when you’re ready to leave.  Do not forget to provide a litter tray, water and food for him, and to put a note on the door reminding everyone that the door must remain shut at all times.

3.    When you are ready to go, put the cat inside the carrier with a familiar blanket and secure him in the car with a seat belt.

4.    If the trip is long, offer him water and a litter box.  If you stop at some point, leave a window open and park the car in the shade, as high temperatures inside the car may be fatal.

5.    Once you arrive to your new home, leave the cat inside the carrier until a room is ready to accommodate him along with his tray, water and food.  Do not leave any doors or windows open, and make his environment feel as safe as possible.

6.    As soon as the Seattle movers are done and all exterior doors are closed, let the cat out of the room and allow him to explore the new environment; you can start with two rooms to take it slow.

7.    Cats rub their heads and bodies on furniture, walls, doors, and everything else to leave their scent on them, as it gives them a sense of security.  So, to help them settle in, grab a soft cloth and rub it gently around their face to pick up their scent, then, pass the cloth around the places the cats will be exploring, this will make them feel confident in their new space.  Do this daily for about a week.

8.    Feed the cat with small frequent meals at first to have more contact with him and to reassure him that everything is fine.

9.    Do not let the cat out of the house during the first two or three weeks to give him time to learn his new space and get used to the smells.  When you finally let him out, make sure he is hungry so that he doesn’t go too far.  Ensure also that it is a quiet time and go with him.  Let him go a little further every day, but never alone, and always wearing a clear ID.

With some patience and perseverance, you and your cat will soon feel right at home in your new place, ready to enjoy it fully and happily.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email: