How to help your cat adjust to a new home

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Cat

20/01/2025

How to help your cat adjust to a new home

A new home might be a great adventure for people, but for cats, it is usually a burdensome change. At mybestie.gr, we know how much it matters to make this transition as smooth as possible for your cat. With a bit of patience and some preparation, you can make your cat feel safe, secure, and just as at home in their new surroundings.

1. Prepare a safe space

Designate a quiet, safe room in your new home to be your cat's moving day retreat. It should be set up with all of the things that are familiar to your cat: a comfortable bed, litter box, food and water dishes, and favorite toys. Familiar scents and items around will be comforting for them and help lower stress. Keep your cat confined to this room until the rest of the home is unpacked and settled.

2. Stick to their routine

Cats are creatures of habit, so try to maintain their feeding, playtime, and sleeping schedules as close to normal as possible during the move. Consistency will help reassure your cat that not everything is changing. If your cat is used to a particular food or litter brand, now is not the time to change it.

3. Gradual introduction to the new home

Once your cat seems to have settled into and become comfortable with their safe space, give them access to other parts of the house at their own pace. Open the door to another room or two and let them explore under your supervision. Gradual exposure can help avoid overstimulation and anxiety.

4. Pheromone products

Consider using feline pheromone sprays or diffusers to help create a calming atmosphere for your cat within the new home. They are designed to simulate natural cat pheromones and might help reduce stress during the adjustment phase.

5. Keep familiar scents close

Cats take a lot of comfort in smell. Bring something from your previous home with your cat's scent on it, such as their blanket, scratching post, or bed. Take a soft cloth around their cheeks and then onto new furniture to transfer their scent and make the new environment familiar.

6. Provide plenty of hiding spots

Cats are more secure when they have a place to hide. Create places to hide in the house, like covered beds, boxes, or even areas underneath the furniture. This will make them more confident in exploring, knowing they have a safe retreat.

7. Be patient and observant

Every cat adjusts at their own pace. Some may take days, while others need weeks to feel at home. Pay attention to their body language and behavior. If your cat shows signs of prolonged stress, such as not eating, hiding excessively, or changes in litter box habits, consult your veterinarian for advice.

8. Introduce new scents and sounds slowly

Your new home may hold strange smells and sounds that will be disturbing for your cat. Let them get used to these changes at their own pace by keeping windows shut and trying to minimize loud noises for the first few days. Soft background music is very effective in creating a comfortable atmosphere.

9. Reinforce your relationship

Spend quality time with your cat during this transitional period: play with them interactively, stroke them gently, and reassure them in a soft voice that they are safe and loved. Stronger bonds can make life much easier while adjusting to a big change.

Your cat simply needs patience, consistency, and a bit more TLC to get used to the new home. By following these tips from mybestie.gr, you'll reach a stress-free environment in which your kitty will be able to be safe and happy. Remember, your furry little friend is looking for comfort from you, so just go step by step, and in a very short while, they will get adapted to the new area.

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