Moving with Cats: A Stress-Free Guide for Feline Owners
by TheLorry on 3 August 2025.
Cats are incredibly territorial creatures. Unlike dogs, they don’t often take change lightly. So when it comes to moving with cats, things can get tricky. If your feline friend has been living in the same environment for years, moving to a brand new place—filled with unfamiliar smells and noises—can be a traumatic experience. Many cats suffer from anxiety during relocation. And if you’re unprepared, it could lead to behavior issues or even health problems.
Let’s walk you through the best way to move your cat safely, ease their anxiety, and ensure a smooth transition—for both of you.
1. Getting ready for the big day
Start preparing your cat weeks before the actual move. Cats dislike their carriers, often associating them with visits to the vet. So how do you change that perception?
Start by placing the carrier in your living space a few weeks early. Line it with cozy blankets and toss in a few treats. Let your cat explore it freely—without pressure. Over time, this will reduce resistance on moving day.
If your cat still resists, use positive reinforcement. Place their favorite toy or a bit of tuna inside the carrier. Avoid chasing or forcing them in—it increases fear. A calm and familiar carrier equals a calmer travel experience.
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2. Taking care of the cat during the moving process
When the movers are finally there and the cat has to go, then you should work on keeping it in a room where it will be out of the way. If you keep it secured and closed in a separate room or in its carrier, then the cat will likely have no issues with the strangers moving around its home. This should let you get on with the moving without having to worry about the little details or the cat tripping the movers while running away. Give your furry friend food, water and provide it with comfy bedding inside, but most of all keep the movers away from the room if you don’t want to lock the cat inside its carrier just yet. The last thing you want is to have your cat running amok all over the place because it was spooked by strangers.
On moving day, the house becomes a battlefield of boxes, feet, and noise. This can overwhelm your cat and increase the chance of them escaping or hiding in dangerous places.
The solution? Set up a “safe room”—a quiet, closed space far from the chaos. Place their litter box, food, water, and a familiar blanket inside. Let them settle in while the movers work.
Alternatively, keep them secured in their carrier. Either way, ask your movers to avoid this room. The last thing you want is your cat darting out the door mid-move. For multi-location moves or large homes, you may want to explore our On Demand Lori Sewa to split the process efficiently.
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For more tips, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has detailed advice on managing pets during household transitions.
3. Your cat the copilot on the road
This is something you need to consider as well, since most cats are not exactly thrilled to travel by car. Keep them safe inside the vehicle at all times and make sure they are in the carrier too. There aren’t many chances the cat would run, but you would be surprised how crafty they can be when put in a restrictive and stressful situation like this. Every cat is different, so you would need to approach the matter in a different way. If your cat never stops meowing or even yowling on the road, then you may consider talking to your veterinarian for the application of a mild sedative to let it sleep it off. Now, this is something you need to only do as a last resort if it makes it impossible to stop it from panicking inside the vehicle and the dosage has to be exactly right, so make sure you are careful.
Pro tip: Don’t let your cat roam free in the car—it’s dangerous for both of you. Unexpected behavior during driving can lead to accidents.
If your cat exhibits extreme distress, talk to your veterinarian. In some cases, they may prescribe a mild sedative to calm them down. But this should be a last resort. Dosages must be precise, and not all cats respond the same way.
Planning to move from Malaysia to Singapore with your cat? Our specialized Cross-Border Moving Service ensures your pet’s comfort during international transit.
Final Checklist for Moving with Cats
Here’s a quick recap of things to remember:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Weeks Before Move | Familiarize your cat with its carrier; reduce territory-based anxiety |
| Moving Day | Isolate your cat in a safe room with food and water |
| During Transit | Keep your cat inside a carrier, secure it in the vehicle |
| Arrival at New Home | Set up a quiet room first, then introduce them to other rooms slowly |
| Vet Prep | Consult your vet about sedatives if your cat is highly anxious during travel |
For an even deeper dive into feline behavior during transitions, check out this guide by VCA Animal Hospitals.
Ready to Move with Confidence—And Compassion?
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful—for you or your cat. At TheLorry, we provide tailored solutions, whether you’re relocating locally or across borders.
👉 Check out our House Moving Package with pet-safe options and a professional team ready to handle your move with care. Or chat with us now for more help.
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