How to make my move
more comfortable for my cat?

As I write these lines, July is fast approaching. Who says hot season says moving season, and changes in routines, twink is not crazy about it. Noise, movement, boxes everywhere, unknown movers invading the house, and even the stress that you yourself are experiencing are all factors that can put your companion in an uproar. Here are some tips and tricks to make your move less stressful for your cat.

A matter of smells

A first advice that we could give you is to leave your kitty as many familiar objects as possible. It's tempting to freshen up when you change homes, but this can particularly upset your cat, who attaches particular importance to smells. Throughout its stay at your current location, it has affixed its body odors to surrounding surfaces to mark out its territory. By leaving him his scratching posts, cat trees, litter boxes and even his favorite couch, you put the odds on your side.

Watch out, runaway!

On moving day, it will be important to secure your cat either in a quiet, closed room or with someone who can take care of it. Under the effect of stress, kitty might want to run away, and not knowing his new neighborhood, he might have difficulty finding his way. If you're thinking of entrusting your pet to an acquaintance, choose someone who has a quiet, animal-free place and lend them some of your cat's favorite things. Then, at the Jardin des Animaux, we also have a very cozy boarding house for cats. During the move, your cat will be safe, calm and under the supervision of our animal health technicians. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

819-563-8056

Arm yourself with soothing pheromones

As discussed above, cats attach particular importance to odors, especially pheromones. Synthetic pheromones of the F3 type will be particularly useful to you in a moving situation. F3 is a type of facial pheromone that is given off by cats in order to mark a safe and familiar territory or environment. The Feliway Classic company offers products specialized in this kind of treatment, either in the form of wall diffusers or vaporizers. They can also prevent undesirable cat behaviors such as urine marking, scratching or fear, without however being a sedative. We advise you, if possible, to plug the diffuser in the room most likely to be liked by the cat (the one with the most windows, the one containing its cat tree, according to your animal's preferences) at least 24 hours before entering the scene. Are you tempted to arm yourself with pheromones? Consult the ''other types of cat care'' section in our online pet store, or visit one of our branches to get help from our advisors.

Locate the most accessible veterinary centers

It will also be preferable to locate veterinary clinics or hospitals near your new home, and perhaps even open a file there for your furry companion. That way, if there's an emergency, you'll know who to call and where to go.

Monitoring your post-move health

With all these changes, kitty may be a little upset. It will therefore be essential to monitor his state of health in the days following the move. To help him, you can spend more time with him and do things he normally enjoys. If he likes to be petted, spoil him with caresses and love, while listening to his limits. If he enjoys playing fetch or chasing his pesky toy-cat, give him more time and expend his energy. It is proven, both for humans and animals, that physical exercise reduces stress. If he likes canned food or certain treats, you might give them more often than usual so he associates his new environment with a positive experience. Watch out for weight gain though! Be sure to reduce his daily ration of kibble for a limited time, if this trick interests you.

In short, we wish you a smooth move, and welcome to your new home, to you and your kitty!