Tips for Moving with Cats

The simplest tips for moving house with a cat all come down to keeping their world calm. Stick to their normal routine, set up one quiet room with their food, litter, and familiar things, and use solid boxes they can't shred. Then let them explore the new place at their own pace. Local moves around Vancouver are usually less stressful on a cat than long ones stuck in the carrier.

For a lot of us, cats are family. Whether yours is an adorable furry baby or a roommate who screams at you for food, you don't want them stressed out when you move. Cats are creatures of habit, so a move throws them off — and their stress becomes your stress. The good news: a few simple steps make it much easier on both of you.

5 tips for moving house with a cat

1. Keep your own stress down

Cats read your mood. When you're wound up, they act out, which only adds to the stress — and if you're renting, that can put your damage deposit at risk. So prep as much as you can ahead of time, and keep your cat's routine steady. Calmer you, calmer cat.

2. Rent plastic moving boxes

Yes, this is a plug for our boxes — but we mean it. Cats love cardboard, and they'll chew and claw a box until it gives out mid-move. Solid, reusable plastic boxes hold up, and they double as a play fort while you pack. Just check inside before you close the lid. You can rent BBX moving boxes here, and here's why renting plastic boxes beats cardboard.

3. Set up a room just for your cat

If you can get into the new place early, set up one room for your cat during the move. Put their food, litter, and toys in there, and set feeding alarms if they eat on a schedule. Add something with your scent so they know you haven't left them. Mark the door so the crew knows not to open it. Animal-welfare groups like the ASPCA give the same advice: keep pets in a quiet, closed room on moving day.

4. Let them explore on their own terms

Your cat might hide for a few hours, or even a day, after the move. That's normal. Let them come out and explore when they're ready. Some will patrol every room; others will camp under the couch. Offer treats and a few pets, then leave them to it. They settle faster when you don't push.

5. Cover furniture and hard-to-clean fabrics

Some cats get scared and mark their territory — your couch, your mattress, anything that smells like "theirs." It's normal, and there's no point being upset with them. Keep furniture covered, or keep your cat out of the bedroom for the first day, to avoid accidents.

Bonus: make the new place fun

Help your cat see the new home as a good place. A new toy or a few extra treats go a long way. And once you've emptied those plastic boxes, stack them and close the top one — cats love the highest perch in the room. Let them climb up and survey their new kingdom from a safe spot.

Make your move easier with BBX

These tips for moving house with a cat make the day easier, but you don't have to plan it alone. Tell us about your move, how many boxes you'll need, and anything you're worried about, and we'll help it go smoothly for you and your cat. While you're planning, our guide on what to pack first when moving helps you get a head start on the boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep a cat calm on moving day?

Set up one quiet room with their food, litter, toys, and something that smells like you. Mark the door so the crew doesn't open it, and keep their routine as normal as you can.

Should cats be in the room during the move?

No. Keep your cat shut in their own quiet room, or at a friend's place, so they can't bolt while the door's open and the crew is carrying boxes.

How long do cats take to adjust to a new home?

Anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Let them explore on their own terms, and don't force it — they settle faster that way.

Are local moves easier on cats?

Usually, yes. A short local move around Vancouver means less time in the carrier than a long-distance one, so there's less stress on your cat.

Moving soon with a cat in tow?
We'll plan your move around a calm, low-stress day. BBX Moving serves Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North & West Vancouver, Delta, Langley, and New Westminster. Call 604-323-0020 or request a quote at bbxmoving.com.