Moving home is stressful for anyone, but for cats, the experience can be particularly unsettling. As creatures of habit with strong territorial instincts, cats often struggle to adjust to new environments.
If you’re planning to move with your feline friend, it’s essential to take steps to minimise their anxiety and make the transition as smooth as possible. Even when you hire a professional London removal company to manage the move, it’s your preparation that will help your cat feel safe and secure.
At Best London Removals, we’ve moved hundreds of families and their pets across Greater London and beyond. Here’s our step-by-step guide to moving house with cats — based on years of hands-on experience.
Understanding cats and how moving house with a cat affects behaviour
Cats are deeply attached to their environment and routines. A sudden change, such as a house move, can trigger stress behaviours like hiding, loss of appetite, or excessive grooming.
A disrupted routine, unfamiliar smells, and strange surroundings can make your cat feel insecure. With careful planning and a gradual introduction to their new home, you can make the process much easier.
Fun fact: Cats have a sense of smell up to 14 times stronger than humans — a big reason why new scents can unsettle them during a move.
Preparing your home before moving house with a cat
1. Get them used to their cat carrier
A few weeks before moving day, leave the carrier out in a familiar spot. Add a soft blanket, toys, or treats so it becomes a safe, inviting place rather than a signal for a stressful trip to the vet.
2. Keep their routine consistent
Feeding, playtime, and rest should follow the same schedule. Familiarity will help reduce pre-move anxiety.
3. Set up a safe room
Choose a quiet room where your cat can stay during packing. Include their bed, toys, litter tray, food, and water.
4. Update their ID and microchip
Make sure your cat’s identification reflects your new address. Since 2024, microchipping cats has been mandatory in the UK, so check that all records are correct before moving.
Moving day tips for keeping your cat calm during the move
Cats are creatures of habit, and even minor disruptions to their routine can cause stress. A house move, with all its noise, activity, and unfamiliar smells, can be especially unsettling. Taking a few precautionary steps will help ensure your cat feels secure and stays calm throughout the day.
Secure your cat early
Place them in their safe room before the removal team arrives. Consider a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway to promote calm behaviour.
Safe transport
Put them in a secure cat carrier with a familiar blanket or an unwashed t-shirt carrying your scent. Keep the carrier closed and secured for the entire journey.
Minimise noise
Cats are sensitive to loud sounds and sudden movements. Ask movers to keep noise to a minimum around your pet’s area.
Helping your cat settle after moving house
1. Start small
Begin with one quiet room containing their essentials. Allow gradual exploration over several days.
2. Maintain routine
Stick to the same feeding and play schedule to create stability.
3. Be patient
Some cats adapt in days, others in weeks. Avoid rushing the process.
Managing post-move stress when moving house with a cat
Watch for signs of stress after moving house with a cat
After the move, keep an eye on your cat for signs of stress or anxiety. Common signs include:
- Hiding for extended periods
- Excessive grooming
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressive behaviour or withdrawal
If you notice any of these signs, it may indicate that your cat is struggling to adapt to the new environment. In this case, consider using calming aids like pheromone sprays or diffusers, or consult with your veterinarian for additional support.
Helping your cat feel comfortable in the new home
Make your new home feel as cosy and familiar as possible for your cat. Set up their favourite blanket, toys, and scratching posts around the house. Cats often find comfort in high places, so consider providing shelves or cat trees where they can perch and observe their surroundings.
Letting your cat explore outdoors safely after the move
If your cat is used to going outside, it’s important not to let them roam immediately after the move. Keep them indoors for at least two weeks to ensure they’ve become familiar with their new home. When you feel they’re ready, start by supervising their outdoor adventures and gradually increase the time they spend outside.
Hiring a Removalist for Your House Move with a Cat
Hiring a moving company can significantly reduce the stress of moving with your cat. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting, giving you more time to focus on keeping your pet calm and comfortable. Movers can also transport your belongings quickly and efficiently, allowing you to settle your cat in the new home sooner.
Additionally, removalists offer specialised packing services to protect fragile items, which means you won’t need to worry about disruptions that could upset your cat during the move.
Why hire a moving company for your move?
A professional moving company can reduce both your stress and your cat’s by:
- Handling the heavy lifting so that you can focus on your pet’s comfort
- Packing fragile items securely, minimising noise and disruption
- Working efficiently, shortening the overall moving day
- Bringing experience in managing the logistics of complex moves
At Best London Removals, we’ve helped many London families relocate with their pets successfully. We offer home removals, packing services, and flexible scheduling to make the day less stressful for both you and your cat.
Tip: Use our moving cost calculator to plan your budget in advance — and leave nothing to chance.
Final thought
Every cat is unique, and patience is key. With careful preparation and the right support, your cat will soon feel just as at home in the new place as you do. If you’re ready to move, get in touch with Best London Removals for a calm, well‑organised relocation — for you and your cat.
