"Things to Be Careful of When Moving with a Cat - How to Support Your Beloved Cat"
In cases where you own a cat or cats, it's not just the owner or the owner's family who moves.
You will be moving with your cat, an important member of your family.
Moving with a cat might seem difficult, but with proper preparation and appropriate follow-up for the cat, it can be done without problems.
Therefore, this time, we will introduce things that you should particularly be careful of when moving with a cat.
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Table of Contents
1. Preparations to Make Before Moving
∟1-1. Purchase a cat carrier bag
∟1-2. Get a health check-up
∟1-3. Do not replace the cat's toilet with a new one
∟1-4. Inform the moving company that there is a cat
2. Methods and Precautions for Moving Day
∟2-1. Personal car
∟2-2. Train or bus
∟2-3. Shinkansen (Bullet train)
∟2-4. Airplane
∟2-5. Specialist animal transporters
3. Things to Do After Moving and How to Follow Up with Your Beloved Cat
∟3-1. Find a veterinary clinic near your home
∟3-2. Change the address on the microchip
∟3-3. Immediately give your cat its favorite toy
∟3-4. Leave it be
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1. Preparations to Make Before Moving
Moving is a long journey not only for humans but also for cats.
Therefore, it is necessary to be fully prepared.
It is no exaggeration to say that whether the move goes smoothly or not is decided at the preparation stage.
1-1. Purchase a cat carrier bag
On the day of the move, moving company workers will be coming in and out of the house.
During the move, and even during the moving process, to avoid danger and not to hinder the work, it is necessary to have the cat temporarily stay inside the carrier bag.
Therefore, it's advisable to purchase a cat carrier bag in advance.
If the cat is suddenly put into the carrier bag on the day of the move, it may be wary and not enter smoothly.
Prepare by gradually getting the cat used to entering the bag in advance of moving day.
1-2. Get a health check-up
Moving is both mentally and physically taxing for cats.
It's recommended to visit a veterinary clinic for a health check-up in advance.
Especially for young kittens and older cats, the burden on their bodies is significant.
Follow the doctor's instructions to prepare for the move while ensuring that the cat remains in a healthy state.
1-3. Do not replace the cat's toilet with a new one
Cats are animals sensitive to smells.
In the wild, they mark their territory with their scent.
When moving to a new home, the smells change, and the environment changes drastically.
This applies to the toilet as well.
Cats feel secure sensing their own smell in the toilet.
To ensure they can relax and live comfortably in the new home immediately, please do not prepare a new toilet.
1-4. Inform the moving company that there is a cat
Make sure to inform the moving company in advance that there is a cat and where it is located.
If the work starts without prior notice, there's a risk that the cat may suddenly jump out, surprising the workers, which could lead to accidents such as damaged furniture.
This is an important point that greatly affects work efficiency, so be sure to communicate it in advance.
2. Methods and Precautions for Moving Day
There are various methods of moving.
Considering the distance from the current residence to the new home, as well as the cat's physical condition, make an appropriate choice.
2-1. Personal car
The most stress-reducing method for the cat is moving by personal car.
This is because the car interior has the owner's scent, and the cat can sense this scent and relax.
However, even if only the owner and the owner's family are in the car, make sure to put the cat in the carrier bag.
This reduces the impact on the cat even if sudden starts or stops occur.
It also prevents the cat from heading towards the driver, which could hinder driving.
Also, refrain from opening the windows, as there's a risk of the cat escaping.
2-2. Train or bus
Cats dislike crowded places.
Therefore, to prevent the cat from realizing it's in a crowded situation, cover the carrier bag with cloth so that the outside cannot be seen.
This is a way to keep the cat calm and settled.
Focusing on the cat's safe travel is, of course, important, but it's also crucial not to inconvenience other passengers.
In the case of JR East, for example, one ordinary carry-on
ticket is required per animal case.
When using public transportation, research the company's regulations in advance.
2-3. Shinkansen (Bullet train)
Moving by Shinkansen is not recommended.
This is because carrier bags cannot be placed on the seats.
Furthermore, there's a rule that one person cannot purchase seats for two.
The only places to put the carrier bag are on the owner's lap or at their feet.
If it ends up being placed at the feet, it can be worrying since it's hard to see from the owner's position.
It's better to exclude the Shinkansen as a mode of transportation if possible.
2-4. Airplane
If you choose to move by airplane, you cannot bring the carrier bag into the cabin.
The cat will have to spend the journey in the baggage area, treated as luggage.
During the move, the cat will have to endure unfamiliar noises and impacts, so put water, a towel, cloth, etc., in the bag to reduce anxiety as much as possible.
Additionally, the rules for bringing pets vary by airline, so it's best to contact them directly to determine how to transport your cat.
2-5. Specialist animal transporters
There are companies that specialize in pet transportation, and entrusting the move to professionals is one method.
They have extensive experience with dogs, small animals, cats, etc., so they are recommended for safely transporting your beloved cat.
They will appropriately handle temperature control, hydration, and toilet care during the move.
This is the safest method of transportation next to moving by personal car.
However, the cat will be moving without the owner, so pay attention.
3. Things to Do After Moving and How to Follow Up with Your Beloved Cat
There are several things that must be done immediately after moving.
Don't forget to complete them on the day you arrive at the new home.
We will also introduce how to follow up with your beloved cat after moving.
3-1. Find a veterinary clinic near your home
For emergencies, it's good to find a candidate for your regular veterinary clinic early.
If possible, it's even better if the clinic offers nighttime emergency services.
Know where it is, when it's closed, and its hours in advance, so you can respond to emergencies at any time.
3-2. Change the address on the microchip
A microchip is a chip that contains information about the cat, which relevant authorities such as municipalities and clinics can read.
It contains a unique identification number.
Based on this information, a lost cat can be returned to its owner.
If your beloved cat has a microchip implanted, you must not forget to change the address.
If the cat escapes and is found, but the registration is still at the old address, there's a chance it won't be returned.
Don't forget to make the change.
3-3. Immediately give your cat its favorite toy
This is for the same reason as not replacing the cat's toilet before moving.
Toys or blankets familiar to the cat and bearing its scent will comfort the cat. Take them out of the boxes right away. Additionally, wipe the cat's face with a cloth before moving, and after moving, rub the cloth against the walls and furniture of the room. By doing so, the room will be filled with the cat's scent, helping it adjust to the new environment more quickly.
3-4. Leave it be
After moving, it's necessary to allow the cat to get used to the new environment.
Even if the owner does various things for the cat, the timing for adapting to the new environment varies from one cat to another.
Let the cat get used to the new house at its own pace.
Especially, without interfering with the cat's actions, please watch over it.
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In conclusion, to move with a cat, start by purchasing a cat carrier bag and getting the cat accustomed to it.
You will frequently use the carrier bag from preparation to moving.
Then, decide on the appropriate method of transport, and immediately upon arrival at the new home, create an environment in which the cat can live comfortably.
Even if it's your first time moving with a cat, if you consider your beloved cat's well-being throughout the move, you can move with peace of mind together with your cat.
