What you will need to move Kitty with
So, it's time to get packing, but you also need to prepare your cat for the move as well. Moving is very stressful, so you will want to make sure that your cat is as comfortable as possible.
So, double check (if you have these already) or make sure you have the following:
- A sturdy pet carrier.
You need to place your cat in a secure carrier in order to ensure comfort and safety in case of any accidents. The carrier should be big enough for the cat to stand in, turn around, and lay down as well.
Double check the locks, doors, hinges, edges, handles. Replace parts or carrier if needed. Also make sure that the carrier is clean and ready to go.
- A collar and/or harness with a cat leash.
In case you have to let your cat out during the trip (for bathroom breaks for example) you will want to make sure you have something to place your leash on to ensure no one runs away. Make sure there are no frays in the collar or leash and that everything is secure and won't break.
- A bag of cat food.
For longer trips, fill a ziplock bag up with your cat's food. You should let them gently snack every four hours you travel to ensure that they won't starve. Gentle snacking can prevent motion sickness in some cats.
- A portable pet water bottle.
Kitty needs water too. Make sure they have access to water so that they don't get dehydrated/sick.
- A portable litter box.
If your kitty is an indoor one, bring a small bag of litter and a small litter box to handle the bathroom breaks. You should stop for a potty break every four hours of travel.
Optional items:
- A pet carrier mat.
Handy to have to supply comfort. I would recommend a few nights of you sleeping on it to put your scent on it to calm your cat down when traveling. Let your cat sleep on it as well before moving.
- An ID tag for the collar/harness.
In case someone goes missing, you can be sure someone will find your cat and call you. The tag should have your name and phone number and list of any medical conditions (such as allergies) as well.
Do not use the pet name on the tag.
- Calming collar.
Very useful for very skiddish cats. This is a little pricey ($14 on average) but worth it. Place on a few days before the move and keep it on for the required time needed to help you during and after the move. This helps the cat stay calm when doing anything drastic.
- Microchip.
Usually costs $50 at a vet to microchip your cat in case you have a collar/harness hating cat. In case your cat goes missing, a vet or animal control officer can scan for the chip and make sure your cat is safely back to you.
- Pet insurance.
Some auto insurance companies offer pet insurance on your vehicle in case they are injured in a car accident. Check your car insurance company to see if they offer this and make sure you have it if you drive with your cat a lot or at least the month you are moving on.
Progressive offers $1000 of pet coverage on your car complimentary. (They'll cover up to $1000 in vet bills if your pet is in an accident.)
Other notes:
- If traveling by car, your cat must be locked in the carrier in the bask seat at all times and secured by a seatbelt. Reserve some space in the backseat when packing so that your cat has a safe seat in the back. This way, if you are in a car accident, your cat is safe and the carrier won't become a flying projectile.
- DO NOT leave your kitty alone in a car. A new movement of people breaking windows when they see a dog, cat, or child in the car is growing. If you must leave the vehicle at any point of the trip, have a friend or family member stay in the car with your cat and keep it on to keep them warm/cool. And no one wants to walk back to their car damaged and finding their pet missing. You can also be ticketed in some places as well for doing that by police.
*If you're hungry, take the drive-thru at a fast food place or leave a friend in the car and pick up food inside and eat in the car.
- If by plane, check with the airline and do some research on traveling with pets via plane. One source reads that you would tape your name, phone number, and any important notes on the carrier and pack it with food/water so that your pet can be well taken care of by airport staff.
Some countries due require pets to be under a 2 week (estimated) waiting period to ensure the pet is not bringing in anything harmful to other animals in the country.
Now onto the next post!
