Welcome to Gaia! ::

So I'm MOVING!

It's very exciting for me, since the apartment I live in is a total shithole with a landlord that won't fix anything. Seriously. I've gone every summer with wet feet from broken air conditioners upstairs, a broken oven for over a year, a giant hole in the wall under the sink where there was a huge leak (that didn't get fixed for over a month) and the drywall never got put back in.

But that's not the point.

The point is ROMAN.

He's pretty tough, and pretty chill when it comes to change. Like other pets, and people bringing dogs in to visit, etc.

But moving to a home is an entirely new situation. I think Roman is going to be the last thing that moves. After we already get everything over there, I'll get Roman in the cat box and take him.

But...

You guys have any other suggestions? I've never moved with a cat before.

Well, the new apartment has hardwood floors, so no carpet or anything to rub on.. And I don't even have the keys yet, it's going to be a very fast move. Like a one day process.

Ah like madelynhexton said, as long as he's allowed to explore it should be absolutely fine.
Just like when you first got him, it's important to show them where their food and litterbox is located and to leave them alone for a while while they explore and get used to the place. It can be stressful, but he should be find in a few days.
We moved with cats a lot when I was younger since my mom was a breeder and we moved a lot, and as long as they're given time to explore on their own they're usually pretty chill with the change.

Moving out can be such a tricky thing. Some cats adapt very well, and some cats just hate it and get stressed out.

Preperations

Carrier
Get the cat carrier out. I know it gives chills to almost every cat, but your cat just needs to get used to it. Leave the carrier somewhere quiet, with the door open and make the inside comfy enough for your cat to get into it. So now and then you can leave treats in it. Start feeding your cat in the carrier. If your cat refuses to get into it, start by feeding him next to the carrier. Every day put the dish a bit closer into the carrier. If your cat refuses to eat again, go back to the point where he wanted to eat close to the carrier. In the end you can place the dish all the way in it.

Moving Boxes
When you get your moving boxes out to pack everything. You might want to put your kitty away. You don’t want a cat that has disappeared in one of the boxes, right?

Daily Routine
Stay with the daily routine as much as possible. Stick to the feeding schedule just with play and attention schedule.

Moving Day

Keep Kitty In
To prevent your cat from dashing out the house, while movers are walking in and out. Close your cat in a room (bathroom for example) with food, water, a bed, carrier and a litter box. Place a sign on the door that says to keep the door shut at all times. (don’t forget to close the windows)

You can either empty that room beforehand, or let the movers do that room as last. Of course with your kitty in the carrier. Instruct everyone involved with the move where the cat is located and as an extra precaution

Furniture
Before all the furniture is moved and the house is emptied, place your cat in the carrier and put him safely in the car to go to his new place.

Own Room
Give your cat his or hers own room in the new house. You can use some feliway, or Bach Remedy Rescue to calm down your cat. Use blankets that have yours and his smell in the room. Together with food, water, his carrier, a bed and the litter box. It would be best if a family member would stay with him for a while. Again, keep the door shut at all times until everything is finished.

Settling In

Step By Step
Keep your cat in his room for a few days, or at least till he has calmed down and feels secure enough to explore. For the upcoming days, always keep his food, water and litter box in that room so he can find it back easily. Doing it this way, your cat won’t be overwhelmed by the weird noises, sounds and strange smells, it will be going step by step.
It's a good idea to keep the same routine going on you had at the previous place.

Playtime
Give your cat attention and love while he is his own room. Spend time with him, watch tv, play games, etc. When he begins to explore, offer your cat attention, treats and playtime.

Done Unpacking
When you’re done unpacking and everything is finished. Slowly give your cat access to the rest of the house. One room at a time. If it’s not possible to close doors to limit his access. closely watch Your cat during his short exploring sessions.

If you want to, or you think your cat can handle it, feel free to let him roam/explore the entire house.

Permanent Litter Box
Put a second litter box on the place where you would like to keep one permanently. Keep the box in his own room available for at least a few weeks. Once kitty has completely settled in, you can remove the box.

You can help your cat to feel more secure in his new home by spreading his scent through the house. Take a soft cotton cloth and rub your cat gently on the cheeks and head to collect the scent from his glans. Now rub that cloth with the scent against the corners of doorways, walls and furniture. You can repeat this everyday until your cat will start rubbing against objects.

You can always change things when you don't feel comfortable with it, or you think it won't be good for your cat,. You know Roman the best of course. smile

Glad it went well, all things considered, and that you're both settling into the new place with relative ease and all.