PRE-MOVE TIPS
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Create a “Go-Bag” of two or three days of supplies such as food, treats, and bedding.
Oxford’s pet parents arranged for their cats to stay elsewhere during the transition.
- If you moving out-of-the-area, check-in with your vet office and make sure you have copies of all of your pet’s records and sufficient medications until you can establish a relationship with your new vet.
- If your carriers are not out regularly, set them out with toys and something snuggly inside so they can start to see the carriers as a comfort zone.
- Consider arranging for your pet to stay elsewhere doing this stressful time.
THE MOVE
- Transport the pet to your new location in your own vehicle if possible.
- Use your travel carrier and/or keep animal leashed.
YOUR NEW LOCATION
- Use a pheromone plug-in like Feliway prior to moving your pet in both the old and new location to ease anxiety.
- Lock pets in a secure room while getting settled.
- Conduct a walk through to identify and remedy possible problem areas for kitty.
- Check basement and garage for things like odd storage places where kitty can hide or antifreeze pools to remove.
- Update microchip contact information.
- Outfit kitty in a breakaway collar with new contact information – just in case.
- Meet the neighbors and introduce yourself. Show them photos of your kitty.
- Be aware of kitty’s needs and set-up some cat friendly areas.
- Set-up at least one room before you move your pet so you have a safe and secure place to hang out while the rest of the oasis is being created.
- Your pet may be more comfortable if you expand their space gradually.