Published on December 22, 2025
Cats don’t “love” change, but they do love predictability. Your goal is to rebuild routine and confidence in the new home one small win at a time.
1) Set up a “Safe Room” first (first 24–72 hours)
Pick a quiet room (bedroom, office, spare bathroom) and make it your cat’s home base:
- Litter box (far from food/water)
- Food and water bowl
- Cozy hiding spot (covered bed, carrier left open, blanket fort)
- Scratching post/pad
- Familiar-smelling items (their blanket, your worn T-shirt)
Keep the door closed. This prevents overwhelming your cat and reduces the chance of bolting or hiding somewhere unsafe.
2) Let hiding happen (it’s normal)
If your cat hides, don’t pull them out. Sit quietly in the room, speak softly, and let them come to you. Hiding is a coping strategy, not “bad behavior.” Cats pick up on our emotions. The calmer you are, the calmer they tend to be.
3) Rebuild routine immediately
Cats settle faster when the schedule feels familiar:
- Feed at the same times as before the move
- Keep treats, playtime, and bedtime consistent
- Use the same food and litter if possible for the first couple of weeks
4) Make exploration gradual (not all at once)
When your cat is eating, using the litter box, and showing curiosity in the safe room:
- Open the door for short, supervised exploration sessions
- Add one new area at a time
- Keep the safe room available so they can retreat and reset
5) Keep doors/windows extra secure
For at least the first 2–3 weeks:
- Check window screens and balcony doors
- Consider a breakaway collar
- If you plan to let your cat outside, keep them indoors for at least 4 weeks after the move so they can fully adjust and learn the new home as ‘home.’
6) Help them “claim” the new space
A few simple confidence boosters:
- Place scratching posts in key areas (living room, near entrances)
- Put a cat bed/perch where the household spends time
- Do short play sessions (5–10 minutes) to reduce stress and build positive associations
7) Watch for stress signals (and when to call the vet)
Some stress is normal for a few days. Reach out to your vet promptly if you notice:
- Not eating for 24+ hours (kittens sooner)
- No urination, straining, or frequent litter trips
- Vomiting repeatedly or severe diarrhea
- Hiding nonstop with no improvement after several days
- New aggression, howling, or signs of pain
Planning on moving your cat? We’ve got you covered. Visit our Cat Transport Services page to see how we help pet parents relocate their cats safely, and request a quote today.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.