How to stop your cat from getting lost when you move

Preparing for your cat’s house move

In the build-up to the big move, your home can start to feel very unsettled for your feline friend. They might find themselves surrounded by packing boxes, strangers wandering in and out, new scents, and the emptying of once-familiar rooms can all add to their anxiety.

If your cat is used to staying with friends or in a cattery, it may be a good idea to have them stay there for a short break to spare them the stress of the packing and the move.

If they are going to be there while you are preparing, use a pheromone spray around your old house and new house. This is the smell your cat spreads around the house when they rub their faces on you and objects! This is associated with feeling for relaxation and safety, and so can help them feel calm. There are sprays and plug-ins available to buy, which you can start using 24 hours before you even get the packing boxes out. Using these in the new house for a couple of days before the move can be really helpful for your cat’s settling in.

Territory and scent are vital to your cat’s wellbeing. Before you move into your house, scrub away the smell of the previous occupants and give everything a good clean. This is particularly important if cats were living here before.

Don’t forget to change microchip details giving the date and details of your move, and have a new vet’s details handy in case you need them.

What to do on the day of the move

If you have kept your cat at home with you during the packing and the move, it’s important to keep them safe and stress free during the move itself. Every home move means people wandering in and out, doors being left open and lots of chances for your cat to escape.

Set aside a quiet room in the house you are moving from and leave it untouched until the very last minute. Get your cat accustomed to being in that room about a week before you move by placing their bed, litter tray, toys, food and water bowls in there. This will give them a space to go to be out of the way of all the hustle and bustle – and also be someplace you know they will be safe.

If you’re using a removal company, let them know in advance that as well as your furniture, you’re also moving a cat to a new house. They’ll need to know which room has been designated for your cat, so they don’t disturb them in their quiet den. Try and find a way to lock this door and put a large notice on it too.

As soon as you can, find a quiet space in the new home, put your cat’s belongings in there and make sure they can’t escape. Consider adding some items that smell strongly of home – used pillowcases or cushions are perfect. You can make it seem even more familiar by preparing this space by rubbing a flannel gently around their faces and then wiping this onto furniture, window and door frames a few days before the move. You are effectively rubbing their scent on the furniture and fixtures to help them settle in.

When everything is as ready for your cat as possible, you can put them into their travel basket (which you can also spray with pheromones before putting them in) and cover it with a cloth to keep it dark and calm. Then they are ready to travel to the new house.

How can I stop my cat getting lost when I move house?

The secret to a successful move for your cat is familiarity. Try and surround them with familiar objects and scents. Let them explore your new home step-by-step. Open up each new room to them one at a time at their own pace to look around slowly and get used to their environment. Remember to keep the windows and doors shut!

Even if they are an outdoor cat, you want to keep them in the house for the first few weeks so they feel at home.

If your cat is used to heading outside to use the toilet, it might be a shock for them to suddenly use a litter tray. Keep the tray clean and tidy – and spread some of the used litter around the edge of the garden. When they do eventually head outside, their scent will already there. It also warns other cats there is a new kitty on the block!

How soon can I let my cat outside after I move house?

If you have a catio – a securely fenced outdoor area (usually accessed from a cat flap in the house), they can begin to go out almost straight away as they will be safely contained. If they are a free-ranging outdoor cat, you’ll need to wait at the very least two weeks but preferably three. Let them settle in the house and spread their scent properly before allowing them the freedom of the garden and beyond. They need to feel happy that this is their territory and that it is a safe place to be.

If you let them out too quickly, they may become lost, disorientated or decide to try to head back to where you used to live (especially if you haven’t moved far). 

Some cats accept their new home quite quickly and act like they’ve always been there, while others need time to adapt. It can help if you’re able to spend some time with them at home in the first few days and weeks to help them settle in better. Don’t rush things; let them take as long as they need to get used to the sounds and smells in their new environment.

What should I do when I let them out in the garden? 

First of all, make sure your garden is safe for cats. This should include removing any dangerous objects, covering or fencing off ponds, identifying any toxic plants and ensuring you are far enough from busy roads.

Don’t feed them before they first go out as it will encourage them to stay nearby. If they are hungry, the rattling of a packet of cat treats should help lure them back inside. 

Open the door and let them head out in their own time. Give your cat time to explore slowly. If they don’t want to go out, try another day.

Start with short periods, to begin with just before meal times. Then, encourage them back into the house for their dinner.

Spend extra time doing nice things with your cat – including playing interactive games, grooming and of course feeding them high-value treats that you know your cat really loves! It will make them less inclined to leave home and more enthusiastic to come back.

Just in case your cat decides to head back to their old territory, give the owners of your old house your details. Make them aware of what your cat looks like. Ask them not to feed or stroke them if they turn up so your cat isn’t encouraged to stay.

Last thoughts on stopping your cat getting lost when you move

Prepare your cat for the move as best you can. Keep the whole process as stress-free as possible. Finally, don’t be in a rush to let them get out and about. Follow our advice and your cat will hopefully be happy and settled in your new home.

Last reviewed by expert behaviourist Carolyn Menteith on 7 July 2024.