By: Chloe
Shared By: Don Zilleri
(Bids By Pros Moderator)
CC: Image Source
Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful times of your life, but spare a thought for your pets at the same time. Cats and dogs often find upheaval equally as upsetting as humans, so it is important as a responsible owner to make the process as comfortable as possible for them. Here are a few ways you can make the move easier for you and for your furry friends.
Change their address
You are not the only one who needs to have their addressed changed when moving home! Your cat or dog should have a tag made for them, which details their new address and your telephone number. Attach the pet identity tag to their collar on the big moving day. This means that if you lose your pet during or after your relocation, you will have a better chance of them being returned safely. Other important steps to take on a practical level include updating their microchips and registering them with a new veterinary practice.
Pack slowly
Packing up to move house is a daunting task, and it can be tempting to leave everything until the last minute. But whilst there is no way you can hide packing from your cat or your dog, avoid startling the pets with a packing frenzy and draw the process out over a number of weeks. Order moving boxes in advance so that you have plenty of time to prepare for the big day, and box up your belongings room by room. If your pet becomes distressed during the packing process, pop them in a comfortable place with familiar belongings away from the noise so they remain calm.
Keep the familiar
Pack up bedding, food bowls and toys at the very last minute so your pet is always in contact with something it recognizes. Ideally, arrange for your cat or dog to stay with a friend or family member that they are comfortable with on the day of the move so that you do not have to separate them from their belongings at all. And instead of washing your pets bedding when you arrive, wait a few weeks so that they have a familiar smell with them in their new surroundings.
Buy a diffuser
Diffusers are special plug-ins designed to make your cat or dog feel more relaxed in a number environment- these can be picked up at your veterinary practice. A diffuser will emit a scent, which mimics comforting pheromones, helping your pet settle in. Ideally, use a pheromone before, during, and after your move to keep their anxiety levels low throughout, particularly during the packing process or once you have introduced your pet to the new environment.
Keep a regular routine
After the move, it is crucial that you maintain your regular routine so that your pet settles down as quickly as possible. It is recommended that you use small and frequent meals to start off with to reassure your pet that they will still be fed, as well as giving you quality time with them. However, be careful not to over indulge your pet at this point, because you do not want them to become too uncharacteristically reliant on you after the move.
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Chloe is an English Literature graduate with a love for words, and finds this a useful skill to have when writing about different things. She also enjoys keeping fit by going on runs and dancing in her free time.
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