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Caring for our feline friend in a moving house scenario

Writer's picture: Marco Moura MarquesMarco Moura Marques

Updated: Aug 29, 2023

This is a subject that is often neglected in the countless to-do lists of those who move house: the care to be taken with the cat (or cats) involved in a scenario of moving house. I, a real estate consultant, confess: I have not been providing the proper advice to my clients on this topic.


Gato dentro da caixa

Image by wirestock on Freepik


But that will change immediately! And, for that, nothing better than listening carefully to those who specialize in health care (physical and psychological) for these animals. So, I turned to Dr.ª Daniela Nunes Simões, a veterinarian for 10 years, currently in charge of a veterinary practice in Matosinhos. Here is a transcript of our conversation:


Marco Moura Marques (MMM): Hello, Daniela! Thank you very much for agreeing to talk to me about this topic and, above all, for allowing me to share the conversation with those who follow, listen and read me.


Daniela Nunes Simões (DNS): Hello, Marco! Thanks for the invite. Hope to help.


MMM: On World Cat Day, we pay homage to one of the most popular domestic animals in the world.


DNS: It's true. Cats are still one of the most common animals in our homes, whether in the countryside or in the city.


MMM: And why would that be?


DNS: It always helps to go back to the origins to understand certain subjects and according to existing records, cats were first welcomed into homes and ships due to their undeniable talent for hunting unwanted rodent pests. After that, with their charisma, personality and charm, cats never left our homes. In addition, they are animals that apparently adapt well to our current pace of life and, in particular, to apartments.


MMM: Apparently?


DNS: Yes, apparently, because they are still somewhat misunderstood animals and, although they can be perfectly happy being indoors alone, we have to guarantee the stimuli and the right organization in their territory.


MMM: Therefore, our homes become our cat's realm and domain.


DNS: Exactly. And one of the most valuable resources for a cat is its territory and the odors that characterize it.


Daniela com gato

MMM: Which brings me to the question that brought us here. For my clients who have cats and are moving house, what can you do to make the transition as smooth as possible?


DNS: First of all, they must understand that when they move things and furniture and when they start to pack their belongings, this is already a change in routine that, in more sensitive animals, can cause anxiety. It is important, right here, to start noticing if there are changes in the cat's behavior and to talk to their veterinarian. He may suggest solutions such as, for example, the introduction of pheromones that help cats adapt. On the other hand, in the new house it is important for the cats to keep the same objects, with their familiarity smells, so their owners or guardians should take the same scratching posts, blankets, toilet (and even some old sand), food and water bowls.


MMM: Sorry to interrupt, but can you explain what they are and how you introduce pheromones into the cat's adaptation?


DNS: In this case, the pheromones I'm talking about are synthetic compounds that are only detected by cats. These compounds mimic the pheromones released by cats when they "bump their heads against us" or scratch objects, assuring them feelings of belonging and own territory. There are several ways to introduce the pheromones to the new environment, namely through diffusers and sprays.


MMM: So, in the new house we must install all the things that the cat already knows, is that it?


DNS: Yes, but not enough. Now with the family and the cat in the new house, it might be interesting, at first, to keep the cat (or cats) in just one room with all its resources, so that it can feel safe again. And, at the same time, watch for signs of aggression, isolation or other manifestations of anxiety, such as inappropriate elimination, i.e., urine and/or feces outside the crate.


MMM: The first days in a new house are also always a bit confusing, with necessary tidying up and strange people coming in and out, for changes or small interventions in the house. Something cats don't like very much...


DNS: Exactly, so it can really help to keep the cat in a room where he can be isolated and protected with all his familiar smells.


MMM: And for how long should they maintain isolation?


DNS: It varies from cat to cat, but when cat owners or tutors identify signs of comfort and calm, they can give the cat access to the rest of the house, spread its things around the house so that it has its familiar odor and let it explore at will, with the curiosity that characterizes him. They can also associate these moments with a game or food that they know he loves.


MMM: Food he loves? A new snack, for example?


DNS: No. Again: cats are averse to change. And at this stage they should not change anything else. That's why it's more recommended to offer him the snacks he already knows.


MMM: And if even with all these precautions the cat continues to show signs of inadaptation?


DNS: Well… after a period of time for adaptation that seems reasonable to the owners or tutors, they should talk to the veterinarian and, with him, figure out what else might be interfering. In particular, start by understanding whether an adequate organization of the space has been carried out. For example, cats don't like having food and water near the litter box.


MMM: So, trying to summarize some of the recommendations you gave us here: usual objects and smells in the new house... phased adaptation to the new spaces... adequate organization of the new space... Is there anything else that is important?


DNS: Yes. When moving house, it may not just be the interior spaces that change in your cat's life, as it now has the possibility of accessing a balcony, a terrace or a garden, for example. If the new house has a raised balcony or terrace, they must ensure, as best as possible, that the cat does not access positions with a high risk of falling. Bear in mind that cats falling from heights are frequent, serious and happen faster than we think we can stop them. If the new house has a garden and the cat has access to the outside, with potential contact with other cats, they should speak to the veterinarian as there is additional vaccination to be done to protect against diseases that can be transmitted between cats.


MMM: Very well. It seems to me that you left here some very important recommendations for those who have cats and intend to move house in the near future. For my part, starting today, I will take special care in advising my clients when I am helping them move house. Daniela, I want to thank you for your time and sharing of knowledge and experience. Thank you very much!


DNS: Thank you for sharing this opportunity. I hope to help to understand a little better these animals so complex and so often misunderstood. I am sure that, on your part, your customers will at least have a reminder of this topic and the respective precautions to be taken.



Daniela com gato

By way of conclusion of this article, and already out of the context of this conversation for two, I leave here some sharing that I feel I should do: I have been sharing my life with Daniela for the last 7 years and with Tocha, our feline, fluffy and cute friend , for practically the same time. In this period of time we got to know four different houses and in all these house moves, Daniela took special care of Tocha. And it always worked great!




If you need additional advice on this subject and/or if you are planning to move house, please do not hesitate to contact me:


Marco Moura Marques

+351 967035966

marcomouramarques@kwportugal.pt


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