A residential move can be incredibly challenging for your cat, who undoubtedly prefers predictable routines. Fortunately, there are ways to successfully pack with your cat around make the packing process less stressful.
Your cat probably loves boxes and delights in digging into a box to hide or play. Your kitty might also like to use cardboard as a favorite scratching toy.
Here are five tips to help distract your cats while you pack for a household move so that you can make progress.
1. Introduce the Moving Cartons
Bringing your moving boxes out early is a good idea, so your cat becomes familiar with them.
If your cat perceives the boxes as fun and non-threatening, it will be less anxious about packing.
Allow your cat to explore empty moving boxes several weeks before moving day. Then, wait to fill them until your cat has had a chance to investigate them.
2. Begin Your Packing Away From the Cats
Cats are keenly aware of what you’re doing in the same room. So when you start packing, begin with the rooms your cats are least likely to occupy.
During packing time, focus on a room your cat is not in. If they are sleeping, consider closing them in the room temporarily.
3. Stage Boxes in a Separate Room
Cats often follow a different set of rules when they are alone. That’s why you want to keep them away from your packed boxes—so they don’t get into them.
Consider staging your packed boxes in a different place. A storage unit is a great option. See if you can set aside a bedroom or home office if a storage unit is unavailable.
4. Play, Then Pack
Some cats need a lot of attention. And, unfortunately, they seem to know just when you need to focus on other tasks.
If you know your cats, you can anticipate the attention they expect from you. You can use this information to plan your packing schedule.
Start by ensuring your cats have everything they need, like a bowl with fresh water or a clean litter box. Then, give them your full attention, and play with them if they need active movement. If you usually feed them during the time you will be packing, provide the meal first.
5. Provide a Distraction
Some cats are so hungry for attention that they cannot bear to be away from you at any time. So to focus on packing, you’re going to need a distraction.
Buy a few new toys for your cats. Keep these toys in a place that the cats can’t reach, like a closet or cabinet.
Periodically introduce a new toy before you start packing. Then, ensure your cats understand what to do with it before you leave.
6. Add a Scratcher
If you have to stage boxes in an area where your cats will be, you need to provide an alternative. Cat scratching is instinctive, and cats can’t necessarily avoid it.
Put a scratching post near the boxes. Whenever you see your cats trying to scratch the boxes, redirect them to the scratching post.
Scratching toys come in different sizes and shapes. When choosing a scratcher, avoid buying one that is too similar to the boxes so your cats don’t confuse them.
Moving With Cats
Moving can take a lot of your focus. If you have cats, you’ll need to distract them with these tips, or better yet, let us help with the packing too. Contact us for more information about what you’ll need for your upcoming move.