Moving with Multiple Cats: Tips for a Low-Stress Transition
Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by Holly Anne Dustin
I have had the dubious pleasure of moving with multiple cats several times. After several local apartment complex to apartment complex moves with an increasing number of cats, I made a move that involved a 12 hour car ride from Maryland to Maine with 6 unhappy cats and a couple of family members in a U-haul truck and a car. The last time was another local move but I hired professionals to do the heavy lifting so all I had to do was worry about getting the cats moved safely. Cats are creatures of habit and routine, so moving can be overwhelming for them. However, with proper planning and preparation, moving, even with multiple cats, can be a smooth and low-stress process. Here are the important tips for a successful move with cats.
.One of the most important things to consider when moving with cats is their safety. Cats can easily become stressed and disoriented during the move, so it is crucial to keep them in a secure carrier or in a separate room during the moving process. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the new home is safe and secure for the cat, with no potential hazards such as open windows, access points under cabinets, or toxic plants.
Another important consideration when moving with cats is their emotional well-being. Keep your daily routine as much the same as possible. Feed the cats at the same time, don’t skip your regular play times. If your cats get walks outside, keep doing that.
Cats can become anxious and scared in new environments, so it is important to provide them with a safe and comfortable space to adjust to their new surroundings. This may include setting up a familiar area with their favorite toys, bedding, and litter box, as well as gradually introducing them to the rest of the home over time. By taking these steps to ensure their safety and comfort, owners can help make the transition to a new home as smooth as possible for their furry companions.
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Contents
Preparing to Move
Moving to a new house is a stressful event for anyone, including cats. To make the transition as smooth as possible, it’s important to prepare well in advance. This section will cover some essential steps to take in the preparation process.
Creating a Plan
The first step in preparing to move with a cat is to create a plan. This plan should include a timeline of when to start preparing, what tasks need to be completed, and when they need to be done. Some things to consider when creating a plan include:
- Finding a new veterinarian in the new location. Do this before you need it. Stress can cause health problems. You don’t want to be trying to find a good vet in your new town that is taking new patients in a crisis.
- Learn the laws of your new hometown. Do cats need to be licensed? What are the rules about free roaming cats if you have indoor/outdoor cats? Are there leash laws? Do your cats go adventuring? What is pet-friendly and cat accessible?
- Researching cat-friendly accommodations if you’ll need them while traveling or waiting for the movers to arrive.
- Packing a separate bag for the cat with food, litter, toys, and any necessary medication
- Making sure the cats have an up-to-date ID is up-to-date or getting them microchipped
- Preparing the cats for travel, including getting them used to their carriers and testing out any calming supplements or medications.
Visiting the Vet
Before the move, it’s important to take your kitties to the vet for a check-up. The vet can ensure that they are healthy enough to travel, recommend medication to help the cat stay calm during the move, update their vaccinations and give you whatever health certificates you’ll need to cross state lines. The vet can also provide copies of you furbabies’ medical records to bring to your vet at your new home. Be sure you sign any kind of release needed for the vet to release your records. If your cats aren’t microchipped, this is a good time to rethink that choice.
Making Travel Arrangements to Move with Multiple Cats
Driving vs Flying
When making travel arrangements for your cats, it is important to consider whether to drive or fly. Driving with cats can be less stressful for both of you, as it allows for more control over the environment. However, long car rides can be tiring for both you and your kitties. Flying can be faster, but it can also be more stressful for your cats, especially if they have to travel in cargo. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
For more tips on taking your cats on a car ride, check out this guide to Roadtripping with Cats. We have tips for you if prefer to fly you kitties to their new home as well. Click here for a guide to Flying with Cats.
Choosing a Carrier
The first step in making travel arrangements for your cats is choosing a carrier. The carrier should be basically 1.5 times the size of your cat. It should be sturdy, well-ventilated, and large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Choose a carrier that is secure.
You also need to consider which carrier is easiest for you to move. Would a backpack be easier? A rolling bag? Shoulder strap? It is also essential to ensure that the carrier is approved for travel by the airline or transport company if you aren’t driving yourself.
Make their carrier a safe space for your cats while you travel not an object of torture. Each cat needs her own carrier if you are moving multiple. Make sure the carriers will fit in your car. I learned that the hard way.
Related Post: Teach Your Cat to Love her Carrier. You will need to get your cats comfortable in their carrier if you are moving more than across town. Even if you aren’t going far, it will be easier if you don’t have to fight with the cats to get in the carrier
Packing Essentials
Pack a go bag for your cats so you can carry all the essentials. This includes food, water, bowls, litter box, litter, toys, and any medication your cat may need. It is also a good idea to pack a blanket or towel with a familiar scent to help your cat feel more comfortable.
Sedatives and Supplements
If your cat is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, it may be necessary to give them sedatives or supplements to help calm them during travel. Flower essence products like Rescue Remedy may work for some cats. Calming treats are usually somewhat effective in taking the edge off for many cats. You might have to try different brands to find one that is effective for your cats.
If your cat doesn’t have a lot of travel experience or is severely anxious, your veterinarian can give you a prescription for Gabapentin or Xanax if you need it to calm your cat for a car ride.
Related Post: Proven Ways to Keep a Cat Calm in the Car
Moving Day
Moving day can be stressful for cats, but there are steps you can take to make it easier for them. Here are some tips to help you prepare for moving day and make it as smooth as possible for your feline friend. I highly recommend hiring help if you can. It’s much easier to just direct movers than to have to move and pack everything yourself. It takes so much less time.
Safe Room Setup
Before the moving truck arrives to pack you out, set up a safe room for your cat. This should be a quiet room where your cat can feel secure. Take out all the normal furniture so the movers don’t have to go in that room. Make sure the room has all the essentials your cats need, including food, water, a litter box, and a comfortable place to sleep. You can also add some toys and a scratching post to keep them entertained.
Keep the door closed, put a sign on the door to keep the movers or your helpers out. Pack Kitty’s stuff last. Preferably in the car you are driving, or at the back of the moving truck if you must. The goal is to set up Kitty’s space first when you arrive at your new home.
Feeding and Watering
Make sure your cat has access to fresh water and food throughout the day. If you’re going on a long car ride, bring along some water and food for your cat. You can also use a travel water bottle and food dish to make feeding easier on the go.
Litter Box Management
Keep your cat’s litter box clean and accessible throughout the day. If you’re traveling, bring along a portable litter box and some litter. You can also use disposable litter boxes for convenience.
Play and Anxiety Management
Play some soothing music to cover the noise of the moving people to help your cat stay calm and relaxed. Use a pheromone spray or plug-in. You can also give your cat some toys to play with or use a calming collar. Keep your cats on whatever calming supplements or medication you have selected to use while the house is being packed and moved.
Resist the urge to toss the scratching post your cats have worked down to shreds or the beds they’ve had for years. Having their familiar things with their own scents will make the transition into the new house easier for your furbabies.
Arriving at the New Home
Once you arrive at your new home with your cat, it’s important to take some steps to make the transition as smooth as possible for your feline friend. You are going to essentially reverse the process you started at your old home.
Unpacking and Settling In
After you’ve arrived at your new home, set up your cat’s food, water, litter box, and bedding in a quiet, secure room where your cat can feel safe. Plug in your pheromone diffuser. This is why you packed the cats’ belongings last. Put your do not disturb sign back on the door so no one enters. Don’t introduce your cats to the whole new environment at once. This will help reduce stress for both you and your cats.
Cat Proofing the New Home
Before letting your cat explore the new home, it’s important to cat-proof the space to ensure that your cat is safe. This includes securing windows, blocking off small spaces like behind the washer and dryer, and removing any toxic plants or substances. You can also invest in a few cat-friendly items, such as scratching posts and toys, to help your cat feel more at home. Introduce new scratching posts, cat trees, beds etc. and let them get used to them before you remove the old items you moved with you for Kitty’s emotional security.
Acclimating to the New Environment
Unpack and organize your house as quickly as possible to get your cats’ lives back to normal. Establish your new routine. Keep an eye on your cats and their stress levels as they adapt to their new environment. You don’t want them to develop stress-related illnesses or behavior problems. Gradually introduce your cat to new rooms, and provide plenty of positive reinforcement and treats to help your cat feel comfortable and confident.
Know your cats. A confident cat will be curious and eager to explore his new space. His shyer friend will be the one more likely to find a place to hide and stay there. Let him explore, don’t force her to come out til she’s ready. Lots of love will help them both adjust.
Conclusion
A successful move requires preparation and patience, but most importantly is understanding the needs of your cats. By taking these steps, you can help your cat adjust to the new home and reduce stress during the transition. With this type of awareness and care, you can make this transition with multiple cats as easy an experience for everyone involved!
