So you are about to move house and concerned about settling your pets into their new environment. Here's some handy tips on making the transition stress free and as safe as possible for your pet.
Cats
Cat owners are often concerned about the best way to settle their cat into a new home. Cats form definite attachments to places and often try to return to their old home but a few precautions can ensure that the cat accepts a new address.
When it is time to move out of the old home make sure that you lock the cat in a secure room or cat carrier before the removalist arrive. Cats do not like change or disruption to their household and will often become uneasy when packing commences and may “leave home†rather than be in the midst of all the confusion. It is best to lock the cat securely in one room while packing so that it cannot do this. It will also ensure your cat doesn't climb into a packing box or crate for a sleep and get sent off with the household goods!
Transport your cat to its new home in a secure cat carrier as many cats become frightened in a car and may escape. When you arrive at your new address do not release the cat until the removalists, visitors etc have all left and the household is quiet. Make sure that all doors and windows are closed and if you have an open fireplace screen the chimney as frightened cats will often hide in a chimney. Restrict your cat to one room and sit quietly with it, allowing it to explore. This room should be the cats own room for a few days so place a litter tray and its food and water bowls and a sleeping basket in the room. The cat will explore every corner of the room and rub itself around the furniture to mark his/her scent and claim it as his/her territory.
If your cat is an outside cat, let him/her outside for short periods and stay with them. Do this for a few weeks until you are confident that they have a feeling of attachment to thier new home. Cats are very territorial and it may be that a neighbours cat has claimed your new backyard as its territory. Your cat will have to claim this territory as its own so you may experience some hissing and posturing but generally cats will work things out for themselves. If you have ever thought of keeping your cat indoors, now is great time to do so. Indoor cats generally live healthier and longer lives because they are less exposed to diseases from the cat community, such as FIV (Cat AIDs). If space permits, another option which can be considered is a cat enclosure.
Dogs
Dogs can sometimes be more difficult to settle into new routines, particularly those that have the run of the house or are used to more space. Taking your dog for walks around your new area, will give him/her both the mental and physical stimulation they need as well as familiarise them with their new surrounds. Walk your dog at least once daily, especially in the mornings before they are left alone. This will help reduce any excess energy that they have.
Avoid making a fuss of your dog when you are arrive home and leave home. Your dog may interpret the fuss incorrectly, and begin to worry unnecessarily. As hard as it is you do not want him/her to wait all day for an exciting event (your arrival). If you get home and nothing exciting happens, your dog will start to think it is not the best part of his day and will stop pining for that moment.
Owners are often tempted to replace the dog or cat's bed when they move into a new home. If you can resist the temptation, provide them with a bed, toys, food and water bowl they are familiar with.
Barking, digging and more
Most dogs only bark, dig or develop destructive behaviours when they are bored so keeping your dog busy is the main priority.
There are many "home alone" toys and activities that you can use to help keep dogs relaxed when you are not there. Selecting the right toy for your pet does depend on their individual personality. Here are some that are popular...
Kong toys and biscuit balls are an excellent way to give your dog their breakfast. Kong toys can be stuffed with all sorts of food and treats. You can even freeze wet pet food which occupies them for even longer. Biscuit balls also work in a similar manner.
Leaving the TV or radio on, will sometime relax pets, usually these are only on when people are home so that indicate to the pets that people are around.
Some dogs love playing in water. Purchase a children's plastic pool and half fill it with water this becomes an additional water bowl and they can also play, splash, dig, sleep and have loads of fun in it!
If your pet is fond of their food, you can make a gravy trail around the garden. Give them a scent to follow or hiding treats around the garden for him/her to sniff out and eat! Unless you want a four-legged excavator, we don't advise burying food as this only encourages digging.
Make sure your new home is safe
Before you let your pet into a new environment, do a simple check for the following...
Poisons - check your shed, garden and shelves for anything left at 'nose' level. Also check the garden beds for any rat or snail poison left in the yard by previous owners.
Fencing - do a backyard check to make sure you have no escape holes.
Remove chewable objects - to prevent obstruction injuries (injuries that could choke or damage your pet's gastrointestinal system) remove suspect items from your yard. Bin any old bones, small balls and anything your pet maybe attracted to.
Identification - Ensure your pet is wearing a collar, and has an identification tag with your new phone number. If your pet is microchipped, contact the relevant microchip registry to change your contact details. Finally contact your local council to update your pet's registration details.
And just remember, patience, patience, patience... and you will enjoy your new home together in no time.
