Moving to a new house is a stressful time for everybody, yet it can be even more difficult for those of us with feline friends. Cats are notoriously sensitive to changes in their routine and it is common for domestic cats to try and return to their old house, getting lost or injured on the way. This is due to their territorial nature - cats come to think of their home as their territory and uprooting them causes confusion. Here are three top tips for keeping your pet safe when you move.

#1 Keep your cat inside for three weeks

This is the most common mistake that causes cats to get lost. When arriving at a new home, it is critical that your cat is kept inside for at least three weeks, whether they are usually an outdoor cat or not. This gives your cat time to adjust to their new home and to begin to recognise it as their own territory. If your cat goes outside too early then they won't have had time to adjust and are more likely to try and find their way back to the old house.

#2 Bring a familiar scent with you

Cats are much more in tune with their noses than we are. Make sure to bring old cushions, blankets and other furnishings that your cat is familiar with. These will smell like "home" and will help your cat to settle in. You could even rub your cat's face with a blanket or cloth and then apply the smell to furnishings at cat-height. These familiar smells will settle your cat down and make them less likely to try and return to your old home.

#3 Get your cat micro-chipped and make the new house owners aware

Cats are clever, wily animals and despite your best efforts, sometimes they will escape. Make sure your cat is microchipped and the details are kept up-to-date. You could even make the new owners of your old house aware of your cat and leave contact details, just in case your cat does show up in the future.

Moving to a new house is an exciting but stressful time, for pets as well as humans. Following these handy tips will help to keep your furry feline friends safe during the move.

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