Stick to Routines before the Move
Cats feel anxiety and annoyance when their regular routines are disrupted. Stick to regular feeding, litter box cleaning, and sleep routines as much as possible before your move.
Reserve One Area of the Old House for Your Cat
Cats need a clean and quiet place to sleep, eat and eliminate. If you can't keep your cat's old favorite spots clear, transition her into a room that will be free of boxes and clutter where she can have her bed, litter box and food. If possible, keep her scratching post or cat tree in the same place, and keep her favorite window looking spot clear.
Buy a Proper Cat Carrier or Crate for Moving Day
It's best if you already have a familiar and sturdy cat carrier. Introduce your cat to the carrier before moving day so she'll feel comfortable and not trapped.
Feed Your Cat a Half Hour before the Movers Arrive
Give your cat a good meal with time enough for her to eliminate before the movers arrive.
Put Your Cat in a Quiet, Enclosed Room before the Movers Arrive
Just before the movers are due to arrive, go into a familiar room with your cat and shut the door. Make sure food, water, her bed, toys, and her litter box are in the room. Spend a few minutes in the room with her and then leave, shutting the door behind you. Put a sign on the door so the movers don't accidentally let the cat out. If possible, have a friend who can come and just be there for your cat during the move.
Prepare the House for Your Cat
Once the movers have left, set up food, water and litter box in the new house. This should be in the room where your cat will have those items in the future. Find a nice spot for the scratching post or cat tree and put some treats or catnip on it.
Introduce Your Cat to the New House
Bring your cat to the new house and show her the new places where her food, water, bedding, scratching post, and toys will be. Talk to her in a happy and calm voice and spend some time with her.
Get Back to the Old Routines
Feed dinner at the usual time. Do whatever bedtime rituals or playtime you have done in the past.
Give Your Cat the Space She Needs
If your cat wants to hide under a bed, allow her space. Gently call her and see if she'll come out but don't push her. She'll come out when she's hungry and ready to explore on her own.