Cats are territorial animals and can find moving house a very stressful experience.  However, there are a few measure you can take to reduce your cat’s stress and ensure a smooth transition between homes.

Ensure that your cat is moved between homes in a suitable cat carrier with familiar smelling bedding (her favourite blanket).  Most cats do not enjoy traveling so be aware that your cat may be quite distressed when you reach your new home.  When you arrive at your new address do not release your cat until the household is as quiet as possible. Make sure that all doors and windows are shut and that any other escape routes, such as fireplaces, are blocked. Prepare a room for your cat - it is a good idea to confine her to one room in the house for a couple of days to slowly introduce her to her new environment. Provide her with a comfortable bed (with a familiar blanket and toys), a litter tray and food and water bowls. Release your cat from the carrier once you have prepared your cat’s new room. Sit quietly with your cat whilst she explores her new environment. You could encourage her to explore her new environment by hiding small amounts of dry food.  Over the next few days make a few more rooms available to her, allowing her to explore them at will.  Make sure that she is not able to escape the house for at least two weeks after your move so that she relaxes and develops an attachment to her new territory.

If your cat is used to being allowed outside and you want her to continue to have access to your garden, you will need to think carefully about how to do so without risking her becoming lost or running away.  Start by introducing you cat to an enclosed area of your yard, if possible, where she is not at risk from cars and other animals. Leave the door to the house open as an escape route so that if she is frightened by a sudden noise or movement she can flee to the safety of her new. When you first take your cat outside, stay with her and quietly reassure her as she explores. Initially, only let her outside for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing her time outside until she is comfortable with her new surroundings. Continue to supervise her outside until you are confident that she has relaxed into her new territory and is not clashing with any neighbourhood cats that may have already claimed your yard for themselves. 

RSPCA Australia encourages owners to keep their cats indoors, at a minimum from dusk til dawn.  Containing cats during this time reduces disease and injury incurred by fighting or car accidents, reduces the impact of predation on local wildlife and gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your pet.  Some owners prefer to keep their cats inside at all times; providing an enriched indoor environment that gives their cat plenty of fun and exercise while protecting them from the risks that accompany outdoor adventures.

Make sure that when you move house you alert the Australian Animal Registry to your change in details so that if you cat does escape and go missing she will be easily rehomed by local veterinary clinics and shelters.