The Effects of Moving to a New Home on Cats
Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time for humans. But what about our feline companions? For cats, changing owners and moving to new surroundings can be incredibly disruptive. While some cats take change in stride, others can become anxious or depressed. In this article we’ll cover the prevalence of cats changing owners, look at signs of stress, examine potential long-term impacts, and provide tips for making transitions as smooth as possible.
Cats form strong bonds with their human families and territories. When these bonds are disrupted, it can be traumatic. However, rehoming is sometimes necessary. By understanding the effects of moves on cats, cat owners can make the best decisions for their pets’ wellbeing. We’ll provide guidance on determining when rehoming may be beneficial, how to prepare cats for change, and how to mitigate trauma during transitions.
Prevalence of Owner Changes
It’s estimated that around 30% of domestic cats will experience a change in owners during their lifetime, based on data about cats that become strays or are surrendered to shelters (Source: https://www.quora.com/What-percentage-of-domestic-cats-become-strays). According to pet ownership statistics, around 44% of U.S. households owned a cat in 2022, up from 38% in 2016. And one survey found that 26% of pet cats had “picked” their owners, rather than being intentionally acquired, suggesting frequent home changes (Source: https://www.statista.com/chart/30108/channels-of-pet-acquisition-us/).
Common reasons cats end up rehomed include owners moving somewhere they can’t bring pets, allergies developing in the home, conflicts with other pets, or lifestyle changes that make pet care difficult. Shelters frequently take in cats when owners can no longer care for them properly. While exact statistics are unclear, it’s evident that a substantial portion of pet cats will switch homes at least once, sometimes through no fault of their owner.
Settling Into a New Home
The transition period for a cat settling into a new home can vary quite a bit depending on the individual cat. According to Bringing Your Newly Adopted Cat Home, most cats adjust within one to two weeks. However, in a multi-cat household, it may take several months for all cats to fully adjust.
There are several things you can do to help ease the transition for a cat into a new home:
- Give the cat a small space to start, like a single room, to get acclimated before giving full access to the home.
- Keep things calm and quiet at first before introducing the cat to the whole family.
- Let the cat approach you first rather than forcing interaction.
- Make sure the cat has access to food, water, litter box, scratching posts, toys, and hiding spots.
- Maintain the cat’s normal routines as much as possible.
- Rub a towel on the old home/owners to transfer scents before bringing to new home.
- Use synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help reduce stress.
With patience and by letting the cat adjust at its own pace, the transition to a new home can go smoothly.
Signs of Stress
Stress can manifest in cats in various ways, both behaviorally and physically. Some of the most common behavioral indicators of stress in cats include hiding more than usual, decreased tolerance of human interaction, aggression, excessive vocalization, and inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litter box. Cats may also exhibit stress through physical symptoms like dilated pupils, tense body posture with a flattened neck and erect tail, and excessive grooming or hair loss.
According to the Blue Cross, behavioral signs of stress in cats include “Tense, hunched up body, Flattened ears, Dilated pupils, Increased swallowing or lip licking.” https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/stress-in-cats
The PetMD notes that inappropriate urination outside the litter box is one of the top indicators that a cat is feeling stressed. This occurs because stress can lead to urinary tract issues in cats. Other digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation may also indicate stress. https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/nutrition/slideshows/signs-your-cat-might-be-stressed
In summary, cat owners should watch for behavioral changes like hiding and aggression as well as physical symptoms like pupillary dilation and urinary issues as key signs that their cat may be stressed and need relief or intervention.
Long-Term Impacts
Rehoming can have lasting effects on a cat long after the initial transition period. Cats tend to form strong attachments and bonds with their human families, and breaking those bonds abruptly can be very traumatic.
Studies have shown that cats who are rehomed multiple times are more likely to develop attachment disorders and other behavioral issues (https://classactcats.com/blog/rehoming/). These cats may become withdrawn, aggressive, overgroom, stop using the litter box, or act out in other ways.
Rehoming essentially forces a cat to start over building trust and security with a new family. This can fundamentally impact the cat’s personality and ability to form close bonds moving forward. Previously outgoing and affectionate cats may become fearful, skittish, or aloof after being rehomed (https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/cat-advice/rehome-a-cat).
Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on stability. Disrupting their environment and relationships takes an emotional toll that can linger even after a cat has settled into a new home. Rehoming decisions should factor in these potential long-term psychological impacts.
Mitigating Trauma
There are several steps owners can take to minimize the trauma cats may experience during an ownership transition. According to the PAWS shelter, following a careful process that considers the cat’s needs can help them adjust to a new home more smoothly (https://www.paws.org/resources/helping-your-cat-adjust/).
Keeping familiar scents and maintaining routines can provide comfort and consistency for a cat in a new environment. Transporting the cat’s bedding, toys, scratching posts, litter box, and food and water bowls can help it feel more at home. Establishing a regular schedule for feeding, play time, and interactions can also reduce stress. Additionally, dedicating a safe, quiet space where the cat can retreat when overwhelmed is recommended.
Making introductions to new family members slowly and positively, using treats and play to build bonds, can help a cat warm up to its new household. Providing vertical spaces to perch and hide is also important. Lastly, being patient and keeping stress cues in mind allows owners to adjust the transition pace according to the individual cat’s needs.
When Rehoming is Beneficial
While rehoming can be very stressful for cats, there are some situations where finding a new home may ultimately benefit the cat. According to https://classactcats.com/blog/rehoming/, rehoming may be a good option if the current home is unable to provide proper care for medical or financial reasons. For example, if a cat develops expensive health issues that the owner cannot afford to treat, rehoming to a home that can provide vet care could greatly improve the cat’s quality of life. Additionally, https://www.outdoorbengal.com/blogs/cat-advice/rehome-a-cat notes that rehoming may be beneficial if major life changes like moving or having a baby make it very difficult for the current owner to meet the cat’s needs.
Rehoming can go smoothly when proper steps are taken to find a good match and ease the transition. According to https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/rehoming-a-cat/, working with a shelter or rescue organization helps ensure the cat is matched with an adopter well-suited to provide a loving home. Additionally, making the move gradual with initial visits can help the cat acclimate to the new home. With care taken to find the right fit, rehoming can give cats a fresh start and chance to thrive in a household better able to care for their needs.
Making Rehoming Decisions
Rehoming a cat can be a difficult decision, so it’s important to consider all factors and alternatives first. Here are some questions to think through:
- What is causing you to consider rehoming your cat? Behavior issues, life changes, finances, etc.?
- Have you tried working with a vet or trainer to address any behavior problems first?
- Could you implement any changes in your home or schedule to better accommodate the cat?
- Have you reached out to any local rescues for advice or support?
- Would a temporary foster arrangement be an option if issues are temporary?
- Are there friends or family interested in permanently adopting your cat if needed?
If after careful thought rehoming seems best for you and the cat, take steps to ensure the cat transitions smoothly to a new loving home. Ask potential new owners good screening questions like: https://www.thewildest.com/cat-lifestyle/questions-to-ask-before-adopting-a-cat Gather vet records and information on diet, behavior quirks to share. And allow Meet & Greets so the cat can get comfortable first.
Preparing for a Transition
The logistical steps for a smooth transfer when rehoming a cat include getting paperwork in order, arranging transportation, and preparing supplies. According to the ASPCA, you’ll need to have proof the cat is yours, vet records transferred, microchip information updated, and potentially a contract for the new owner [1]. Plan the route for transporting the cat in a carrier. Have food, litter, bedding and toys ready for the new home.
When introducing a cat to the new home, initially confine them to a small room with food, water, litter box, bed, and toys [2]. Let the cat explore at their own pace. Expect hiding at first. Keep interactions low-key and avoid loud noises or parties. Spend time in the room reading or talking softly. After a few days, allow exploration of other areas while supervised. Use pheromone diffusers to reduce stress. Be patient as the cat adjusts.
Conclusion
In summary, while changing homes can be stressful for cats initially, most will adapt to new environments and owners with time, patience and care. Some key points covered in this article:
- Cats who undergo gradual introductions to new homes tend to cope better than abrupt changes.
- Signs of stress like hiding and loss of appetite usually improve within days or weeks.
- Providing familiar scents and maintaining routines can ease the transition.
- Kittens and younger cats typically adjust more readily than older cats.
- Rehoming is sometimes in a cat’s best interest, despite short-term stress.
With preparation, patience and understanding from their new owners, the outlook is positive for most cats moving to new homes. Try to minimize abrupt changes, give them space initially, and provide comfort through routines. While challenging at first, changing homes does not have to traumatize cats in the long run.
For readers considering rehoming a cat, carefully weigh the decision, prepare gradually for the transition, and partner with the new owner to ensure continued care and adjustment. With time and compassion, your cat can settle contentedly into their new forever home.