How To Introduce Your Cat Or Dog To The New House

Moving puts pressure on all of us, but nobody will feel it more acutely than a confused pet

. Cats and dogs need to be placated during this stressful time - when tensions are high all around them and they're suddenly introduced to new environments. There is no explaining to a cat or dog the concept of furntiture removal, and it will be all the more worrying if they spend most of their time indoors. Pets need to feel comfortable in their surroundings so they can continue to be loving members of the family. Here are a few tips on helping your cat or dog cope with the move:

Dog-proofing your property. Check all fences surrounding your property for gaps and weak points that a dog could use to escape. Also be wary of fences that a dog could use as a ladder. The yard will be your dog's domain, so make sure it's fenced off so he doesn't claim the neighbour's lawn too!

Cats should be kept inside, in one room if possible. Cats are very good at finding their way back to previous houses. Keep the cat indoors for at least a few days and even up to two weeks, depending on your cat's personality.

If you are able to have your pets in one room of your new house throughout the move, this will keep them out of the way and ensure they are not stressed by the confusion and movement of people. See if you can set up one room first and use it for this purpose, or leave this room until last. If not practical, try to arrange a pet-sitter; it's best not to let them get in the way.

At all points of the move - from the old house to transportation to new house - ensure that your pets are in familiar surroundings. Keep their toys, blankets and favourite treats handy so they have scents they recognise with them at all times. This will help them associate the new house with the idea of home.

Introducing your pets to the garden:

Dog Take your dog into the garden on a leash at first and stay close. The dog will likely be excited by the new surroundings so let it explore and mark it's new territory.

Cat - Take your cat out in its carry cage into a quiet part of the garden and leave it with a good view of its surrounds. This will get it used to the scents of the garden and the new environment will not be such a shock. Gradually let it out to explore the garden but keep close and keep the exploration time short. You may need to repeat this several times before you're comfortable with leaving your doors open. Again this will depend on the personality of your cat.

Travelling over long distances can be extremely stressful on a cat or dog. If you're moving interstate with your pet, check out professional pet transport groups rather than taking it on yourself. Having this taken care of over long distances is a burden off you and your pet.

Cats and dogs are loving members of the family, and you need them to feel included when you reach your new house, so it's important to help them associate the new house with the idea of home. Pets will need to know - and mark - their territory, and we have to show them what is theirs to claim.

by: Michael Gibbons

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