Moving Your Pet: It's a Jungle Out There

By Dan Ross

But different species of pets respond to the moving experience in different ways. Depending on whether your faithful companion is a dog, cat, hamster, bird or something else, you'll need to take special precautions to ensure their comfort.

Take cats, for example. Veterinarians warn that they're particularly vulnerable to stress. Cats crave routine in their lives. The moving experience removes all sameness: your cat's favorite spot by the window, the taste of the water in his food dish, that place by the door where his litter box is located. Cats are also control freaks. (If you doubt this theory, try switching your cat's favorite kitty litter or nightly treats, and see how he lets you know that he doesn't support your decision.) When that sense of control over their surroundings is removed, cats often respond by withdrawing, exhibiting a variety of uncharacteristic personality changes, or becoming sick. In extreme cases, your cat's immune system may become so surpressed that his health is seriously affected.

The solution: Maintain your cat's normal routine as much as possible. During all of the pre-move commotion, confine him to one room with his favorite toys, litter box, food and water. Make sure you warn your movers that your cat's "room" is not to be disturbed during the moving process. You may even consider placing a sign on the door to prevent someone from opening the door, and your cat from escaping.

When it comes time to hit the road, place your cat in a roomy carrier that enables him to stretch and have his food, water and a small litter pan with him. Once you arrive at your new residence, do the same thing you did before -- place your cat in a room with his familiar belongings, and shut the door to tune out the noise. Don't force your cat out of his carrier; let him come out when he feels comfortable. The same goes for his acclimation process to your new home. Slowly open the door to his room, and let him come out and explore when he's ready. If he doesn't make a move to leave the room, simply shut the door, and try again tomorrow. When he meets you at the door and sticks his head out for a peek, he's warming up to the idea of becoming familar with his new surroundings.

If your cat has been allowed outdoors in the past, don't let him outside until you've been at your new residence for several days. When you're ready, place him on a leash for your first introductory outings. Do this for the first three or four trips outdoors, and then, if he seems comfortable, remove the leash and let him explore the outdoors on his own.

Dogs tend to adapt to moving more easily than cats. If you transport your dog by car, be prepared to make frequent "rest stops" with him -- and clean up after him (so have the necessary materials to do so). If you travel by plane, a small dog may be able to fit under your seat in his pet carrier. If your dog is larger in size, he's going to have to travel in the cargo section (the belly) of the plane. Consult with your vet before the move in order to take the necessary measures to reduce stress. And make sure your flight is a direct one so that your dog's carrier won't be exposed to the elements while he waits for a plane transfer.

And while it sounds obvious, many pet owners forget: If it's warm outside, don't leave your pet inside the car. Call ahead to find a hotel that accepts pets so as to avoid leaving your pet in the car overnight.

Birds present a unique scenario for any mover. Most states require a health certificate for birds, and some states require that birds have a series of health tests performed prior to entry in their new home states. Again, check with your vet long before your move takes place, and have him or her perform all necessary tests and sign all paperwork ahead of time. Doing your homework will avoid the possibility of any snags upon your arrival at your destination.

If you plan to transport your bird by car, remember that birds don't respond well to temperature changes. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your car at all times. Place a cover over your bird's cage to help him feel secure and to avoid any cold drafts from opening windows or doors. And make sure you've stocked his water and snack supply. Like cats, birds thrive when their routines are held constant.

If you have just a few fish, and your move is relatively short, place them in plastic bags filled halfway with water, and place the bags in an ice chest or other Styrofoam container to help maintain the temperature of the water. If you own several fish, or if you're traveling a longer distance, use plastic containers instead; around 10 gallons should be sufficient. Fill them halfway with water, and change it often to keep your pets' surroundings clean. Place one or two fish in each container. Overcrowding your fish, of course, will "stress" them even more. Don't subject your fish to variances in temperature by leaving containers in the car for lengthy periods. If your journey is particularly long, lasting more than two or three days, you're going to need an oxygenator for your fish. Your best bet is to head to your local pet store for a portable aerator.

If you've got a small rodent, such as a gerbil, guinea pig, hamster or mouse, the easiest solution is to transport them in their "homes" -- their cages. Remove the water bottle; the jostling of your car will cause it to leak on your pet's bedding. Make occasional stops, during which you may insert the water bottle into the cage to allow your pet to rehydrate. Maintain a cool, comfortable temperature in your car. Never leave the cage in a warm car. And if the temperature is cold outside, you may want to consider placing a cover over a wire cage to insulate your faithful friend.

Regardless of the species of pet you own, when in doubt, ask your vet. And consider that whatever stress you're feeling is multiplied exponentially for your pet, who has no clue what the commotion is all about and why his surroundings are suddenly unfamiliar. The sound of your voice and the maintanenance of some degree of familiarity can do much to alleviate the anxiety your pets feel during the moving experience.

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