10 Tips for Adjusting Your Pet to a New House

Trust us: There's no better day to send your furbaby to Grandma's than the day when all their treasured toys and blankets are being tucked away into big boxes, by big strangers, and packed into a big, strange moving van. Throw their go-to chew toy and some drool-worthy treats in an overnight bag and send them on their way to spend time with their second or third favorite human for the day.

There are no two ways about it: Moving is stressful for everyone in the family. Yes, that includes your feline family member, too. According to the folks at ASPCA, your cat's first, basic reaction to a stressful situation is to flee the scene and hide. The organization says the best way to avoid an anxious escape is to provide your cat with a small, safe space in your new home. Their tip? "Keep the cat in a carrier while you're setting up the room, allowing him to adjust to the sounds and smells." Read more tips from ASPCA, here.

It's important not to overwhelm your cat in an already overwhelming situation. ASPCA shares, "It's rare for a cat to explore a new territory without hesitation. If the cat is allowed to adapt to a new environment at his own speed, everything will work out in good time."

Your dogs may be accustomed to having full access to every room and nook and cranny of your old home. Eventually, you want your companion to feel equally as comfortable in your new home, but during the moving process, it's helpful to set healthy boundaries via pet gates and closed doors. In doing so, it will allow your cat or dog to ease into the new sights and smells, prevent them from unintentionally running away and allow you to unload bulky furniture and heavy boxes without worry about stepping on anyone's toes — or rather, paws.