Sometimes life can land you in strange situations. A relationship doesn’t work out, your new job requires you to travel between two far locations frequently, or you tend to visit a loved one from time to time. In my case, I often visit my mom and bring my cat Styx with me. It got me wondering, can cats travel between two homes, and if so, what is the best way to do it?
Yes, cats can live comfortably in two homes. Success depends on factors like age, personality, and health. For smooth transitions, maintaining routines, using familiar scents, and creating comfy environments in both homes are key.
By the end of the article, you’ll have a roadmap to help your cat adapt to life in two abodes, complete with pit stops to understand cat behavior, preparations for travel, establishing routines, and much more.
Understanding Cat Behavior and Adaptability
Let’s start with a simple truth. Cats are, by nature, territorial. They view their living quarters much like a medieval king views his kingdom – everything within the boundary is theirs to rule. Ever notice them rubbing her face on the furniture or on you? She’s not just indulging in a fit of affection. She’s secretly marking her territory with her scent. Sly, isn’t it?
Cats love routine, and they feel most secure when they are in a familiar environment. Changing that environment can lead to some rather dramatic cat opera, complete with hissing, sulking, and the occasional knocked-over vase.
The Cat Chameleon: Adaptability to New Environments
But you might think, “My cat was a rescue, and she adapted to my home perfectly!” Well, that’s the other side of our feline friends: they are indeed adaptable. A safe, nurturing, and affectionate environment often increases this adaptability. With the right approach, even the most skittish cat can turn a new leaf, embracing their new surroundings.
Remember, it’s not about the change per se but rather the pace of the change. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to transitioning cats to a new environment. Given enough time, cats can adapt to almost anything.
The Homing Instinct: Cats Always Find Their Way Back
An interesting part of feline behavior is their homing instinct. This is their natural ability to find their way home, even across unfamiliar territories. While it’s not a GPS-level accuracy, it’s pretty impressive.
A survey by Lost Pet Research & Recovery found that most cats (60%) displayed a homing ability at a distance of around 3 miles (5km).
This homing instinct, while cool, could pose a challenge when your cat starts splitting time between two homes. In the initial phase, they might try to return to their original home when at the new one. Don’t let this bug you. Like anything new, it will take time for them to register the two addresses in their feline Google Maps.
The Cat Matrix: Factors Affecting a Cat’s Ability to Adapt to Two Homes
When it comes to adapting to new environments, not all cats are created equal. Age and personality are important in how smoothly (or dramatically) the transition goes.
Age and Personality: More Than Just Numbers and Traits
Young kittens, much like toddlers, are remarkably adaptable. Their curiosity often overpowers any initial apprehension, and they quickly claim their new domain. On the other hand, older cats can be a tad more resistant to change. Their territorial instincts are stronger, and their routines more ingrained.
But don’t lose hope. Even senior cats can embrace a new home with patience and persistence.
See also – Are Kittens Too Young for Travel?
Personality, too, makes a difference. According to a study performed by the University of South Australia, 5 traits (known as the Feline 5) define the whole of a cat’s personality:
- Neuroticism (Anxiety, fear, suspicion)
- Extraversion (Social, energetic, inquisitive)
- Dominance (Aggression, assertive, independent)
- Impulsiveness (Reckless, unpredictable, rash)
- Agreeableness (Gentle, empathetic, friendly)
Every cat has varying levels of each of these traits. If your cat leans more on the neurotic side, it may be more difficult to adjust than a cat with more “Agreeableness.”
As a side note, the breed type also affects a cat’s personality. For example, a Bengal cat is a mixed breed between an Asian Leopard Cat and a Domestic House Cat. Because of their leopard heritage, they have traits that lean more positively toward traveling.
See also – Bengal Cats: Are They Good Travel Companions?
Remember, these personality “rules” are not set in stone and do not guarantee how your cat will react to the environment’s frequent changes.
Distance Matters: The Gap Between Homes
While cats may not understand the concept of miles or kilometers, they sense the travel duration between their two abodes. A short, leisurely car ride can be much less stressful than a long, arduous journey.
If the two homes are quite distant, consider how you can make travel as comfortable as possible. Does your cat prefer a specific carrier? Does playing soft music soothe them? Remember, it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference.
The Tale of Two Territories: Environment in Each Home
Each home’s environment significantly impacts how well your cat adjusts. Are there other pets in the house? If so, are they cat-friendly? Introducing new animal housemates gradually is important to avoid territorial disputes.
The layout of the home matters too. Cats love vertical spaces—they’re like little mountaineers, always looking for the next peak. Make sure each home has plenty of safe climbing options and cozy hideaways for your furry explorer.
Health Check: Stress Levels and Overall Health
Finally, but importantly, consider your cat’s health and stress levels. An anxious cat or one with health issues will find adjusting to a new home harder. Stress can even lead to physical symptoms like changes in appetite or litter box habits.
If you’re noticing any signs of stress or illness, it might be worth pausing on the move and talking to your vet.
Remember details like your cat’s breed, as certain breed traits can cause specific issues. For example, breeds like the Persian or Burmese tend to have breathing trouble, making them more prone to stress overall.
The Purrfect Transition: Preparing Your Cat for Traveling Between Two Homes
Remember how you felt on your first day at a new job? Exciting, yes, but also overwhelming. Now imagine how your cat must feel when thrown into a new home with new smells, sights, and sounds.
Slow and Steady: Gradually Introducing a New Environment
The key here is to introduce the new environment gradually. Initially, limit your cat to one room stocked with their essentials: food, water, a litter box, and a comfy bed. Let them get acquainted with this space before slowly introducing the rest of the house, one room at a time. Imagine it as a grand tour of a royal palace, with your cat as the esteemed guest.
Scent Markers and Security Blankets: The Role of Familiar Items
Cats, like many of us, find comfort in familiarity. But unlike us, they rely heavily on their sense of smell. A familiar scent can work wonders in making a cat feel secure in a new environment.
Bring some items already carrying her scent before transitioning your cat to the new home. It could be her favorite blanket, toys, or even your old sweater that she loves kneading. These items act as a feline ‘home away from home’ and can significantly aid in making the new environment feel familiar and safe.
The above picture is our cat, Styx, kneading her favorite microfiber blanket. I’ll often put it inside her carrier before long trips.
Safe Travels: Methods and Tools for the Journey
Now, let’s discuss the journey itself. Whether it’s a short hop across the neighborhood or a lengthy drive, making the trip as stress-free as possible is crucial.
Invest in a comfortable, secure cat carrier if you don’t already have one. A carrier offers a safe, contained space for your cat during the journey. Line it with a soft blanket carrying their scent to make it feel more homely.
For car rides, I personally prefer a soft carrier for my cat. You can check out my recommended cat carriers here.
Consider also using calming sprays or diffusers in the carrier. These products often contain synthetic cat pheromones that help soothe anxious cats. Think of them as lavender candles for feline nerves.
Establishing a Routine for Your Cat in Two Homes
Whether you spend most of your time in one home or stay in both evenly, your cat’s routine should stay the same.
I cannot stress this enough. The adjustment process becomes much easier if you change as little as possible. Thankfully doing so isn’t difficult. Let’s go over the most important points.
Consistency is Key: The Importance of Routine for Cats
Cats are creatures of habit. Much like humans, cats thrive on a routine. It provides a sense of security and normalcy, reducing the uncertainty that can lead to stress. Therefore, establishing a consistent routine in both homes is critical for a smooth transition.
Think about it like your favorite TV show. You know what to expect and when to expect it, and even though the location might change from episode to episode, the familiar patterns bring comfort. That’s what routine does for your cat!
Two Timetables: Maintaining Schedules in Both Homes
How do you maintain the same routine in two different homes? Start with the basics – feeding, playtime, and sleep schedules.
Feeding times should be consistent in both homes. If your cat is used to breakfast at 8 am in one house, aim for the same schedule in the other. This also goes for meal types – sudden changes in diet can cause digestive issues.
Bring their usual food and treats, even going as far as bringing their food and water dishes from home. Extend this to their litter box and litter to save you some trouble and clean up down the road.
Try to keep playtimes at a similar schedule too. If they’re used to a post-dinner laser pointer chase, ensure the other home has a laser pointer handy around dinner time.
And what about sleep? Cats do love their beauty sleep. Make sure they have a quiet, comfortable place to sleep in both homes and try to keep bedtime routines consistent.
Side note: If you’re moving more than one cat, avoid separating and keep them together. This means avoiding leaving one cat at home or with a relative while taking the other with you.
The Human Factor: Your Behavior and Emotions
Finally, never underestimate the influence of your own behavior and emotions on your cat. Cats are highly intuitive creatures. They pick up on subtle changes in your demeanor and can often sense when you’re anxious or upset. If you’re stressed about the move, there’s a good chance your cat might feel stressed too.
So, as you prepare your cat for a life in two homes, remember to also take care of yourself. Stay calm, patient, and positive. Your relaxed demeanor will reassure your cat that this change is good, paving the way for a successful transition.
FAQ
Every cat is different, so there’s no fixed timeline. Some cats might feel at home within a few days, while others may take weeks or even a few months.
Try making the car ride as comfortable as possible. Use a secure, comfy carrier lined with a blanket that smells like your cat. Calming sprays or diffusers can also help ease your cat’s anxiety.
Spending as much time as possible with your cat during the transition is best. This helps your cat feel secure and loved in the new environment.
Introduce new animal housemates gradually. Allow them to sniff each other’s scents before a face-to-face meeting. Make sure each pet has a space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
Cats may go off their food when introduced to a new environment due to stress. Try to stick to their regular feeding schedule and provide the same type of food they’re used to. If your cat refuses food for over a day, consult a vet.
This is a normal part of the adjustment process. Your cat’s homing instinct is strong, and may attempt to return to the familiar environment. Keep doors and windows secure, and provide plenty of love and attention to help your cat feel at home.
Illustration by @_cacheart
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