Moving across the country can be overwhelming, especially when you’re bringing a pet along for the ride. Cats, in particular, can get stressed with change and travel. At Chamomile Go, we understand that your feline friend is part of your family, and keeping them calm, safe, and comfortable is your top priority.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the easiest way to move cats across the country with minimal stress—for both you and your furry companion. Whether you’re moving from Los Angeles to the East Coast or just relocating within California, our Sherman Oaks movers are here to help.
Why Cats Need Extra Care During a Move
Cats are territorial creatures. A small shift in environment—like new furniture or strange smells—can cause anxiety. So imagine how they might feel traveling thousands of miles in a moving vehicle!
During a long-distance move, cats face multiple changes: different surroundings, loud sounds, long hours of travel, and potentially a new time zone. Without proper planning, this experience can lead to stress-related behaviors like hiding, skipping meals, or even health issues.
To avoid these problems, follow a step-by-step plan that focuses on safety, routine, and comfort.
How Do You Move Cats Across Country?
1. Visit Your Veterinarian First
Before making any travel plans, it’s essential to understand how do you move cats across country safely and legally. The first step is scheduling a visit to your veterinarian. Your vet will check if your cat is healthy and current on all vaccinations. This is especially important for long-distance travel, as stress and unfamiliar environments can affect your cat’s health.
Ask your vet about:
- Anti-anxiety medication or natural calming aids
- Microchipping (in case your cat gets lost)
- Safe carriers for long-distance travel
2. Choose the Right Travel Method
You generally have three options when it comes to moving your cat:
- By Car: The safest and most controlled option.
- By Air: Riskier due to noise, separation, and cargo handling.
- Pet Transport Service: Can be convenient but often expensive.
For most people, especially those using moving services in Sherman Oaks, driving your cat across country in your own car is the easiest and safest way.
3. Get a Comfortable Carrier
Buy a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier large enough for your cat to stand, turn, and lie down. Soft-sided carriers are good for short trips, but hard carriers provide better protection for long-distance travel.
Chamomile Go Tip: Let your cat get used to the carrier weeks before the move. Place treats, toys, or blankets inside to help them associate it with safety and comfort.
4. Pack a Cat Travel Kit
Just like you’d pack essentials for yourself, prepare a cat travel bag:
- Food and water bowls
- Dry/wet food
- Bottled water
- Litter box and litter
- Scoop and disposable bags
- Comfort items (toys, blanket with familiar scent)
- Medications
5. Stick to Routine as Much as Possible
Cats thrive on routine. Feed them and let them rest on the same schedule even during your move. Try to drive during their nap times to reduce stress.
Make pit stops every few hours to offer food and water. Never leave your cat in a parked car, especially in hot weather.
Tips for Flying with Your Cat
If you must fly:
- Choose direct flights whenever possible.
- Use airlines that allow cats in the cabin.
- Book early—many airlines limit the number of pets on board.
- Ensure your cat’s carrier meets TSA and airline standards.
Label the carrier with your name, destination, and emergency contact information. Always carry a photo of your cat in case they get lost during the move.
Settling Into Your New Home
When you arrive, give your cat a quiet, enclosed space like a bathroom to explore first. Provide all their essentials in one room: food, water, litter box, and comfort items.
Gradually introduce them to other parts of the house once they feel safe. Try to keep windows closed and double-check that all doors are secure. Cats can try to escape when overwhelmed by new environments.
Chamomile Go suggests giving them at least 48–72 hours to adjust before leaving them alone for long periods.
What Role Does a Moving Company Play?
Hiring a professional moving company—especially one experienced in pet-friendly relocation like Chamomile Go—can reduce your stress levels immensely.
Our Sherman Oaks movers handle all the logistics of transporting your belongings, so you can focus entirely on making your pet feel safe and calm. We take extra precautions when moving households with pets and provide flexibility in scheduling, packaging, and loading/unloading.
Final Thoughts: Making the Move Cat-Friendly
So, what is the easiest way to move cats across country? The answer lies in planning, patience, and pet-first decision-making. While cats may not enjoy moving, you can make the process as stress-free as possible by traveling by car, using a safe carrier, packing a cat travel kit, and settling them into your new home gradually.
Let Chamomile Go take care of the heavy lifting. Our moving service in Sherman Oaks specializes in smooth transitions for households with pets. We treat your belongings—and your pets—with the same care we would our own.
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Ready to make your cross-country move stress-free—for both you and your cat?
Trust the experts at Chamomile Go to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you plan a pet-friendly move you can feel good about.