Strange Cat Behaviour After Moving Home – What to Expect

Moving home is an unsettling time not only for people but for our feline companions too. Cats thrive on stability and routine, so relocating can cause stress and strange behaviours while they adjust. If you are moving home with your cat, understanding these changes can help you provide the reassurance and care they need to settle in comfortably.

1. Surround Your Cat with Familiar Smells Inside and Outside

Cats rely heavily on scent to feel secure. When moving, make sure to bring along familiar items such as bedding, toys, and blankets. Placing these in your new home helps your cat mark their territory and feel at ease. If you’re moving outdoor plants, position them near back doors or garden exits to provide familiar scents outside, aiding your cat’s orientation and encouraging them to stay close to home.

2. Expect Changes in Social Dynamics Between Multiple Cats

If you have more than one cat, the move might disturb their established relationships. You may observe changes in hierarchy, with some cats showing more dominance or aggression temporarily. It’s important to give them time and monitor their interactions carefully, providing plenty of resources like separate litter trays, food bowls, and resting areas to minimise stress and conflict.

3. Strange Behaviour as a Request for Reassurance

Some cats may become unusually clingy or affectionate after a move. For example, they might rub their faces more on you or around the home. This behaviour is linked to scent glands on their cheeks, marking their new territory and seeking comfort. Regular gentle attention and soothing interactions help strengthen your bond and ease their anxiety.

4. Increased Kneading and Lap Time

Kneading is a comforting behaviour cats carry from kittenhood. After moving, your cat might knead more frequently on your lap or favourite soft spots, signalling contentment and a need for security. It’s their way of seeking the warmth and reassurance normally provided by their mother during early development.

5. Changes in Appetite and Feeding Patterns

Moving can disrupt your cat’s eating routine. Some cats may ask for food more often or seem hungrier as a form of reassurance. It’s best to provide a constant supply of dry food to allow your cat to graze throughout the day, mirroring their natural feeding habits and helping maintain comfort.

6. Keep Your Cat Indoors Initially to Help Them Settle

While your cat may be eager to explore outside, it’s safest to keep them indoors for at least a few weeks after moving. This helps them learn the layout of their new home and garden, reducing the risk of them wandering off or getting lost. This is especially important if your cat is used to going outdoors regularly. Indoor confinement can be challenging, so provide plenty of stimulation through toys and safe windowsills for birdwatching.

7. Temporary Litter Tray Issues May Occur

Your cat might avoid their litter tray or choose unusual places to eliminate after moving. This behaviour can be due to stress, confusion, or feeling unsettled. Patience and maintaining a clean, accessible litter tray are key. Avoid punishment and instead, offer comfort and reassurance. If problems persist beyond a few weeks, consult your vet to rule out any medical issues.

8. Prevent Destructive Scratching on Carpets or Doors

Some cats try to tear up carpets or scratch at doors when feeling confined or frustrated after a move. To protect your home, try placing strips of double-sided sticky tape or plastic on problem areas, as cats dislike sticky or unusual textures. Providing appropriate scratching posts and interactive play can also redirect their energy positively.

9. Watch and Support Your Cat’s Adjustment Period

Every cat reacts differently to moving home. Many adapt quickly, while others take several weeks to settle fully. Keep a close eye on your cat’s behaviour and health. Offer calm, consistent care, regular feeding times, and affectionate reassurance. If unusual or concerning behaviours persist, such as prolonged hiding, aggression, refusal to eat, or inappropriate toileting, seek advice from a veterinary professional or animal behaviourist.

Conclusion

Strange behaviours in cats after moving home are usually temporary signs of stress and adjustment. By understanding these common responses, providing familiar scents, keeping your cat safe indoors initially, and offering lots of patience and love, you can support your feline friend through this challenging transition. Remember, professional guidance is available if your cat's behaviour causes ongoing concern.