A cat, like any decent predator, tries to protect its territory and is wary of invading someone else's.
This may be why domestic cats react so aggressively to attempts to stuff them into a carrier when they are about to be taken to the country. But is it possible to reduce the stress?
Here's what experts think about cats' attachment to a specific territory and the animals' attitude toward moving.
Cat's territory
Animals feel safe or comfortable where familiar smells are present.
An equally important detail is the familiar environment, a bowl, a tray, a bed or just a favorite place to sleep and a windowsill in the house.
Only here do cats feel safe.
In addition, they are afraid of possible separation from their owner, to whom they tend to become attached in the same way as dogs do.
How to help your pet when moving
If you are planning to take your cat to the country for the summer, or you are about to change your place of residence, you should accustom your pet to the carrier in advance.
You need to put a blanket inside, put some food in it and leave it open so that the animal can settle in there.
When you go to a new place of residence or to the country house, you should take toys, a scratching post, a bowl and a litter box.
It is better to take old and familiar things for the cat than to buy new ones and wait for the cat to get used to them.
After moving, do not rush to feed and water your pet, but rather let it get used to the new environment.
Until the animal has studied everything and is sure that it is safe, it will not eat and may even refuse to go into the owner’s arms.
