--- title: Moving With Cats: A Calm Plan for Moving Day url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-cats/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Moving with cats # Moving with cats Keep your cat in one closed, quiet room with food, water and a litter box until the last box is loaded, then travel in a carrier that is belted into the car. Set up one room in the new home first and let the cat settle there before the rest of the house opens up. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Cats are attached to territory, so a move upsets them more than most people expect. A moving crew means open doors, strange voices and a lot of noise, and the safest cat on moving day is the one behind a closed door. This guide follows a cat through the week of the move, from the carrier to the new home. ## Get the carrier familiar early Set the carrier out two or three weeks before the move with a blanket and a treat inside. A cat that walks in on its own is easier to load than one pulled out from under a bed. Choose a carrier with a secure latch, not a basket. ## Moving day: one closed room - Pick a bathroom or bedroom that is already empty or packed first. - Put food, water, a litter box and a favorite blanket inside. - Tape a sign on the door that says a cat is inside, so nobody opens it. - Tell the crew lead where the cat is, so the room stays closed. - Load the cat last, after the house is empty, and go straight to the car. ## In the car A carrier should be belted into the back seat or wedged on the floor so it cannot slide. Never leave a cat in a parked car, since temperatures in a closed car rise fast in the high desert sun. On a long drive, offer water at stops but keep the carrier closed. A cat that tries to escape a car in a new place can be hard to find. If your move is long distance, plan the overnight stops around pet-friendly lodging, and carry a recent photo of your cat and a copy of its vaccination record. ## Identification and local rules Make sure the cat has a microchip registered with your new address and a collar tag with your cell number. Washoe County Regional Animal Services sets the local licensing and vaccination rules, so look at its page after you move. The Nevada Department of Agriculture covers animal entry rules for the state. ## The first days at home Set up one room first, with the litter box, food and bed in the same layout as before. Let the cat out of the carrier and leave the door of the room closed for a day or two. When the cat eats and uses the box, open the door a little at a time. Keep windows and doors secure, since a stressed cat can bolt. Many cats hide for a day or two. Leave them be, keep a routine, and call a veterinarian if the cat refuses food for more than a day. ## Where a mover fits in A mover handles furniture and boxes, and you handle the cat. The more of the house that is already boxed and the cat that is safely closed away, the faster the day goes. For a planning timeline, see [a moving timeline](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-timeline/) and [moving-day tips](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-tips/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Washoe County Regional Animal Services](https://www.washoecounty.gov/animal/) - [Nevada Department of Agriculture](https://agri.nv.gov/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving with dogs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/) - [Moving-day tips from a family mover](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-tips/) - [A moving timeline that works](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-timeline/) - [Moving pets to Washoe County: licensing and rules](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/moving-with-pets-to-washoe-county/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Moving with dogs](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/) - [Moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) - [Moving with kids](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-kids/) - [Moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) - [Moving to high altitude](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-high-altitude/) - [Downsizing for seniors](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/downsizing-for-seniors/) - [Moving a parent to assisted living](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-a-parent-to-assisted-living/) - [Handling an estate move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/estate-moves/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Should I sedate my cat for a move? Ask your veterinarian. Many cats do well with a familiar carrier and a quiet room, and a vet can advise on medication for a long trip. ### Can a cat ride in the moving truck? No. Cats travel with you in a carrier inside the car. ### How long does it take a cat to settle? Many cats settle within a few days, and some take longer. A small starting room helps. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070