How to Prepare Your Cat for an International Move: A Real-World Guide for a Stress-Free Journey
Moving abroad with a cat is a very particular story. Dogs may celebrate every new adventure, but cats… ellos analizan, observan, sospechan. And that’s exactly why preparing a cat before an international move is not just a recommendation — it’s a must.

After decades helping families relocate worldwide, we’ve seen every type of feline traveler: the confident ones, the anxious ones, the escape artists, and the ones who pretend nothing is happening until the very last minute. With all that experience, we’ve put together a guide that’s practical, realistic, and genuinely helpful.

1. Before Moving Day: Build a Safe Room Inside Your Home

When the packing team arrives, your home suddenly becomes a busy place — boxes moving, tape noises, people coming in and out. For a cat, that can feel like chaos.
Creating a safe room ahead of time is the best way to keep stress under control. Choose a quiet room where nobody will need to enter and set it up with:

• Fresh water
• Food
• The litter box
• A familiar bed or blanket

This space acts like a personal “comfort zone.” It keeps the cat calm and prevents dangerous escapes while the rest of the house is being packed up.

2. During the Transfer: Handle the Carrier With Extra Care

On the day of the move, the carrier becomes your cat’s best friend — and yours too.
There’s one golden rule that has saved countless families from panic:

Only open the carrier in a fully enclosed space.
A bathroom, a closed room, or inside the car is fine. Anywhere else is risky. Cats are experts at slipping through small gaps when they feel stressed, and many have bolted out of fear during moves.
A few seconds of caution can prevent a major scare.

3. Arrival at the New Home: Let Your Cat Explore Slowly

Cats don’t just move houses. They move territories. And territory is their whole world.
When you arrive, put the carrier in a small, quiet room. Open the door and let the cat decide when to come out.
No pushing, no rushing, no “Come on, look at the new place!”
Letting the cat explore step by step is the key. If forced, a stressed cat may use claws or teeth as a defense mechanism.
Patience always pays off here.

4. Was Your Cat Independent or Semi-Feral? A Move Can Actually Help

Many families tell us the same thing:

“He barely came inside.”
“She was practically a street cat.”
“He only showed up for food.”
Surprisingly, an international move often changes that behavior.
Since the new home has no pre-marked territory, the cat doesn’t feel the need to guard, patrol, or define boundaries.
This often leads to smoother indoor habits and a closer bond with the family.
It’s one of the rare cases where a major change works in favor of a cat.

5. Final Thoughts: A Calm Cat Makes the Whole Move Easier

A smooth transition for your cat means a smoother experience for everyone. With some planning, secure handling, and an understanding of feline behavior, an international move doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At Universal Cargo, we guide families through every step of their international relocation — including support for traveling with pets. If you’re planning a move abroad, let our team help you and your cat arrive safely and stress-free.

Get in touch and start planning with specialists you can trust.