How do I get my pet used to the new apartment?

Moving is an exciting change for us humans – but for pets it can be a big challenge. New smells, strange sounds & unfamiliar rooms can cause uncertainty and stress. Patience and proper preparation are crucial for your pet to quickly adjust to its new home. In this article, you will learn How to gently introduce your dog or cat to a new home and enable a stress-free settling in period.

1. Why do pets need time to settle in?

📦 1. Change of familiar environment
✅ Dogs and cats are creatures of habit – moving to a new home means a complete change for them.
✅ Unknown smells & new sounds can cause uncertainty.

🏡 2. Loss of previous orientation
✅ In a new environment, animals initially lack familiar markings & walking paths.
✅ Especially Cats & small dogs react sensitively to unfamiliar places.

🛑 3. Stress & uncertainty after the move
✅ The first few days after the move can be Anxiety, restlessness or refusal to eat be connected.
✅ However, with the right strategy, pets quickly get used to their new home.

💡 Tip: The quieter and more stable the environment is, the faster your pet will get used to the new home!

2. The first hours in your new home – How to do it right!

📋 1. Place familiar objects immediately
✅ Place your favorite blanket, basket, or toy in familiar places.
✅ Food & water bowl so Place as similar as possible to the old home.

🛑 2. Enable a peaceful arrival
✅ Pets should do not run through the whole apartment immediatelybut gradually explore new spaces.
✅ Avoid noise & hectic movementsto give the animal security.

🌍 3. Take smells from your old home with you
✅ An old Blanket, a worn T-shirt or a familiar pillow can help calm the animal.
✅ Cats can Pheromone sprays be supported to feel safe more quickly.

💡 Tip: Dogs can be walked directly on their usual leash, cats should slowly explore room by room.

3. Acclimatizing cats after the move

🐱 1. Cats need time & security
✅ Immediately after the move, the cat should stay in a small room for now.
✅ Familiar things (scratching post, litter box, feeding place) should be available immediately.

🛑 2. No outdoor access in the first 2 weeks
✅ Outdoor cats should stay indoors for at least 14 daysto get used to the new apartment.
✅ The environment can be explored step by step until the cat feels safe.

🎭 3. Reduce stress & anxiety
✅ If the cat is nervous, you can gentle sedatives (e.g. pheromones or Bach flowers) help.
✅ Speak calmly to the cat and do not make any sudden changes.

💡 Tip: A Feliway plug (pheromone) can help cats settle in!

4. Acclimatization of dogs after the move

🐶 1. Maintain fixed routines
✅ Walks, feeding times & sleeping place should the same as before remain.
✅ Familiar rituals (e.g. petting or playtime) provide security.

🚶‍♂️ 2. Explore new surroundings slowly
✅ Dogs should first gradually discover new paths.
✅ Explore the surroundings on your first walk, but do not run routes that are too long.

🛑 3. Keep social contact in moderation
✅ Other dogs & new people should be introduced slowly & carefully.
✅ Especially anxious dogs often need a few days to get used to new stimuli.

💡 Tip: A dog bed or an old blanket from the old home helps dogs feel comfortable more quickly.

5. Acclimatize small animals & exotics to the new home

🐹 1. Small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters)
✅ Set up enclosures immediately and design them as usual.
✅ Small animals should be at least 24 hours to get used to the new environment in peace.

🦜 2. Birds & Parrots
✅ Place the cage in a quiet place and do not carry it around immediately.
✅ If free flight is desired, only after a few days when the animal feels safe.

🐠 3. Fish & Reptiles
✅ Water quality & temperature when transporting the aquarium.
✅ Reptiles & amphibians need stable light and heat conditions for a quick acclimatization.

💡 Tip: Animals usually need longer to adjust than humans – patience and calm are crucial!

6. Avoid common mistakes when introducing pets

❌ Allow animals directly into all rooms → Solution: Gradual acclimatization room by room
❌ Suddenly change food and sleeping place → Solution: Leave everything as before if possible
❌ Let cats outside immediately → Solution: Wait at least 2 weeks
❌ Too many new stimuli at once → Solution: Create a calm environment & explore gradually

💡 Tip: Every animal is different – some get used to it in days, others need weeks!

7. Checklist for getting your pet used to the new home

📌 Before the move:
✅ Place food & water bowl in the usual place
✅ Take familiar items (blankets, toys) with you
✅ If necessary, have pheromone spray or sedatives ready

📦 During the move:
✅ Keep the animal in a quiet room or with friends
✅ Be patient upon arrival & give time to adjust
✅ Let them explore new rooms gradually

🏡 After the move:
✅ Maintain fixed routines for feeding & walks
✅ Keep your cat indoors for at least 2 weeks
✅ Create a relaxed atmosphere & do not make sudden changes

💡 Tip: A relaxed owner = a relaxed animal!

Conclusion: This will help your pet quickly feel at home in its new home

✔ Gentle acclimatization and familiar routines help reduce stress
✔ Quiet rooms and familiar objects provide security
✔ Cats & dogs need time to accept new environments
✔ With patience and love, every pet will soon feel at home again

🚛 Are you planning to move with a pet? Praktik Transport offers you professional support for a stress-free move with your darling! Get a non-binding offer now! 🐾✨