Shipping cats separately during a move

I am planning a move for my two cats, Shadow and Star, next month and I am feeling quite anxious about the logistics. Shadow is ten years old, blind, and very sensitive to change, while Star is three and practically a tornado of energy. I have read that shipping them in separate carriers is often recommended to prevent them from seeing each other, which can increase stress. Does anyone have specific advice on how to manage the stress of this method? I worry that separating them will cause more distress than keeping them together, but I don't want them climbing over each other in a cramped space either. I am looking for practical tips on how to keep them calm during the transit.

Oh god, moving is the absolute worst. I remember when we moved Leo and Mia last year and Leo destroyed half the living room because he was so stressed. Mia just hid under the couch for three days, which was scary because she is usually so calm. I think the idea of separate carriers makes sense if your cats are reactive, but you have to be really careful about the environment. I read somewhere that you should block off one room at a time so they don't wander. Also, have you tried pheromones? I used some diffusers in the new place and it really helped settle Mia down. Check out this thread I found earlier: Pheromones for moving day. It has a lot of details on which scents work best. I am just so worried about the actual drive though. How do you keep them quiet in the car?

Hi dear! I totally understand the worry. I have Cleo and Zeus and moving them is a nightmare because Cleo has dental issues and gets grumpy when she is stressed. For me, the biggest thing is not just the car, but the arrival. Since you are going to an apartment with a resident cat, you need to be very careful. I wrote up a whole guide on how I introduced my last cat to my resident cats in a small space. It is in this thread: Introducing cats in an apartment. It explains how to use scent swapping first. But for the shipping part, I always keep the carriers covered with a towel. It blocks their vision which helps them feel safer. Star sounds like he would need a lot of exercise before the move though! Good luck with the preparation!

I am a bit of a technical person when it comes to this. I have Pip, a six-month-old tabby who is extremely energetic, and I have found that the type of carrier matters a lot for stress levels. Plastic carriers tend to retain smells and can make cats anxious, whereas metal carriers are more ventilated. I wrote a thread about the pros and cons of different materials for long drives: Carrier material for long drives. If you are shipping them separately, I would recommend two identical carriers so they don't associate one with being alone. Also, make sure the carriers are secure in the vehicle. I use a seatbelt harness for mine. It prevents sliding which can be terrifying for a cat. Have you considered using a calming vest? I find that helps with the vibration.

From a physiological standpoint, separation anxiety is a real risk during transport. If you ship them separately, you must ensure they are acclimated to their individual carriers well in advance. I have a twelve-year-old orange cat, Biscuit, who has dental issues and is very low tolerance for stress. When we moved, I used a step-by-step desensitization protocol. I put the carrier out for hours a day for a week before the move. I also fasted them for twelve hours prior to the trip to reduce the risk of vomiting, which is common with motion sickness. I documented the entire process, including how to handle appetite loss if it occurs. You can find the details here: Cat refusing food after moving. It is important to monitor their hydration. If one cat is significantly more stressed than the other, you may need to adjust the timing of their release in the new home.