How to Travel With a Cat in a U-Haul

Provide your cat with a collar and ID tag at least one month before the move. The collar is necessary in case the cat becomes lost during the move. The tag should be clearly marked with your contact information. Let the cat get used to wearing the collar weeks before the actual move takes place.

Check to see if you will need an interstate health certificate for your cat when you move. Your veterinarian should be able to provide these documents.

Purchase cat pheromone diffusers at your local pet store before you begin packing for your move. Place the diffusers around your house to make your cat more comfortable during the changes. The diffuser gives off a fake pheromone that reminds the cat of the pheromone it rubs onto furniture and people when it is happy.

Choose a carrier for your cat and make it inviting with towels or blankets. Place catnip in the carrier to encourage the cat to enter. Allow your cat to sleep in the carrier weeks before departure date so it becomes used to the space. Spray the carrier with pheromone spray just before placing the cat in the carrier on moving day.

Pack food, water, litter and a litter box to sustain the cat during travel. If your move involves a hotel stay, check with the hotel in advance to make sure cats are welcome to spend the night.

Place the cat in the carrier and put the carrier in the cab of the truck where the temperature can be controlled. Place a towel over the carrier to reduce unwanted stimulation during the trip. Do not pack the carrier in the back of the truck, where furniture and boxes can easily shift and fall. Check on your cat frequently throughout the trip to make sure it is comfortable.