Whether you travel frequently for work or simply enjoy a change of scenery from time to time,
owning homes in multiple states can make it easier to live your desired lifestyle. But what if you
have a cat? With good planning, it’s certainly possible to navigate a multi-state living
arrangement with your feline friend. As you travel between states, take steps to maintain your
pet’s health, comfort, and well-being. Check out the following tips from McCracken Kitty Kat
Rescue to make the process a little easier!
Find a Pet-Friendly Home
Buying a pet-friendly home can offer numerous benefits, including the ease of customizing the
space to accommodate your pet’s needs, increased privacy and security, and the ability to make
long-term, pet-friendly renovations. With careful planning and research, it’s possible to find
properties that cater to the needs of pets, and offer amenities like outdoor spaces or proximity to
parks and trails that make pet ownership more enjoyable. Before budgeting for a new home,
use a home affordability calculator to figure out how much you can realistically spend.
Make a Plan to Keep Your Pet Healthy
Preventive care is important for ensuring the ongoing health of your pet. Make sure you have a
veterinarian in each state so you can schedule check-ups every time you settle for a few
months. Finding a reliable veterinarian near each of your homes will also ensure you always
know where to go in an emergency. Pet insurance can help with unexpected veterinary costs,
so be sure to invest in a policy. Just make sure your policy will cover your pet when you’re out of
state!
Manage Your Stress
Managing your stress levels is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing
anxiety for both you and your cat. Pets can sense and react to human stress, and it’s important
to keep your stress levels in check to reduce your cat’s anxiety, especially when traveling
between states. If you’re dealing with prolonged work-related stress from spending long hours at
the office, consider working from home some of the time to reduce behavioral problems in your
pet. Additionally, engaging in enjoyable activities and making time for self-care can also help
reduce stress levels for both you and your furry friend!
Arrange Reliable Pet Care
Sometimes, you may need to leave your cat behind when traveling between homes. Make sure
your cat is well cared for while you’re away by hiring a professional sitter. Look for dog sitters in
both states who can provide in-home care when you need to travel alone. You can also try
boarding facilities, as long as they’re reputable and provide boarded pets with plenty of exercise
and attention. The American Kennel Club suggests asking your veterinarian for
recommendations.
Maintain Consistent Routines
The more structured you can keep your cat’s life, the better. Try your best to maintain a
consistent schedule as you and your pet move between states. For example, sticking to a set
schedule for feeding, exercise, and other activities will ensure your pet knows what to expect
every day, even as your surroundings change. Be sure to bring your pet’s favorite toys and
bedding to help them feel at home in each state. Finally, make time for regular exercise and
mentally stimulating activities to keep your cat active and happy!
Transport Your Pet Safely
Since you’ll be traveling with your cat often, take steps to ensure a comfortable and safe journey
for your pet every time. Get your pet acclimated to a travel carrier so they feel secure on the
road. Be sure to consider temperature and weather conditions when traveling between your
homes, avoiding travel during extreme temperatures. Also, keep necessary documents and
identification on hand, including vaccination records and your pet’s health certificate.
Move Your Business
To move your business to another state, you need to obtain required licenses and permits,
secure financing, hire professional movers to transport your equipment and inventory, notify
employees and customers, and update your business address on all legal documents and
marketing materials. If you have an LLC, you’ll need to register it in your new state. Learn how
to start an LLC and the five filing requirements.
With good planning and proper consideration, living in multiple states with your cat can be both
possible and enjoyable! By taking steps to find an affordable pet-friendly home, alleviate your
pet’s stress, maintain a consistent routine, transport your cat safely, and feed him healthy food,
you can make the transition between homes as smooth as possible for you and your furry
companion. If you’re moving your business as well, don’t forget to file for a new LLC.
McCracken Kitty Kat Rescue is here to help give cats the homes they deserve. Let us
know if you have any questions!
