Moving house is stressful. Moving house with a cat adds a passenger who did not agree to any of it.
Whether you are coming from the other side of the world or from Auckland, the cat usually arrives at a different time than the furniture. Here is how the move works and where your cat can stay in between.
1. Moving to New Zealand from overseas
Every cat entering New Zealand needs an import health permit from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The rules depend on the country your cat is coming from, so start with the MPI guide to bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand months before you fly.
- Cats from Australia can usually come straight in.
- Most other cats spend time in an approved quarantine facility after landing. These are in Auckland and Christchurch.
- Many families use a pet relocation company for the paperwork, flights and quarantine booking.
The tricky part comes after quarantine. Your cat is released, but your container is still at sea, the rental is not available yet or you are living in a motel. That gap can be days or weeks.
2. Moving within New Zealand
If you drive down from the North Island, the Cook Strait ferry is part of the trip. On the Interislander, cats can stay in your vehicle with water and a slightly open window, or travel with foot passengers in a suitable cage. Tell the ferry company about your cat when you book.
Some people prefer to settle in first and bring the cat once the house is set up. Others fly their cat to Nelson with a pet transport company.
3. The gap between homes
This is where most moves get complicated for cats:
- the old house is sold but the new one is not ready
- you are in a holiday park, motel or with friends while you look for a rental
- the movers are in and out with boxes for days
- builders are still finishing the new place
A frightened cat in a strange house full of open doors is how cats go missing in the first week. A short stay at a cattery while the move happens keeps your cat safe and out of the chaos.
4. Getting a cat used to the new home
Once you have the keys:
- Set up one quiet room first with litter tray, food, water, bed and a few familiar things.
- Keep your cat inside for at least two to three weeks while it learns the new territory.
- Update the microchip details with your new address and phone number.
- Register with a local vet so you have someone to call if needed.
International Cat Care has more detailed advice on helping cats settle after a move.
5. Staying with us while you move
Nelson Cat Hotel is a small, vet-owned cattery in Stoke, close to the airport and central Nelson. We can look after your cat while you move, renovate or wait for a rental.
- Drop-off and pick-up by arrangement, so we can work around flights, ferries and moving trucks.
- Short or long stays.
- Daily photo updates on Facebook, which helps when you are still overseas or on the road.
- Your cat needs a current vaccination before the stay. Our vaccination guide explains what is needed.
See our services and prices or book a stay. If your plans are still changing, get in touch and we will work out the dates with you.
