Welcoming a little fluffball or cute canine companion into the family? As exciting as it can be, a new home can be stressful for new furry friends. Coming into a strange environment, they may struggle to adjust. Just like with us, moving house can be scary stuff! They may feel too timid to explore their surroundings, find it hard to relax in the new space, and there may be some inevitable nervous accidents along the way. But luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to settle a pet into a new home.
Here are the best products, chosen by the Take A Break Pet Experts, that’ll make your pet feel right at home.
Moving house with a pet in tow? Read on for some great tips to get them settled into the new space, too.
Best products to settle your pet into your home
First, we will start off with the best products for your kitty, but keep scrolling for our dog section too...
The cat (or should we say kit) list
Mealtimes to meow about:
Make your kitty's dinner a stylish and nutritious affair...
www.petsathome.com
This new range is kind to pets and the planet! This free-range dry kitten food contains high-quality meat that provides key nutrients for good growth and development, with no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Suitable for kittens aged two to 12 months.
www.petsathome.com
You need somewhere to put their food after all! Serve your little pedicured queen or king their dinner from this simple yet contemporary bamboo pet bowl, sustainably made and with a cool wave print.
You could give them a bowl for their water, or spoil them with this 1.5-litre butterfly water dispenser to provide your puss with fresh, filtered water. The dual-filter system removes odour and bad taste and gives your cat free-flowing water for them to drink from.
www.petsathome.com
A pet feeding mat keeps bacteria away from pet food surfaces, and bowls in one place, and protects the floors from spillages and messy eaters. Endorsed by the RSPCA, we love this quality, wipe-clean mat from Mason Cash with its fun repeating fish pattern.
www.petsathome.com
This kitten-friendly yoghurt served in tasty and nutritious sachets makes the perfect daily treat that your little kitty is bound to adore. Available in salmon, chicken, and liver flavours, serve it straight or as a topper for biscuits. Suitable for cats from 12 weeks.
Purr-fect playtime:
Promote exercise and bonding and stave off boredom with these toys...
www.hugglepets.co.uk
This toy from Rosewood will keep any kitty cat entertained through active play and snuggles. The crinkle body will spark their interest whilst the catnip filling with kick start their instincts to pounce and chase, and you can use it for solo or interactive play.
This simple yet effective treat maze and puzzle game will keep your cat entertained for hours, sticking their paws into the nooks and crannies to find their tasty treats hidden in the inner chambers. There are three stages - beginner, intermediate, and top-cat - so they certainly won't get bored.
Ideal for kittens learning to hunt, this dome contains an automated cat ball on a swivelling plate that they can track down and hit. There are two play modes - sensor and continuous - and it will automatically be activated when your cat is nearby. This will definitely keep them entertained when you're not at home.
www.petsathome.com
Lasers? Treats? This toy has it all. The Catit Play Tumbler Bee is an interactive cat toy that spins crazily and sends out laser beams, encouraging your cat to play. And you can insert your kitten's favourite treats to be dispensed during playtime - this one will delight and wear them out!
Your cat and your furniture will thank you for this! In a fun cactus design that'll add a little vitality to your home too, this scratching post is covered with durable sisal rope and fluffy plush, designed to sharpen and withstand your kitten's claws.
Cosy corners:
Your puss will feel safe and sound having these around...
Not only does thiscat bed provide your kitten with a cosy place to sleep, but it also has a cute hanging fish toy for them to play with and it provides a hideaway for them to snuggle in. Stylish, pretty, and practical, it has a sweet bee stripe print, and a carry handle for easy transport.
www.argos.co.uk
Their catnap just got even more snug with the radiator cat bed. It's more open than the hideaway style but your kitten will love sleeping and snoozing by the warmth of the radiator in the comfy fleece hammock.
It's good to have a travel carrier from the get-go with your kitten so you have the means to take them on trips to the vets. This portable pet bag has it all; breathable, anti-scratch mesh, durable polyester, washable and removable mat, protective bottom, pockets, leather carry handle, and safety inner leash.
www.lordsandlabradors.co.uk
With a choice of adorable prints, this super-soft sherpa blanket with teddy fleece lining is hardwearing and a great way of keeping cat hair on the sofa or bed to a minimum. Not to mention, it'll make your kitten happy too.
www.wilko.com
This collapsible tunnel from Wilko measuring an extra-long 90cm is great for play, rest, and sleep, and provides the perfect spot for them to hide in. It also features a teaser toy on the one side to keep your cat's attention making it a versatile pick that gives them an all-in-one experience.
Feline fantastic:
Here's our pick of the products designed to keep your kitty looking and feeling their best...
www.notinthedoghouse.co.uk
Made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles, this cat litter tray is a must for eco-friendly pet parents. The large, hooded box keeps the mess out of sight and gives your kitty the privacy they need, and has a deep base to keep cat litter. It's a hygienic choice too; it's easy to clean and has a replaceable carbon filter for odour control. Read our full article on eco-friendly cat litter trays here.
natusan.co.uk
Keeping things eco-friendly, this cat litter from Natusan is 100 per cent natural and biodegradable and they plant a tree with every order. Available to buy one-time or as part of a subscription, it's tight-clumping to trap odours, vet-approved and most importantly, cat-approved.
www.petsathome.com
This set from Mikkiontains is a slicker brush, comb, and flea comb, perfect for keeping your kitty feeling and looking their best and to help build a bond as you pamper them. They're designed to be easy to use with a brush for general cleaning and a comb for finer grooming.
www.wilko.com
Get all your kitten's healthcare essentials sorted in one click with this three-item bundle containing a flea clear treatment, flea and tick spray, and spot-on dewormer. Suitable for cats over two months old, you'll be prepared to keep them happy and healthy all year round.
These relaxing oils will keep your kitty feeling at home. Just plug in and let the de-stressing properties slow release into the environment. It is made with a blend of essential oils, including valerian, vetivert, basil sweet, and sage. Read our full list of the best calming pet products here.
The pup list
Mutt's mealtimes:
Tasty treats and grub to keep your loveable pup's tail a-wagging...
We've all heard of the popular Pedigree brand dog food out there and its junior puppy dog food in jelly sachets is a winner. Safe for puppies to eat, up to twelve months, this is a trustworthy brand that you can get your hands on. This mixed selection has flavours chicken, lamb, poultry, and beef.
www.etsy.com
You could buy your food and water bowls separately, or opt for a two-in-one option thanks to these raised wooden platform bowls from QtProductsGifts. Not only that, but this star seller on Etsy gives you the options to customise the sizing, primary colours, and personalise with your little puppy's name. Cute!
www.petsathome.com
Much as with kittens, it's best to give your pup a pet feeding mat to protect their food and feeding surface from bacteria and keep spillages on your floor to a minimum. This non-slip silicone mat comes in a cute bone shape and will be great for keeping their bowls in one place, especially as puppies like to push their bowls as they eat.
Perfect for training, these meaty bits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and added calcium to support healthy teeth and bones. Suitable for pups from eight weeks old, they're also full of flavour that's been oven-baked in to be extra scrumptious.
To save the slippers getting a chew, these teething sticks for puppies will satisfy their urge to chew as well as help relieve teething pain. Made from a yummy chicken recipe, the soft, pliable texture protects your pup's baby teeth.
Paw-some playtime:
Bond with your pup through play, help them burn some serious energy and keep them happy and alert with these fun interactive toys...
www.petsathome.com
We know how excitable young pups are, so you've got to keep play to the max to keep them busy and to help tire them out so you can get a decent night's sleep! This rope toy can be used for bonding, a great size and texture for your dog's mouth, or for puppies to satisfy their need to chew. They can also be frozen to help soothe your puppy's teeth and gums.
www.petsathome.com
This toy will keep your pup engaged with a squeaker inside, and the lightweight shape makes it perfect for playing fetch or for them to toss around themselves. Who doesn't love a doughnut?!
www.petsathome.com
Dogs love to sniff out any crumbs or dropped scraps of food you've perhaps left behind, so this snuffle mat is a great way to distract them from following you around the kitchen if they've got their own hidden snacks just waiting to be discovered. Their senses will go wild as they try to find every last one and keep them occupied if you're heading out for a while.
It's all about strategy in this interactive dog toy.An activity board filled with things your dog needs to flip, switch or lift up to unveil their treats. You may need to guide your dog the first go but after that, the simple board game will keep them distracted for a brief while until all the treats disappear.
www.petsathome.com
The best interactive toys always come with a place to put treats! This all-natural rubber formula is gentle on your puppy's teeth but also helps to teach them their chewing behaviour, offering treats if you stuff it with puppy kibble or a dash of peanut butter. It also bounces to make playtime extra fun.
www.viovet.co.uk
You need a dog lead to take your puppy for walks, even if it's not too far to begin with, as they venture out into the big, wide world. Available in a choice of colours, reviewers have found this lead to feel lightweight and yet be strong and durable - sturdy enough to withstand puppy and dog chews. Great quality and value for money, sizes include 48 to 64 inches.
www.etsy.com
If you want a bright and well-made collar for your pup, this is a great value option from ophisleather on Etsy. Coming in three sizes and five different colours, the collar is handmade with leather and stainless steel. With great quality, it'll be able to withstand excitable lead tugs and look grand with their name tag shining at the front.
Keep them comfy and cosy:
Your furry friend will feel pampered, comfy, and safe with these must-have accessories...
www.argos.co.uk
Just like us, your pup is going to need a supportive and comfy bed to snooze in. This affordable yet stylish bed from Petface is soft grey with reversible white barber fleece and grey check cushioning - how sophisticated. This one is suitable for medium-sized dogs but other sizes are available.
www.silentnight.co.uk
This blanket will work wonders to protect your bed or sofa from dog hair, or to help your pup feel warm and safe. Super soft and comfortable, this reversible print blanket uses Hydrotex technology to repel moisture and it can be machine washed so any muddy walks shouldn't be a problem.
www.argos.co.uk
A puppy crate will provide your dog with a safe space to relax which means they can't get into any trouble at night as you sleep. This large metal dog cage is easy to set up with a removable wipe-clean plastic tray and double doors with locks to keep them secure.
A travel crate for your pup is a great way to keep them safe in the car, and for taking young pups or small dogs to the vets. Your puppy will feel right at home in the fabric carrier crate with a snug reversible fleece mat and mesh ventilation. The carry handle, lightweight design, and removable top pouch for toys and snacks will make your life easier too on the go.
Happy and healthy:
Keep your dog feeling on cloud ca-nine with these products designed to have them feeling and looking 'Best in Show'...
You must pick up after your dog, so you'll want to be prepared with plenty of poop bags to get the job done. These bags from Beco are adventure-ready; they're leak-proof, tear-resistant, large, dispenser compatible, and odour blocking. Not to mention they're recycled too!
www.petsathome.com
From the Pets at Home Groom Room comes the grooming kit made for puppies to get them into a good grooming routine. It has everything you need; a slicker to remove loose hair, a fine-tooth detangling comb to help get rid of stubborn knots, and a flea comb to check for fleas.
www.petsathome.com
It would be a good idea to have flea treatment on hand should you come across some unwelcome critters. Advantage Spot-On Flea Treatment for Dogs kills fleas within 24 hours and delivers up to 28 days of flea fighting protection with a simple fuss-free pipette for application. Suitable for dogs over the age of eight weeks.
www.jollyes.co.uk
This fantastic dog shampoo will freshen and deodorise your dog's fur, leaving it thicker and glossy. It has a lovely fresh and fruity scent and makes a great pick for those regular weekly washes. Perfect for cleaning a mucky pup!
Perfect for helpinguneasy pups destress and feel safe. ADAPTIL is a clinically proven dog behavioural product backed by over 25 years of science and research into animal welfare. This diffuser contains a synthetic copy of the dog appeasing pheromone, which a mother naturally emits to calm and reassure her litter.
How to settle a pet into a new home?
Routine
It's likely your pet will be used to a routine and this sense of normality will help them feel more secure in their new home environment. Where possible, keep feeding, exercise, and rest times generally the same as before and be reassuring throughout the process. Overly fussing during the move or getting overly stressed may trigger the same response in your pet.
Create a safe space
You can help your pet feel more at ease by creating a safe space. By unpacking your pet's belongings first and providing them with all the right products, they'll feel more comfortable with everything they need including areas to hide, relax, play, and eat.
If your new cat is a little shy, Battersea recommends giving your puss one room to settle in where they can have some quiet and slowly adjust to their new surroundings. During a move, you may want to do the same with dogs too, so they can relax in one room or area without being surrounded by the chaos of moving.
Another great way to help your pet settle is with scent-swapping. Pets identify safe areas as those with their scent, so you can spread their scent around the new home using blankets and cushions from their old home, and by rubbing a towel on your pet and then onto areas around your home.
Make sure your home is escape-proof
When your pet is getting familiar with their new home, they may get the instinct to escape if they're feeling uneasy, or to return to their old home. During the first few days, you want to make sure your pet can stay in the space to adjust. Make sure to block any escape routes, including cat flaps and chimneys.
It also goes without saying, but sure your new home has been cleaned to remove any 'scent competition' from old households. Also, make sure their exploration spaces are safe and hazard-free.
Consider pheromone diffusers
Our pets send out pheromones to communicate with one another, and using a synthetic alternative such as a plug-in diffuser can help them feel safer and more secure. Get one going ahead of your pet's move-in to help create a calming sensation in the home that works on adult pets too.
Before bringing your pet home, set up their bed, toilet and food areas, register with a vet, and get pet insurance. Once they’re with you, make sure they’re fully vaccinated, neutered and microchipped before introducing them to the outside world.