As cat parents, we feel the stress of moving day, but watching our feline friends struggle can tug at our heartstrings even more. A TikTok video capturing a cat clinging to the last piece of her beloved cat tree has gone viral, resonating with pet parents everywhere.
Shared on September 8, 2025, the clip shows the emotional moment and the owner’s plea for help, earning over 205,000 views and 105 comments. Here’s the story, plus practical tips to ease your cat’s transition during a move.
A Heartfelt Farewell to a Familiar Spot
In the touching TikTok video, the owner films her cat curled up tightly on the remaining piece of her cat tree, refusing to budge as moving day looms. The caption captures the owner’s anxiety: “Help, I move out of my apartment tomorrow morning, and my cat won’t stop cuddling with the last piece of her cat tree.
How do I tell her she’s coming with me, and she’ll have a new cat tree? She doesn’t speak English; I can’t tell her what’s going on.”
The cat’s reluctance to leave her safe haven mirrors the stress many pets feel during a move, a sentiment echoed by thousands online.
The comments section overflowed with empathy and advice. One user shared, “I’m moving tomorrow too, and my cat is making herself sick because of things being moved.
I feel so bad but also, you’re coming with me girlfriend, but she doesn’t understand.” Another recounted a heartbreaking moment: “When I moved, my boyfriend disassembled my cat’s cat tree… she let out the most devastated yowl—I almost cried.”
These stories, like Abi’s dog and cat moving reactions, highlight the emotional rollercoaster of relocating with pets.
Why Cats Struggle with Moves
Cats are creatures of habit, finding comfort in familiar scents, routines, and spaces like their cat tree. Moving disrupts this security, triggering stress responses like hiding, yowling, or clinging to beloved items, as seen in this viral video. According to the ASPCA, unfamiliar environments can overwhelm cats, making gradual transitions essential to help them adjust, as noted in our guide to moving with pets.
Helping Your Cat Adjust to a Move
Drawing from the TikTok community’s wisdom and expert advice, here are practical tips to ease your cat’s stress during a move:
- Keep Familiar Items: Don’t discard cherished items like the cat tree immediately. As one commenter advised, “Put it where her safe place is in the new place, it should help her settle in.” Familiar scents can anchor your cat in a new space.
- Create a Safe Room: Set up a quiet “home base” with your cat’s bed, toys, litter box, and food bowls. Introduce other rooms gradually, keeping doors closed to avoid overwhelm.
- Move the Litter Box Slowly: Relocate the litter box a foot per day to its permanent spot, ensuring it’s in a quiet, accessible area, per ASPCA guidelines.
- Use Calming Aids: Pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) or vet-approved calming treats can reduce anxiety, especially for cats showing stress like this one.
- Rebuild Quickly: Set up the new cat tree or familiar furniture first. One commenter shared how their cat jumped on a partially assembled cat tree, proving how much these items mean.
- Monitor Stress Signs: Watch for hiding, yowling, or reduced appetite. If symptoms persist, consult a vet, as some cats, like the one in the comments, may even get sick from stress.
For more relocation tips, see our pet stress relief guide.
A Community of Compassion and Resilience
The TikTok comments offered more than advice—they reminded us of pets’ resilience. One user shared, “My cat was in a building fire… we moved with none of her toys or things… She is totally fine! It’s hard in the moment, but they are resilient.” This echoes stories like Hange’s rescue, where love and patience helped a kitten thrive despite a tough start. The viral video shows that while cats may not understand our words, they feel our love—and a little care goes a long way.
Takeaway for Pet Parents
Moving is tough on cats, but keeping familiar items, creating a safe space, and offering extra love can ease the transition. Like this TikTok cat, your feline will find comfort in their new home with time and patience.
FAQ
Q: Why is my cat so stressed during a move?
Cats rely on familiar routines and scents for comfort. Moving disrupts this, causing stress behaviors like hiding or clinging to items like a cat tree, as seen in the video.
Q: How can I help my cat settle into a new home?
Set up a safe room with familiar items, move the litter box gradually, use pheromone diffusers, and rebuild their favorite spaces, like a cat tree, as soon as possible.
Q: What if my cat hides or yowls during a move?
These are normal stress signs. Provide a quiet space with their toys and bedding, monitor for prolonged issues, and consult a vet if symptoms like vomiting persist.
EN
DE
ES
PT