It's that time again. My husband and I are getting ready to make a move, and already, boxes are beginning to transform the landscape of our current apartment. Old furniture is being taken out, and bags and boxes of new housewares are being tucked away for future use. All in all, life has a tumultuous overtone these days.

Unfortunately, that holds true for our three cats as well. They sense our anticipation -- and sometimes, amidst the chaos -- our agitation. And, like children (and some adults I know), they often act out. It's not even eight o'clock in the morning, and already I've had to break up two minor skirmishes. One cat is missing a tiny tuft of hair on his cheek, and I'm awakened a dozen times during the night because my beloved gray tiger is walking up and down my back.

Moving can be very stressful, and it's easy enough to overlook our four-legged friends during the process, but the bottom line is that they feel the stress too. Sometimes, they feel it even more, because they cannot understand what is happening.

Having been through this before with three cats, I've found that there are ways to make the process easier for both animals and the humans that they own.

Let the adventure begin...

Pets in general, and cats especially, are curious. Every new box that comes into your home will be an item of great interest for your pets, and it's easy to get irritated when you have to evacuate the furry occupants of each box before you can pack it up.

Let them explore. Let them climb in, sniff around, and peer in the boxes as you pack. It's sometimes inconvenient, but not that time-consuming that you can't give them a little leeway.

Where's my mousie...

Your pets will look for their beloved toys, so try to wait until just before the move to pack their belongings. It'll make your life easier along with theirs. If you've ever packed a cat's catnip mouse, then you surely know that they'll eat through steel just to get it back.

Dinner's at 5...

Pets like routines, and routines are often the last thing on our mind when we're in the middle of a big move. Sure, you might run out at 9:30 at night for a pizza without a second thought, but if your cat is used to dinner at 3:00, then at 3:01, if dinner is not served, your life of peace will come to a grinding halt. This is an undisputable fact.

Keeping to your pets' routine is probably the best -- and easiest -- thing you can do to make a move easier for pets. Routines comfort our animal friends, and sometimes they're a good reminder for us to take a small break.

If your dog gets his walk at 5:30, then take a break from packing to walk. It might be just as much a break for you as for them.

Moving day...

Moving day is always the hardest on all parties involved, and it can be traumatic on your pets.

My best recommendation is to keep your furry friends as far removed from the actual action as possible. Reserve a safe room for your pets. If you are moving on your own, then make sure that this is either the last -- or the first -- room that you empty. Then don't touch it while your pets are there. If you have a moving company coming, then place a large, legible sign on the door to this room saying "DO NOT OPEN: PETS INSIDE".

Don't take any chances when it comes to your animals. It's too easy to lose or injure an animal during a move.

Make sure they have enough food and water, and maybe some treats. Surround them with familiar items -- toys and a shirt or blanket with your scent on it will do fine.

Time to go...

Transporting your pets is probably the most difficult part. They'll be scared, and often, subsequently, difficult to deal with.

Have you ever tried to put an uncooperative cat in a cat carrier?

Don't force them. Pet carriers are the safest, easiest way to transport an animal -- except maybe for fish.

Keep something familiar in the cat carrier, and for a few days prior to the move, keep the carrier out and open, where your pet can check it out, and become comfortable with it. Put treats inside, so your pet will venture in.

Sometimes, if you have two small animals, it's better to put them in one carrier. Sometimes they feel safer together. There's something to be said for feline -- or canine -- moral support, I guess.

Your new home...and theirs...

When you've arrived at the new home, once again, reserve a room for your pets. Close the door, place a sign on it. Then just open up your pet carrier and let your small friend explore at his/her own pace. Don't force a cat or dog from it's carrier. My sweet Persian took almost four hours to emerge from her cat carrier during our last move. She was frightened, and the carrier felt familiar and safe.

Once the actual move has been completed, let your pets explore. They'll give the home a more thorough examination than the best insurance investigator. And pets do adapt pretty quickly. Pretty soon they'll own the place, and they'll be showing you around.

For outdoor cat owners...

A move can be especially tricky when your cat spends a great deal of time outdoors. Before the move, make sure to keep the cat inside for a few days. You wouldn't want to get to moving day only to find that your beloved Fluffy has gone on a three-day jaunt.

Once you get to your new home, be sure to keep your cat inside for a few days until he or she knows with absolute certainty, that this is now home. Then and only then, let him or her out. It can save you a lot of heartache.

And should, by some chance, your cat turn up missing after this, be sure to check your old home.

My mother moved way across town a few years ago with her four cats. The cats rode in cat carriers the entire way. A few weeks later, one of the four, Beard, was missing.

A few days later, her old landlord called her to tell her that a cat looking suspiciously like Beard, was hanging around the house. Sure enough, having crossed two major roads, and many miles, Beard had found his way back to his old haunt.

Safety first...

Although your pets' comfort -- physically and emotionally -- is of utmost importance, their safety is vital, and should never be taken for granted.

Always look at things with safety in mind for you, and for your pets.

Are boxes piled precariously? They could fall on your pet. Make sure boxes are secure and not piled too high. A box dropped on your foot could hurt, but a box dropped on Kitty or Fido could cause serious injury.

Make sure pets are not underfoot. In the melee of a move, pets are likely to want to shadow you wherever you go. Though you might be grateful for kitty's company, you wouldn't want to step on her, so make sure she's safely out of harm's way.

Keep household chemicals away from your pets. Items that are normally safely out of your pet's reach are often left lying about during a move. Many chemicals and other inedibles are painfully enticing to a pooch or kitty, so make sure to leave these out of reach.

Know where your pets are at all times. It's easy for your furry friends to get lost in the move. That's why I recommend reserving a room -- even a small room such as the bathroom -- for your pets. It's the best way of assuring their safety.

And never, ever, open the door to their "safe" room while the door to your house is open. It only takes a second for your pet to be lost forever. Don't take that chance.

Move your pet securely. Don't carry them in your arms. A dog should be on a leash. Cats and other small animals should be in carriers. A frightened animal can easily get away from you no matter how securely you think you're holding them.

Finally, by all means, do not leave an animal loose in a car. Even if the animal is used to car rides, in the midst of a move, your pet is sure to be agitated, and can be a danger to him or herself as well as to you.

A final note...

Most importantly, talk to your pets. Your voice is their lifeline. Unlike a child, you can't explain to a pet what's happening. They'll be confused and frightened during the process of moving, and a soft, soothing tone will be most welcome to them.

Take a few moments here and there to sit with your pet, while you're packing, during the move, and again while you're unpacking. Pet them, talk to them, comfort them. The contact is the best thing you can do to assure a safe and comfortable move for your pets -- and stroking an animal is also great for your own frazzled nerves.

Don't worry. You can do it. A move with animals can be difficult and nervewracking, but far from impossible. And as with all things animal-related, if you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian. He or she can give you the best advice on best taking care of your animal in any circumstance.