While cats like to be the rulers of their own world and may seem independent, they actually quite enjoy your company. In this blog, our White Hall vets offer some suggestions on cat care and boarding your cats while on vacation.
What do I do with my cat while on vacation?
If you are planning on going away then you will need to decide where to leave your cat while on vacation. Should you ask a friend or family member to stay with them? What about calling a boarding facility? While most cats can be left alone for one night, kittens under four months old and certain cat breeds, like dogs, require companionship.
Can I leave my cat at home while I go on vacation?
As previously stated, most cats will be fine if left alone for one night and may not even notice your absence if given adequate food, fresh water, and toys. Young cats under four months old, as well as breeds like sphynx, Scottish folds, and rag dogs, do best with human company. Kittens under four months old should not be left alone for more than four hours.
We don't recommend leaving your cat alone at home while on vacation, or for longer than 24 hours, because cats are social creatures that need their owner's attention to feel safe and comfortable. Your cat needs you to provide them with care and basic needs.
Where can I leave my cat when I go on vacation?
If you plan to go away then you may wonder what to do with your cats while you are on vacation. There are many different options, each with different benefits. Here we share some more information on each one.
At Home With a Cat Sitter
A good option for when you have to leave your cat at home is to have a cat sitter come in every day to clean the litter box, make sure your furry friend has food and water, and provide them with some quality one-on-one playtime and cuddles.
This option provides your cat with less stress because they are in their environment and get to use their litter box, and everything is where they are used to it being. This is usually the simplest and most cost-effective option.
You can either have a friend or family member that your cat knows come in and take care of them or have a professional come in and watch your four-legged companion.
Having someone your cat is already familiar and comfortable with can also help reduce their stress levels and make them feel more relaxed. On the other hand, a professional sitter knows everything about properly taking care of a cat and can make sure every need is being provided for.
When hiring a pet sitter, make sure they are well-versed in your cat's habits, behaviors, and needs, as each kitty is unique. Tell the sitter what time of day your cat eats, how much food they need, your kitty's energy level if medications must be given at specific times, and so on. We recommend giving your sitter a kitten care guide so they know exactly how to meet all of your pet's needs.
Leaving Your Cat at a Friend's or Relative's Place
If your cat doesn't get stressed out by new environments then you may want to see about bringing them to a trusted friend or relative's house.
This allows your cat to have around-the-clock care and attention. However, if they already have a cat with whom your kitty does not get along, or if your feline friend does not like the person with whom they are staying, this can backfire and increase your pet's stress even more than if they were left alone.
You may want to bring your cat to their house for a short stay ahead of your vacation so you can see how they like it. If this doesn't work out you will still have time to find another option for your furry companion.
Always make sure that the person you'd like to watch your cat is happy to do so, otherwise, a different option may be better.
Boarding for Cats While on Vacation (Kennels)
Dogs aren't the only pet that can visit a boarding facility or kennel, lots of boarding facilities also welcome cats. These facilities are also one of the best options for care while you are away.
Boarding facilities should be run by professionals who will make sure your cat is always, fed, watered, supervised, and get's quality one-on-one time. It's usually recommended that you call in advance to reserve your space, especially around peak times like the holidays.
Some cats experience separation anxiety and may have a more difficult time adjusting to the boarding facility, there are steps you can take to lessen their fears such as bringing along their favorite toys, blankets, bed, or even a piece of your clothing. Many boarding facilities also offer a trial or preliminary visit to meet the staff and see how your cat responds to the environment.
You should also clearly communicate with the facility to make sure they clearly understand all of your cat's needs and that they offer all of the boarding services you and your cat require.
Make sure that you are also content with the kennel and the team running it. Check to see if the facility you're considering is cat-friendly, with a separate boarding area for cats and dogs, and that your kitty's kennel is large enough to keep the litter box separate from their food and bed. You should also check to see if it has features like a window for your cat to look out, climate-controlled kennels, and quality one-on-one time with the staff.
Take the time to view the place your kitty will be staying in from their perspective, to make sure your cat will be comfortable and well cared for in your absence.
At Hunter's Animal Hospital our boarding facility is cat-friendly, and our professional and qualified veterinary team will ensure all of your cat's needs are being met, we will answer any questions you may have and offer trial stays to make sure we are the perfect fit for your pet.
The Benefits of Pet Boarding for Cats While You Are Away
Professional cat boarding facilities offer a variety of benefits such as:
- Your cat will be supervised their entire stay
- Their feeding schedule will be the same as it is at home
- Your kitty's kennel will be cleaned daily
- The staff will notice if your cat is not eating or if they are sick
- Good kennels offer calming and relaxing environments for cats
- The staff can make sure your cat's medications are administered properly and on time
- You can call them to see how your kitty is doing
At the end of the day, it is your choice where you will leave your cat while on vacation; take the time to weigh your options and ensure you are selecting the best option for you and your feline companion.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.