We understand that you'd love to travel with your cat, but sometimes it's not feasible. In this blog, our vets from Meadow Vista suggest some places where you can safely leave your cat during your vacation.
Where Can I Leave My Cat While On Vacation?
Deciding where to keep your cat when you're not around can be tricky. Should you leave them alone at home or take them to a kennel? Generally, cats are okay on their own for a day. However, kittens younger than four months and certain cat breeds require company, much like dogs do.
Leaving Your Cat Alone
Most cats are okay being alone overnight, as long as they have food, water, and toys. Yet, kittens under four months, and certain breeds like sphynx, Scottish folds, and ragdolls, need people around. These kittens shouldn't be left alone for more than four hours.
Leaving your cat alone for more than a day isn't advised. Cats need your care and attention to feel safe and happy, because they are social animals. They depend on you for all their needs.
At Home With a Cat Sitter
Hiring a cat sitter to care for your feline when you're away is a stress-free and cost-effective choice. The sitter handles daily tasks like litter cleaning, feeding, and providing company.
This setup keeps your cat comfortable in its familiar surroundings, an added benefit if you own multiple cats. You can choose a trusted friend, family member, or a professional cat sitter.
A known person may lessen your cat's anxiety, while a pro ensures all care aspects are covered. The sitter must know your cat's unique habits, needs, and behaviors.
From feeding times and food quantities to energy levels and medication schedules, ensure your sitter has a detailed care guide to address your cat's specific needs.
Leaving Your Cat at a Friend's or Relative's Place
If it's possible, consider letting your cat stay with a friend or relative. This could offer more attention and supervision for your pet.
However, be mindful if they have another cat that might not get along with yours, or if your cat doesn't feel comfortable with them, as this might stress your pet more.
To ensure it's a good fit, try a few trial stays before you leave. If it's not working, you'll still have time to explore other options.
Lastly, ensure that the person caring for your cat can cater to all their needs and is genuinely up for the task. If not, it might be best to seek other alternatives.
A Boarding Facility (Kennels)
Boarding and kennels aren't just for dogs, lots of boarding facilities also welcome cats. This is also probably the best option for your pet when you are on vacation.
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. You will also need to call them well in advance to book your cat's stay to ensure they have availability and space for your four-legged companion.
While many cats can have separation anxiety and might be stressed out by being left alone with strangers in an unknown environment, you can take steps to lessen their fears such as bringing along their favorite toys, blankets, bed, or even a piece of your clothing. You can also do a trial run to make sure your kitty gets along well at the facility, this also helps make them familiar with the setting.
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.
You must be comfortable with the kennel you have selected - ensure the place you are choosing is clean, well run, and quiet. See if the facility you are selecting is cat friendly with a separate boarding area for cats and dogs and that your kitty's kennel is large enough so the litter box is kept in a separate area from their food and bed. You may also want to see if it has features such as a window for your cat to watch outside, climate-controlled kennels and if they offer 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.
The Benefits of Leaving Your Cat at Kennel
Here are the benefits of leaving your cat at a high-quality, professional boarding facility while you are on vacation:
- 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 decision where you leave your cat while you are on vacation, take the time to weigh your options and make sure you are choosing the best possible option for you and your feline companion.