While we wish we could take our feline companions with us when we go out of town, it isn't always possible, and cat care while on vacation is something you will need to think about. In this blog, our Ocala vets share some ideas for what to do with cats while on vacation.
Where Can I Leave My Cat While On Vacation?
It can be difficult to decide where to leave your cat when you are away. Do you leave them at home alone or do you board them at a kennel? While most cats can be left alone for one night, kittens under four months old and certain cat breeds, like dogs, require companionship.
Leaving Your Cat at Home While 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 ragdolls, 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 longer than 24 hours because cats are social creatures that need their owner's attention to feel safe and comfortable. They rely on you to make sure all of their care requirements are being met.
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 also a cost-effective choice, especially if you have more than one kitty.
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 is comfortable going to another place you might want to consider leaving them at a friend's or relative's home.
The advantage of this option is that your pet will be constantly monitored and given more 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.
If you would like to leave your pet at someone's house we recommend dropping them off for a few days before you leave as a trial stay so you can make sure your kitty gets along alright. If this doesn't work out you will still have time to find another option for your furry companion.
Also make sure the person you are leaving your cat with can meet all of your kitty's needs and is willing and eager to perform the task, if not, you may want to find another option.
Boarding for Cats While on Vacation (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, 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. 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 feel at ease with the kennel you have chosen; ensure that it is clean, well-run, and quiet. 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 Paddock Park Animal Care Center 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 Leaving Your Cat at a 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 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.
