You’re planning to travel this summer, and your little furry friend can’t come with you, for whatever reason? Don’t despair, there are various ways you can handle this issue.
Whether you choose to leave your cat alone, find a cat-sitter or decide to take your feline mate to a boarding house, it’s up to you. No one knows your pet like you do, and only you can make a decision how your cat will spend the time while you’re not around. We’ve gathered some facts and tips about cat’s staycation options, so you may have a clearer picture what to do once you see it. So, let’s dive in.
Leaving your cat home alone
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Cats are way more independent than dogs, and even though they need some care, you can easily leave them at home for extended time periods. Of course, you have to make sure there is enough water and food, but generally – this is one of the best options for a feline staycation. Cats love their territory and leaving them in the familiar surrounding practically ensures they won’t face many behavioral problems.
In order to make sure everything is set for your cat’s staycation here’s what to keep in mind:
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Buy a few extra disposable litter boxes, especially if you have more than one cat. When leaving your furry friend for longer periods, litter is the biggest problem. That’s why extra boxes may come in handy.
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Get or build a Catio. Catio or cat-patio is a great accessory for those home cats that love the outdoors, but don’t like anything else about it. Having a fun and well-placed catio, especially if it’s accessible from the house is an amazing solution. You know that your cat can get enough air and it won’t get bored, while it’s perfectly safe the whole time. If you are based in the UK your best option for a Catio or parts for a Catio is ProtectaPet.
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Make sure you don’t have any problems with ants or other insects, as it can cause an infestation while you’re gone. Ants and insects that can get access to cat food can become a nuisance, and you don’t want that waiting for you when you return, now do you?
Getting a cat-sitter for your cat
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Depending on the type of sitter, you can choose different types of services. There are sitters that come to your house few times a day to check up on your feline mate, and there are those that can be at your place 24/7.
When it comes to cat-sitters, this is the best option for both you, and your cat, when you’re gone for extended time periods. If your cat has any special or medical needs, calling a sitter can be the best move, and here are some things to keep in mind before you do.
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Make sure your cat-sitters know their way around cats. This calling can be seen as an easy job, and there are a lot of inexperienced sitters that don’t actually know how to treat your cat. Make sure the sitter has recommendations and make sure you get your cat to meet them before you leave.
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Most of the professional cat-sitters have finished training courses and they are capable of administering medications to your cat. In any unfortunate event, having a cat-sitter ensures that your pet will have the best possible chance of surviving.
Boarding or letting your cat stay at the kennel or a pet motel
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If you want your cat to be under a constant, every-day care, then cat boarding Perth-based or some other facility is an amazing solution. They offer vet services, specialized diets, they can help most of the pets with special needs, and what is most important – most often their staff really loves animals. With such facilities, you know your cat is well taken care of, but quite a number of feline friends don’t like changing their familiar surroundings. When picking the best place for your pet look for these things:
- There must be enough space for your cat to feel free and relax. Make sure the place for your pet is spacious and secure.
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Learn about the staff and their expertise. If your cat has any special needs, make sure to emphasize them before you leave it.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a vacation or a longer trip, consider doing a trial run at first. Try going out for a long weekend and see how your pet reacts when you return. This will help you learn what you should do when the actual trip comes closer. Weigh in all the options, and pick the one best suited for your furry mate’s needs, or, if all else fails, have a staycation for yourself.
Great info! I try to take my cat with me when possible. If I do leave him theses are great ideas to keep in mind.???
It’s for the very reason that cats are independent, that they can get themselves into all sorts of mischief, get injured, or become poorly. I therefore wouldn’t recommend leaving cats alone at home (either indoors or with outdoor access) for more than 24 hours at a time.
Ah I don’t think Leila meant to leave them “completely alone” it was more about promoting that they are best in their environment with someone coming around to check on them daily.
I read this in the same way that Clare Hemington appears to have. I understood the “Leaving your cat home alone” section to mean exactly that. – Completely alone.
The section ‘Getting a cat-sitter for your cat” mentions having a cat sitter come to your house a fee times a day. This is why I think the above section means they’re totally alone. I hope I’m wrong, as I don’t like the idea of that. What if something happens to the cat?
I don’t take holidays any more, as we now have 8 cats. They’re used to having someone with them all day. Small sacrifice for the love and joy I get from them. ??
On the rare occasion I went home to the country to visit family my cat Jamima would come with. She would sleep in her cat-condo for the majority of the 3.5 hours home. And when we arrived she would recognise where we were and quickly find her favourite places to stake out as her own. If she disappeared overnight in the morning I would wake with her sleeping on me and evidence would be discovered in the hallway of pieces of fabric she had discovered and dragged out to play with. Minx! Cheers,H
This has been on my mind as I have a friend coming to visit and as in the past, some overnight travels are in the cards. Taking the divas anywhere, is not part of the plan. While Colette could manage a bit of travel, she doesn’t care for other felines and Simone just becomes physically ill when you even put her in the carrier. I’ve tried leaving it out and open so she can make her peace with it to no avail. Fortunately, we have dear friends with five of their own whom I have cared for many times in the past. They have pledged to care for the girls should this human be away. I know it wouldn’t be a matter of just taking care of the basic necessities as I have been with them when they stopped by to ‘look in’ on a neighbors cat. They talk with them, play, and really spend some time with them. I consider us very fortunate indeed.