When you go away on holiday or even just for a few days, getting your cat looked after can be a big concern. Cats don’t particularly enjoy being out of their home environment so for many a cattery can be stressful and traumatic, especially if the cat isn’t used to going to one.
Getting a friend or neighbour to pop in and feed your cat and clean the litter tray can be an option if you are away overnight, but for longer periods it’s not really ideal. Cats are social animals and while they can seem aloof, this is only because they are often compared to dogs. Cats behave very differently and show friendliness and affection in a different way.
It is a common misconception that cats don’t need as much companionship as dogs. They can go through separation anxiety[i] if left alone for too long just like dogs. This can cause behavioural issues and cause them to suffer both physically and emotionally.
The problem is that often the signs of separation anxiety go unnoticed or are blamed on something else. It’s common knowledge dogs can suffer separation anxiety and people usually recognise the signs, but not as many know that cats can also suffer and wouldn’t know what to look for.
Symptoms include excessive meowing and going to the toilet outside of the litter tray or their usual place, such as urinated or defecating on your bed or clothing. Cat behaviourists say this is a sign that your cat is trying to sooth themselves by mixing their scent with yours[ii].
Leaving cats for long periods on their own could also cause them to run away as they may be confused as to where their owners have gone. There is also the added worry that injuries or illnesses will go unnoticed if someone only pops in once a day. They may not be there long enough to recognise any symptoms, so something could go unchecked for several days or weeks.
There is a solution that more cat owners are turning to and that’s employing a professional live-in home and pet sitter. This is someone who comes to stay in your home and takes care of your cat while you’re away. Not only does your cat have the same care and attention as they would if you were there, but your home looks occupied and is less likely to be a target for an opportunist thief.
One of the UK’s leading home and pet sitting companies is Homesitters Ltd who has been in business for over 35 years taking care of people’s homes and pets. They have professional and reliable people available throughout the UK who have gone through a rigorous vetting process and are fully insured. Unlike some other agencies all homesitters are employed and paid directly by the company.
Most homesitters are retired people in their 50s, 60s and 70s who love animals. They enjoy the role as they get out and about visiting different parts of the country, but the main reason most of them do it is to spend time with pets. The majority of pets they look after are cats and dogs, so they have a great deal of experience taking care of different types of cats.
Many are also comfortable giving medication or injections, which can be something they are asked to do if a cat is elderly or isn’t very well. Cat owners can be especially concerned about leaving a sick or elderly cat but using a homesitter can be the best solution if you need to go away.
The company prides itself on the excellent service it provides. This includes taking a full brief from the client and matching them with a suitable homesitter, organising a preliminary meeting so the client and homesitter can meet to discuss the home and the cat’s routine prior to the start of the assignment, and providing 24/7 support to their homesitters on assignment.
Many homesitters end up with regular clients too which means they get to know your cat and your cat gets to know them, which makes the whole experience of you going away far less of a trauma for both you and your cat.
If you want that extra peace of mind that your cat and home is being looked after by a caring professional then get in touch with Homesitters to find out more.
More tips from Homesitters:
How Cats Can Improve Your Mental Wellbeing: Research and Benefits of Pet Ownership and Therapy Animals
Advice on Caring for an Older Cat
Cool Cats – Preventing Cats Overheating in a Heatwave
Why we use a Homesitter to Look After our Cats
Cattery or Cat Sitter – What is Best for Your Cat?
Different Cat Breeds and Their Traits
Why we Love to Look After Cats
Signs Your Cat Could be Unwell
Why Your Cat Might Prefer a Home and Pet Sitter This Summer
Tips for Keeping Your cat in Peak Condition
[i] https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/separation-anxiety-in-cats/
[ii] https://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/separation-anxiety-in-cats/
When I suffered an illness that kept me away from my two cats for two months and 10 days, my neighbors across the lane cared for them. While it was better than nothing, the kitties definitely showed relief the day I finally came home. Of course, they rubbed on me and wouldn’t leave my side that first day, and it was several days before they settled down, seemed reassured that I was back.
Things they didn’t get while I was gone: wet food because the neighbiors didn’t know how to prepare it so short-muzzled Persians could eat it (“They wasted most of it so I stopped feeding it to them…!”); twice daily blood pressure medicine because they werte unaware Andy was on it (and I didn’t have any way initially, for weeks, to contact them to let them know what the kitties needed); social activities with their human – brushing, play, “scritching”, and simple access to their human.
The idea of a homesitter when one has to be gone or is on vacation makes perfect sense when one has a pet!
Indeed… we always prefer someone to be at home with our four.
Good morning! https://t.co/1BiixvfOEj
That sounds like a good idea. I don’t know if there is something similar here in the U.S. I do know there is nobody we know and trust that would stay at our house. The last person we got to do it was not a cat person so I don’t want to do that again.
There must be something similar and if not… a business idea! I like the fact that homesitters has well trained pet people. 🙂
We are planning a trip to Germany next fall so I have 10 months to think about it.
Pooh where abouts in Germany are you going to be?
Probably Bavaria but we haven’t decided yet.
Poooh was meant to be Ooooh btw. ?
And Bavaria is beautiful. Tho I’m from
The north of Germany original I like trips to the south.
Northern Germany, especially the coast, would be a great option too. We haven’t decided yet but my wife wants to go to the Black Forrest and see castles. I wish we had more time but are limited to only about ten days.
What a wonderful idea. Like Charles above, we’re not sure if there is a similar service in the States. For now, we have a professional pet sitter come in two times each day when we go away. Part of her time is spent socializing them/hanging out — not just feed/water.clean and go.
That’s very good as well tho. Too many people just have a “feeder / litter box cleaner”
Thanks for sharing. This is good advice!
Yw! 🙂