Are you a cat lover who’s planning a trip? If so, you’re probably wondering what to do with your feline friend while you’re away. Leaving your cat behind can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure who will take care of them. In this article, we’ll explore the various options you have for cat care while you’re traveling, so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about your beloved pet.
Why It’s Important to Plan for Your Cat’s Care
Leaving your cat behind can be stressful for both you and your pet. Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, so sudden changes in their environment can cause anxiety and stress. Additionally, cats require regular care and attention, including feeding, grooming, and exercise. If you’re not around to provide this care, your cat may suffer from neglect or boredom.
Options for Cat Care While You’re Traveling
Fortunately, there are several options for cat care while you’re traveling. Here are a few to consider:
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Ask a trusted friend or family member to take care of your cat. This can be a great option if you have a close relationship with the person and know they’ll be able to provide the care your cat needs.
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Hire a professional pet sitter. Pet sitters can come to your home and care for your cat while you’re away. They can provide food, water, and exercise, as well as play with and cuddle your cat.
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Consider a cat boarding facility. These facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for your cat to stay while you’re away. They often have play areas, scratching posts, and other amenities to keep your cat entertained.
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Look into cat daycare services. These services provide a social environment for cats to interact with other cats and get exercise and attention.
In this article, we’ll explore each of these options in more detail, so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your cat. We’ll also provide tips and advice for preparing your cat for your trip and ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your pet. (See Also: How To Treat Seroma In Cats)
What To Do With Cats When You Travel
As a cat owner, it can be challenging to leave your feline friend behind when you travel. However, with some planning and preparation, you can ensure that your cat is safe and happy while you’re away. In this article, we’ll explore the different options for what to do with cats when you travel, including boarding, pet-sitting, and hiring a cat sitter.
Option 1: Boarding
Boarding is a popular option for cat owners who need to travel. There are many cat boarding facilities available, ranging from basic kennels to luxury resorts. When choosing a boarding facility, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a facility with experience in caring for cats.
- Environment: Ensure the facility provides a safe and comfortable environment for your cat.
- Services: Check if the facility offers additional services such as playtime, grooming, and medication administration.
- Cost: Compare prices among different facilities to find the best option for your budget.
Some popular boarding facilities include:
- PetSmart
- Petco
- Home Away From Home
Option 2: Pet-Sitting
Pet-sitting is another option for cat owners who need to travel. A pet-sitter will come to your home and care for your cat while you’re away. When choosing a pet-sitter, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a pet-sitter with experience in caring for cats.
- References: Ask for references from previous clients.
- Services: Check if the pet-sitter offers additional services such as playtime, grooming, and medication administration.
- Cost: Compare prices among different pet-sitters to find the best option for your budget.
Some popular pet-sitting services include:
- Rover
- Care.com
- PetSitter.com
Option 3: Hiring a Cat Sitter
Hiring a cat sitter is a great option for cat owners who need to travel and want to ensure that their cat receives one-on-one attention. A cat sitter will come to your home and care for your cat while you’re away. When choosing a cat sitter, consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a cat sitter with experience in caring for cats.
- References: Ask for references from previous clients.
- Services: Check if the cat sitter offers additional services such as playtime, grooming, and medication administration.
- Cost: Compare prices among different cat sitters to find the best option for your budget.
Some popular cat sitting services include:
- Urban Cat Sitters
- Whisker Watchers
- Purrfect Pals
What to Do Before You Leave
Before you leave, make sure to take the following steps: (See Also: How To Stop Cats From Over Grooming)
- Feed your cat: Make sure your cat has a full meal before you leave.
- Water your cat: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.
- Provide medication: If your cat takes medication, make sure to provide it to the boarding facility, pet-sitter, or cat sitter.
- Leave contact information: Leave contact information for your veterinarian and any emergency contact numbers.
- Leave a note: Leave a note with important information about your cat’s habits, likes, and dislikes.
What to Do When You Return
When you return from your trip, make sure to:
- Check on your cat: Check on your cat’s health and well-being.
- Provide food and water: Provide your cat with food and water.
- Monitor behavior: Monitor your cat’s behavior and watch for any signs of stress or anxiety.
- Provide treats: Provide your cat with treats and praise to help them feel comfortable and relaxed.
Conclusion
Traveling with cats can be challenging, but with some planning and preparation, you can ensure that your cat is safe and happy while you’re away. Whether you choose to board your cat, hire a pet-sitter, or hire a cat sitter, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable and trustworthy service. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your cat is well taken care of.
Recap
In this article, we discussed the different options for what to do with cats when you travel, including boarding, pet-sitting, and hiring a cat sitter. We also provided tips and guidelines for choosing the right service for your cat, as well as what to do before and after you leave. By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your cat is safe and happy while you’re away.
Remember to always prioritize your cat’s health and well-being when traveling.
By doing so, you can enjoy your trip knowing that your cat is well taken care of and happy to see you when you return.
Here are five FAQs related to “What To Do With Cats When You Travel”:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best options for cat care while I’m away on vacation?
There are several options to consider when it comes to cat care while you’re away. You can ask a trusted friend or family member to check in on your cat and make sure they have enough food and water. Alternatively, you can hire a professional pet sitter who can visit your cat daily and provide any necessary care. Another option is to board your cat at a reputable boarding facility. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of an emergency. (See Also: Where Do Tortoiseshell Cats Originate From)
Q: How do I prepare my cat for my trip?
Before you leave, make sure your cat has a comfortable and familiar environment. Leave a familiar blanket or toy with your cat to provide a sense of comfort. Also, make sure your cat has a full meal before you leave and that their litter box is clean. You can also provide a treat-filled toy to keep them occupied while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to get your cat used to being alone by gradually increasing the amount of time you’re away from them.
Q: Can I leave my cat alone for an extended period of time?
It’s generally not recommended to leave your cat alone for an extended period of time, especially if they’re not used to being alone. Cats can get stressed and anxious if they’re left alone for too long, which can lead to behavioral problems. If you do need to leave your cat alone for an extended period, make sure they have plenty of toys and stimulation to keep them occupied. You can also consider hiring a pet sitter to visit your cat daily.
Q: How do I choose the right pet sitter for my cat?
When choosing a pet sitter for your cat, make sure to do your research. Ask for references and check online reviews to ensure the sitter has a good reputation. Also, make sure the sitter is experienced in caring for cats and has a good understanding of their needs. You can also ask the sitter to provide you with a daily report on your cat’s activities and any issues that may arise.
Q: What are the signs of cat stress or anxiety while I’m away?
Cats can exhibit a range of behaviors when they’re stressed or anxious, including excessive meowing, pacing, and hiding. They may also exhibit physical signs such as panting, rapid breathing, or a tense posture. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact your pet sitter or a veterinarian for advice. They can provide you with guidance on how to help your cat feel more comfortable and relaxed while you’re away.
