What to Do with a Cat on Vacation?

As much as you can enjoy the thought of your upcoming vacation, there are some things that might need to be sorted out in advance. And if you’re a pet owner, you definitely need to know what to do with a cat on vacation. Although these animals are believed to be quite independent, it is essential to ensure their safety and happiness when you’re away. In this article, we explore various care options and practical tips for what to do with your cat when you travel to make your time apart stress-free for both you and your feline friend.

Options for Your Cat While You're on Vacation

The good news is that in the modern world, you have many solutions when planning your upcoming trip. Here are some things to consider when choosing what to do with cat while on vacation.

• Boarding facilities. Catteries are one of the places that offer professional care. Staff working there is trained to handle cats of all temperaments. They provide a structured environment, often including play areas and socialization opportunities with other cats. However, before opting for this option, make sure your pet is comfortable being around other animals and can adapt to a new environment.
• Cat sitters. A cat sitter can either visit your home daily or stay overnight, ensuring your cat’s needs are met in a familiar environment. This option allows for a consistent routine, significantly reducing your pet’s stress. Additionally, regular updates from the sitter can give you peace of mind, making this one of the most reliable solutions for what to do with cats while on vacation.
• Home visits by friends or family. Having someone you and your cat already trust drop by daily can be a cost-effective and comforting solution. But keep in mind that it’s still essential to make sure they are aware of your cat’s preferences and any specific requirements.
• DIY solutions. If you’re only away for a brief period, you might consider leaving your cat home alone with ample food, water, and entertainment. Automatic feeders and water fountains can help, but this is only suitable for independent cats. 

As you can see, there are plenty of options you can choose when thinking about what to do with cats when you travel. Study your pet’s behavior and preferences in advance to pick what works best for it.

Pros and Cons of Boarding Facilities for Cats

Now that you know your options, it is time to discuss each one of them in more detail to understand them better. As we’ve mentioned earlier, boarding facilities, also called catteries, are a common choice for pet owners figuring out what to do with cats on vacation. Let’s break down the good and the bad:

Pros:

• The staff are trained to care for cats and can handle different needs. 
• Many catteries have play areas and spaces designed for cats. 
• They are a good choice if your cat needs medication or extra attention.

Cons:

• Being in a new place can stress some cats. 
• Your cat might be exposed to illnesses from other animals.
• Boarding can get expensive, especially for long trips.

If you decide on a cattery, visit it beforehand. Check that it’s clean, safe, and comfortable for your cat. This extra step can help you feel more secure about what to do with your cat when you go on vacation.

Using Professional Cat Sitters: What You Need to Know

Hiring a cat sitter provides personalized care in your cat’s own home. This option is definitely worth considering when you think about what to do with cats when you travel because it has plenty of advantages.

• Cats remain in their familiar environment. If your animal is not used to being around other pets or prefers solitude in general, it would be great to have someone to take care of them at home.
• Sitters can tailor care to your cat’s specific needs. Just prepare a list of requirements in advance and talk it through with your sitter, and you can rest assured that your cat will get everything it needs.
• Daily updates and photos offer peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about what’s going on with your pet while you’re away. Just ask a sitter to update you regularly and send photos or videos, and enjoy your vacation.

Pet sitting is one of the best solutions when you don’t know what to do with a cat when traveling. Here are some tips that will make both your and your pet’s experience the best it can be.

• Vet potential sitters thoroughly and check references. Platforms like FlatRover can help you find the best candidate for your pet in just a few clicks.
• Provide clear instructions regarding your cat’s routine and care. Make sure to mention all the essentials in order for the sitter to provide the best service.
• If your cat has specific quirks, such as being shy around strangers or having particular hiding spots, be sure to communicate this to the sitter to help them bond with your pet and provide the best possible service.

By taking these simple steps, you will make sure your cat’s experience with a sitter will be smooth and exciting, and you will be in peace while enjoying your travel.

Benefits of Home Visits for Your Cat During Your Travel

If hiring a full-time sitter isn’t feasible, opt for regular home visits by a friend, family member, or any other person you trust. This option is ideal for pet owners wondering what to do with cat when going on vacation. During each visit, they can:

• Refill food and water.
• Clean the litter box.
• Spend time playing with your cat to alleviate loneliness.

Home visits are a practical and cost-effective solution, especially for independent cats that don’t require constant supervision. For short absences, this is a great answer to what to do with cat when on vacation.

How to Prepare Your Home and Cat for Your Absence

If you decide to choose one of the home-based solutions, either hiring a pet sitter or asking for help from your friends, you also need to prepare in advance. Make sure to do all those things before leaving, and you won’t have to wonder what to do with my cat when I go on vacation.

1. Stock up on essentials. Make sure you leave enough food, litter, or any other specific things your cat might need, like medication or their favorite toys. Having extras ensures your sitter or caregiver won’t run out of supplies while you’re away.
2. Maintain routine. Provide the person who will take care of your pet with clear instructions like the amount of food to give or the time they need to give a cat its medication.
3. Create a safe space. Set up a cozy, quiet area in your home where your cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed or anxious. This space should include their bed, favorite toys, water, and access to a litter box. Avoid moving things around before your trip, as sudden changes can make your cat uneasy.
4. Update emergency contacts. Leave your veterinarian's contact details and your own emergency contact information with the sitter or caregiver. This ensures they can quickly reach someone if an issue arises.
5. Test the setup. Before leaving for an extended trip, consider doing a short trial run. This could be a day or two away from home to see how your cat reacts and to identify any gaps in your preparation.

These preparations will ensure your peace of mind while addressing what to do with cat when on vacation.

DIY Tips: Keeping Your Cat Happy When You Travel

If you’re going for a short trip, like a day or two max, you can consider your cat alone for this time. It works for most grown pets that don’t have any specific care requirements or behavior issues. However, if you’re going to go for this option, you still need to take care of some things.

• Use timed feeders for meals.
• Provide multiple water sources or invest in a water fountain.
• Leave stimulating toys and scratching posts to keep your cat engaged.
• Set up a camera to monitor their behavior remotely.

Remember, this option is only suitable for highly independent cats and short absences. If you’re going to be away for a longer time and you’re still uncertain about what to do with a cat when you go on vacation, it’s better to arrange for a caregiver.

Ensuring Your Cat's Care with Flatrover's Trusted Services

FlatRover is a platform that is always here to make your vacation worry-free. With our network of fellow travelers and caring cat sitters and simple booking process, you can find the perfect caregiver for your feline companion. From personalized care to regular updates, our services prioritize your cat’s comfort and your peace of mind. So, if you’re asking yourself what to do with my cat when I travel, don’t worry! FlatRover has you covered.

FAQ

What are the safest options for my cat while I am away?

There are a few, depending on your pet’s needs and behavior. For example, if you have an active cat that easily adapts to new environments, you can try a boarding facility. If you know that this option might be stressful for your furry friend, consider hiring a pet sitter or ask someone you trust to take care of the animal.

How do I choose between a cattery and a cat sitter?

Consider your cat’s personality and needs. Both options have pros and cons, so study them in advance. Boarding facilities have professional staff, but they might be stressful for cats who prefer to stay in a familiar environment. Cat sitters take care of the animal at home and can give you regular updates, so it’s a great option for you if you’re asking yourself what to do with my cat when I travel.

What preparations should I make for my cat before going on vacation?

For starters, you need to choose who’s going to take care of your pet while you’re gone. If you’re opting for a cattery, make sure to check the reviews and even pay the boarding facility a visit to understand the setting and conditions. If you’re considering a cat sitter or home visits from your friends, stock up on the essentials and prepare clear instructions about your pet’s needs.

Can I leave my cat alone if I go on a short vacation?

Yes! If you have a grown and independent cat, you can leave it for a short time, like a day or two. In this case, you need to make sure to leave enough food, constant access to clean water, and clean litter boxes. If your vacation is going to take more time, it’s better to find a caregiver.

How do I ensure my cat’s routine is minimally disrupted while I’m away?

You need to take several steps, including providing detailed care instructions, keeping feeding times consistent, and maintaining access to familiar items like toys and bedding. Opt for home care whenever possible. This way, you’ll be able to minimize change and receive timely updates about your cat’s well-being.