Planning for Cat Care During Your Vacation
Caring for cats while on vacation requires careful planning to ensure their well-being. Each cat’s needs vary based on their personality and the length of your absence. For instance, shy cats might feel stressed in a boarding facility, while more outgoing ones may adapt well. Knowing your cat’s unique needs is essential to making the best care decisions.
Automating Cat Care
Ensuring your cat’s needs are met while you’re away can be simplified with technology. Automated feeders, litter boxes, and water fountains can be lifesavers for trips ranging from weekends to longer vacations. These devices help maintain a consistent supply of food, water, and clean litter. Some models come with battery backups and can accommodate multiple cats, ensuring they are cared for even if the power goes out.
It’s important to introduce these automated devices well in advance of your trip, allowing your cats time to get used to them. Automated feeders control food portions, preventing overeating, and can be a boon for pet sitters, who can focus on providing wet food and spending quality time with your pets.
Finding a Trusted Pet Sitter
Leaving cats at home often means finding a reliable pet sitter. For many cats, remaining in a familiar environment with a consistent routine is less stressful than boarding. Trusted friends, family members, or professional pet sitters can ensure your cat’s well-being.
A professional pet sitter often provides a written service contract and may offer daily visits or live-in care, depending on your needs. They can also help maintain the appearance of a lived-in home, which can deter potential burglars. Many pet sitters now offer updates, including videos of your cat, providing peace of mind while you’re away.
Recommendations from your veterinarian, humane society, family, friends, and neighbors can help you find a reliable sitter. Interview potential sitters to ensure they interact well with your cat and are willing to provide references. Consider a trial run with a brief trip to build trust and address any issues before a longer vacation. Ensure the pet sitter has commercial liability insurance and is bonded to protect against theft.
Keeping Cats Entertained
While you’re enjoying new sights on vacation, your cat might feel bored and anxious. Setting up a play area with favorite toys and providing access to windows for bird and traffic watching can keep them entertained. Looping videos made for cats on TV or leaving the radio on at a low volume can help them feel less lonely.
Testing these setups before you leave ensures everything works smoothly. Additionally, leaving lights on can make your home feel more secure for your cat and deter potential burglars.
Safety Considerations
Before leaving, take some safety precautions:
- Cover electric cords and unplug non-essential items.
- Remove and store lightbulbs that cats could knock over.
- Ensure doors you want to stay open can’t be closed by your cat, and close off rooms you don’t want them to access.
- Cat-proof your home by storing objects your cat might damage.
Cats might exhibit unexpected behavior due to stress while you’re away. Preparing for this by putting away favorite blankets or collectibles can help prevent damage.
Making Goodbyes Easier
A helpful tip from Everhart Veterinary Medicine is to leave your suitcase out regularly so your cat doesn’t associate it with you leaving. When you return, wear a piece of clothing with your cat’s scent on it to reassure them that you’re back.
We hope you have a wonderful vacation, knowing your cats are safe and well-cared for while you’re away.
