How To Take Care Of Cats When You Go On Vacation

Warm days are here, and we are looking forward to exploring the exciting destinations and going on outings and long-awaited vacations. In addition to regular planning and arranging time off work, families with cats have to manage cat care while they’re gone.

Today we will talk about different possibilities of managing a four-legged part of the household that can not go on vacation with the rest of the family.

The animals should have plenty of food, water, and free access to toileting. The best arrangement for your cats’ safety is to keep them indoors. The cat care options greatly depend on multiple factors, such as the length of time you will be gone, available resources, your budget, living situation, and your animals’ personality. Let’s talk about some pet resources that most cat owners utilize when they leave the house for a few days.

Pet Hotels and Resorts.

One of your cat care options is a pet hotel. The places specialize in animal care and have a lot of resources to make your cats stay safe. Check the customer reviews before you decide to trust the businesses with your furry friends. Visit the place and ask to take a tour. Observe the condition of the building, check for unpleasant smells, and see how clean the place is.

Ask questions about policies in emergencies, supervision, and staffing coverage during the night, weekends, and holidays. If your cat has a medical condition, let the hotel know and ask if they can safely manage her in their care. Research the cost, compare it with the other companies and ask for deals, discounts, or packages for multiple animals, length of stay, etc. Many places have cameras that will allow you to check up on your cat.

Consider the availability of the services in your area. Keep in mind your cat’s comfort level you bring them to an unfamiliar place. The hotel option is suitable for a lengthy vacation or business trip time when you will be gone for a while.

Pet Sitter.

Another good care option is a pet sitter. Finding the right person that you trust to care for your family is a challenging task. If you decide to hire a sitter, do your research ahead of time and arrange the services early. Check reputable agencies and reliable sources of information. Talk to your family and friends and find out if they can recommend someone to take care of your cat. Reach out to rescues and animal welfare organizations. Sometimes their volunteers provide private pet care services and may become reliable caregivers for your family. Avoid hiring unknown individuals from the internet without a background check and solid references.

Leaving Cats Home Alone.

If a sitter or pet hotel is not available, there is an option to leave a cat home alone. It’s a very short-term solution, for no more than a couple of days. Leave out enough dry food. Make sure the cat has free access to plenty of water. Get multiple water bowls or drinking stations if the cat spills water. Multiple litter boxes are essential. Consider self-cleaning boxes, but they can be more expensive. Ask a family member, co-worker, or friend who will be able to drop by and check on your cat.

Bringing a Cat with You.

Bringing a cat with you is the last resort. Research in advance if you can safely manage your cat at your vacation place. Get a pop-up tent or a large crate. Don’t keep the cat in a carrier for more than 4 hours. Keep the doors locked at all times. Be sure your friend has access to food, water, and a toilet. Check with your veterinarian ahead of time and give appropriate medications to relieve anxiety. Keep your cat as comfortable as possible during the trip. Adjust the temperature and ventilation in your car. Bring extra cleaning supplies and bedding, towel, and blankets.

In Conclusion.

Whatever option you choose, the cats’ health and safety come first. Reach out for help. Animal welfare organizations have a network in the community and can connect you with volunteers or needed resources.