While cats seem to enjoy living in their own world, they are actually quite social. This means that leaving them alone while you go away is not ideal. In this blog, our Rochester vets offer some suggestions on where to leave your cat when you go on vacation.
What to Do With Cats While on Vacation
If you are going away, you must figure out what to do with your cat. Should you ask a friend or family member to stay with them? What about calling a boarding facility? While most cats can be left alone for one night, kittens under four months old and certain cat breeds require companionship.
Leaving Your Cat at Home While on Vacation
As previously stated, most cats will be fine if left alone for one night and may not even notice your absence if given adequate food, fresh water, and toys. Young cats under four months old and breeds like sphynx, Scottish folds, and ragdolls do best with human company. Kittens under four months old should not be left alone for more than four hours.
We don't recommend leaving your cat alone longer than 24 hours because cats are social creatures that need their owner's attention to feel safe and comfortable. Your cat needs you to provide them with care and basic needs.
At Home With a Cat Sitter
A good option when you have to leave your cat at home is to have a cat sitter come in every day to clean the litter box, make sure your furry friend has food and water, and provide quality one-on-one playtime and cuddles.
This option provides your cat with less stress because they are in their environment, get to use their litter box, and everything is where they are used to it being. It is usually the simplest and most cost-effective option.
You can either have a friend or family member your cat knows come in and care for them or have a professional come in and watch your four-legged companion.
Having someone your cat is familiar and comfortable with can also help reduce their stress levels and make them feel more relaxed. On the other hand, a professional sitter knows everything about properly caring for a cat and can ensure every need is being provided for.
When hiring a pet sitter, make sure they are well-versed in your cat's habits, behaviors, and needs, as each cat is unique. Tell the sitter what time of day your cat eats, how much food they need, your kitty's energy level, if medications must be given at specific times, and so on. We recommend giving your sitter a kitten care guide so they know how to meet your pet's needs.
Leaving Your Cat at a Friend's or Relative's Place
If you have a cat that is comfortable staying elsewhere, you may want to consider sending them to a friend or family member's house.
The advantage of this option is that your pet will be constantly monitored and given more attention. However, if they already have a cat with whom your kitty does not get along, or if your feline friend does not like the person they are staying with, this can backfire and increase your pet's stress even more than if they were left alone.
If you would like to leave your pet at someone's house, we recommend dropping them off for a few days before you go as a trial stay so you can make sure your kitty gets along alright. If this doesn't work out, you will still have time to find another option for your furry companion.
You should be sure that the person you choose loves cats and is happy to help. If not, you may want to find another option.
Boarding for Cats While on Vacation (Kennels)
Boarding and kennels aren't just for dogs. Lots of boarding facilities also welcome cats. This is also probably the best option for your pet when you are on vacation.
Boarding facilities should be run by professionals who ensure your cat is always fed, watered, supervised, and gets quality one-on-one time. Call them in advance to ensure they have the space and resources for your feline friend.
While many cats can have separation anxiety and might be stressed out by being left alone with strangers in an unknown environment, you can take steps to lessen their fears, such as bringing their favorite toys, blankets, beds, or even a piece of your clothing. You can also do a trial run to ensure your kitty gets along well at the facility. This also helps make them familiar with the setting.
You should also communicate clearly with the facility to ensure that they understand all of your cat's needs and offer all of the boarding services you and your cat require.
You should also be happy with the kennel's feel. Is it calm and quiet? Check to see if the facility you're considering is cat-friendly, with a separate boarding area for cats and dogs, and that your kitty's kennel is large enough to keep the litter box separate from their food and bed. You should also check if it has features like a window for your cat to look out, climate-controlled kennels, and quality one-on-one time with the staff.
Take the time to view the place your kitty will be staying in from their perspective to ensure your cat will be comfortable and well cared for in your absence.
At Ridgemont Animal Hospital, our boarding facility is cat-friendly. Our professional and qualified veterinary team will ensure all of your cat's needs are being met. We will answer any questions you may have and offer trial stays to make sure we are the perfect fit for your pet.
The Benefits of Boarding Your Cat While on Vacation
Some of the benefits of professional cat boarding facilities include:
- Your cat will be supervised their entire stay
- Their feeding schedule will be the same as it is at home
- Your kitty's kennel will be cleaned daily
- The staff will notice if your cat is not eating or if they are sick
- Good kennels offer calming and relaxing environments for cats
- The staff can make sure your cat's medications are administered properly and on time
- You can call them to see how your kitty is doing
At the end of the day, it is your choice where you will leave your cat while on vacation; take the time to weigh your options and ensure you are selecting the best option for you and your feline companion.
Pet Boarding at Ridgemont Animal Hospital
It can be stressful to leave your pet when you go out of town, especially if they are ill or recovering from a procedure. Our veterinary team is here to help put your mind at ease.
We provide complete dog and cat boarding and daycare services for our current patients in Rochester. We also offer medical boarding services for patients with conditions that standard boarding centers may not be equipped to accommodate. Speak with us today to learn more.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.