Going on a vacation is a chance to relax and recharge, but furthermore, for cat owners, it means another errand: what to do with your furry friend. Leaving your cat can sometimes be stressful since they are creatures of habit and seldom take to changes in their routine.
However, with the right preparations, your kitty can be kept safe, comfortable, and well-cared-for in your absence. The best choices for leaving your cat while on vacation take into consideration of care, health issues, and your peace of mind.
In-Home Pet Sitting
Familiar surroundings are optimal for many cats when it comes to minimizing stress. If your cat, for some reason, is shy or gets overstressed in new environments, hiring a pet sitter to come to your home is a good decision.
An in-home pet sitter will basically take care of feeding, litter box cleaning, and the most important, playing with your cat. Some sitters go beyond these basics and also give things like administering medications or paying extra attention if your cat seems extra needy.
The great advantage of having an in-home pet sitter is that the cat can stay at home in its comfort zone. The cat will remain within its domain, surrounded by familiar scents and objects.
Furthermore, your cat will not have the stress of being in a boarding facility or interacting with other animals. Many pet sitters will send updates, pictures, or even videos of your cat for you to see while you are away.
This option is highly personal, with most pet sitters willing to customize their visits to meet your cat’s specific needs best.
Boarding Facilities
Pet boarding facilities for cats are a common solution when cats need care while their owners are away. These facilities provide a safe, secure place for cats to stay, and provide food, water, and litter cleaning. Many of them have specific quarters for cats, away from noisy and chaotic dogs, and this makes them a good match for cats.
On the one hand, boarding certainly can be a stress-inducing experience for some cats, especially those not used to mixed company or unfamiliar spaces.
Cats that are used to having a considerable amount of personal space may not like to be confined in a cage or share common spaces with others.
Make sure you research and visit any boarding facilities prior to using one. Ensure the place itself is clean, well-tended, and has a staff knowledgeable in feline care. Also, check that the boarding areas provide enough room for your feline to feel secure while roaming about in its own space.
Some facilities also provide extra services such as grooming, playtime, and personal attention from the staff. Don’t forget to inquire about these, as they can significantly enhance your cat’s comfort during its stay.
Cat Hotels
A more luxurious alternative to traditional boarding facilities, cat hotels are specialized resort accommodations catering just for cats, and they often offer a more relaxed, stress-free stay.
These special accommodations typically involve private “rooms” furnished with cozy beds, climbing structures, and windows to observe what is happening outside. Some offer additional obsessive spoiling services such as gourmet meals, massages, and interactive play sessions.
Cat hotels might be a great option for cats that enjoy a bit of luxury or need a more comfortable, quiet place while you’re away.
With fewer guests and a greater emphasis on the needs of cats, these venues can be viewed as an upscale option when boarding is necessary. Nonetheless, be sure to check reviews before booking and tour the facility yourself to make sure it is a trustworthy place that we can leave your feline friend in.
Friends or Family
If you have a trusted friend or family member familiar with your cat, this can be one of the best options. This ensures that your cat stays comfortably at home, and you don’t need to worry about the stresses of a kennel or pet sitter.
Family or friends may also give the extra flexibility necessary when it comes to the care they offer, but most importantly, they will keep
Neighbor Care
If you do not have family or friends nearby, a trusted neighbor can also serve well. A neighbor willing to check in on your cat once or twice a day can feed it, provide fresh water, and have a little playtime with it. You may need to leave them instructions concerning your cat’s preference and care, but this could be an inexpensive little choice.
An advantage of neighbor care is the flexibility offered. Because neighbors usually can adjust work to accommodate the needs of your cat, they can check on your cat every day or stay overnight. Just make sure your neighbor feels comfortable with their responsibilities and let’s you know if any issues pop up.
Vet Boarding
If your cat requires special medical needs or has health concerns, boarding with your vet might be your best choice. A few clinics offer boarding specifically for cats with medical conditions to be treated while their owner is away, so that the treatment can continue in case of medication or special diet needs, or watching for health issues.
Vet boarding provides you with a sense of ease if you’re worried about your cat’s health while on vacation. Since they are trained to deal with medical emergencies, your cat will be in good hands. However, this will usually be more expensive than regular boarding. It’s best to ask beforehand regarding the rates.
Conclusion
Choosing where to keep your cat while on vacation will need some consideration but with good preparation, you will ensure that he is safe, cozy, and well cared for.
Whether you decide to go with a pet sitter, boarding facilities, family, or a fancy kitty hotel, the main thing is to figure out what best suits your cat’s personality and needs. Do not be afraid to ask for advice, read reviews, and check potential places out ahead of time to ensure the choice you make is for your cat’s best interest.
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