The time has come. It’s time to book that long overdue vacation! You have saved your money, found some amazing deals and even bought that cute swimsuit with the adorable cats pictured all over it. The only thing you need to do now, is figure out what you will be doing with your cat.
Cat owners share the question of how to best care for their feline friends while they are away. In some rare instances, cats go with their people on vacation. Most, however are boarded at a facility or stay home with a pet sitter. These tips on how to travel when you have a cat are here to help!
How to Travel When You Have a Cat
Sadly, some people leaves their kitties home for an extended time without care, thinking they will be able to fend for themselves as long as they are left with a couple litter boxes and plenty of food and water. This is not an option, at very least you need to ensure that there is someone to check in on them often.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: “what is best for my cat?”
The truth of the matter is you have one of three choices. 1. You can bring your cat on vacation with you (Keep in mind, most cats don’t travel well.), 2. You can board him at a facility, or 3. You can hire a pet sitter.
Have Someone Check in Regularly – In reality, most cats prefer to stay at home in familiar surroundings. It is a good idea to have someone check in on your cat regularly, or even stay at your home with them.
Believe it or not, Cats are more social than people think and may act out if left alone for too long. It is also a very good idea to ensure that you have a backup person to check on or stay with your cat, in case something comes up.
Hire a Pet Sitter – There are many dependable pet sitters out there now. Sometimes you can even find a veterinary technician that is willing to cat-sit. This would come in handy, especially if one of your cats requires special care.
Make sure to make a list of your cat’s favourite hiding places. It can be difficult for a pet sitter to know if one of your feline family members has escaped if they can’t find them, and if there is one thing for sure, cats know how to hide.
Boarding Your Cat – The alternative to having someone check in on your cat, or hiring a pet sitter, is boarding. The best news about this is that you do have options.
- Kennels- There are kennels that have space to take cats. It is important to consider whether or not your cat will appreciate having to share a suite with dogs.
- Vet Clinics– The upside of boarding at a veterinary clinic is that your cat will have access to on-site medical care. The downside? They will be caged.
- Boarding– Referred to as catteries in some countries, this is the epitome of a cat hotel. They can vary in style, and what they offer, but most offer amenities and special themed rooms. The downside? Catteries can be extremely pricey.
There are many different options to consider for travel when you have a cat. The most important thing is to remember that in all comes down to what is best for your cat!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
An interesting post, I don’t have any pets but I’m sure this will help others decide how to move forward with their travel plans.
Debbie White Beattie says
We’ve never boarded our animals because we’ve been lucky enough to have family take care of them
LisaM says
We are always sure to make arrangements for my parents or our friends to come by regularly when we are away – good for the cats AND for the house 🙂
Jo-Anne Pfoh says
I don’t travel but it is a great post. Thanks for sharing
kathy downey says
My hubby does home checks and cares for cats when people are out of town
Linda Cassidy says
we took Lou away with us last year when we went to Collingwood for a week and she loved it. Normally we have someone come to the house. As you said she gets lonely without us so leaving her alone is not an option