Pet owners know all too well the worries that come with planning a vacation or a business trip. It isn’t always possible to take your cat with you: it’s expensive and inconvenient, and many cats don’t travel well. There are plenty of options for your cat while you’re away: you can ask friends or neighbors to help, hire a pet sitter or book your cat into a cattery. Which option is right for you, and what do you need to know so your cat is comfortable and you can relax? Read on.
Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Cat-Sit
Many owners leave a key with a trusted friend, relative or neighbor, who visits to look after the cat while they’re away. For many cats, this is the ideal option: they stay in their own home, in familiar surroundings, so the stress of being separated from you is kept to a minimum. Just make sure the person you choose is reliable, responsible and comfortable with cats.
Pros
- it’s free or cheap;
- your cat stays in its familiar home;
- you know and trust the person caring for your cat.
Cons
- your cat may not get as much company as it’s used to;
- it can be a lot to ask of a friend, especially for long trips or twice-daily visits;
- friends may not be experienced in spotting signs of illness.
Catteries (Cat Boarding)
A cattery (cat boarding facility) is a dedicated place where your cat stays while you’re away. Some are attached to vet clinics or breeders, while others are standalone businesses. Good catteries provide round-the-clock supervision and can arrange veterinary care if needed. Cats usually stay in individual units or “suites,” often with a sleeping area, a separate litter area and perches. In good catteries, cats from different households aren’t mixed, to reduce stress and the spread of disease.
Pros
- your cat is supervised every day;
- staff can arrange vet care if your cat needs it;
- it’s a good choice for long trips, and for cats that need medication or special care.
Cons
- it can be expensive, and the better the facilities, the higher the price;
- not all cats cope well with leaving home, the journey and an unfamiliar environment with other cats nearby;
- popular catteries get booked up early, especially around holidays.
Before choosing a cattery, ask friends and your vet for recommendations, read reviews, and visit in person. In England, catteries must be licensed by the local council, and many display a star rating; in the US, look for clean, well-ventilated facilities with experienced staff, and check whether they’re accredited by a professional association. Things to check:
- Is the cattery clean, quiet, well ventilated and free of dogs barking nearby?
- Does each cat have its own unit, with enough space, a place to hide and somewhere to perch?
- Do they require proof of up-to-date vaccinations? (A good cattery always will.)
- How many staff are there, how often do they check on the cats, and do they have a vet on call?
- Can they give medication, and do they handle cats gently?
Book well in advance, and make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date (catteries usually require vaccines to be given at least a few weeks before the stay). Bring a supply of your cat’s usual food, along with its bed or a blanket and a favorite toy, so it has familiar smells around it. Leave your contact details and your vet’s details, and save the cattery’s number in your phone so you can check in.
Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter, someone who visits your home once or twice a day to care for your cat, has become very popular. Some pet sitters can also stay in your home while you’re away (“house sitting”). You can find pet sitters through your vet, local recommendations, professional associations and apps and websites such as Rover and Care.com in the US, or TrustedHousesitters and local pet-sitting businesses in the UK.
Pros
- your cat stays at home, in familiar surroundings;
- you don’t have to rely on friends and neighbors;
- experienced sitters can give medication, notice health problems and send you updates and photos.
Cons
- it can be expensive, especially for twice-daily visits or overnight stays;
- a stranger will have access to your home;
- your cat still spends much of the day alone.
When choosing a pet sitter, check their reviews and references, ask whether they’re insured (and bonded, in the US), and arrange a meeting at your home before you leave so they can meet your cat. In the UK, look for a member of a professional association, such as the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARPS). Exchange contact details, and explain your cat’s routine and habits in detail: what and how much it eats, when it’s fed, its litter box routine and any medications. Leave your vet’s contact details and, ideally, a signed note authorizing your sitter to arrange vet care if needed. Stock up on enough food and litter for the whole trip, plus a few extra days.
Can You Leave a Cat Home Alone?
Many adult cats can be left alone for a day, but most vets and cat welfare charities recommend that someone checks on your cat at least once a day, even for short trips. Leaving a cat alone for longer, even with plenty of food and water, is risky: your cat could get sick or injured, knock over its water, get shut in a room or run out of food, and no one would know. Kittens, senior cats and cats with health problems should never be left alone overnight.
If you do need to leave your cat alone for a short time, prepare carefully:
- Provide at least two clean litter boxes.
- Leave plenty of fresh water in more than one place, or use a water fountain, plus an extra bowl in case one is knocked over.
- Use an automatic feeder that dispenses measured meals at set times, so your cat doesn’t eat everything at once.
- Wedge interior doors open with doorstops, so your cat can’t accidentally shut itself in a room, away from its food, water or litter box. Close off any rooms that aren’t safe.
- Remove dangerous plants, put away small objects and string, unplug electrical cords and close windows.
- Leave a couple of items of clothing you’ve worn on your cat’s favorite sleeping spots. Your scent can help it stay calm.
- If possible, let your cat look out of a window by opening the blinds or curtains, and leave a light on in a hallway or small room.
- A pet camera lets you check in on your cat while you’re away.
How Much Does Cat Care Cost?
Prices vary by area, but as a rough guide:
- Cattery: about $15–40 per night in the US and £10–25 per day in the UK.
- Pet sitter visits: about $20–35 per visit in the US and £10–20 per visit in the UK.
- Overnight pet sitting: typically $50–100 or more per night in the US and £30–60 or more per night in the UK.
When You Come Home
When you get home, your cat may be overjoyed to see you, or it may act aloof and offended. Don’t be upset if your cat gives you the cold shoulder for a while. Talk to it softly, pet it, give it a treat and play with it. Soon your cat will be just as happy as you are to be reunited.
