While we wish we could take our feline companions with us when we go out of town, it isn't always possible. In this post, our Rancho Cucamonga vets share some ideas for places where you can leave your cat while you are on vacation.
Where Can I Leave My Cat While On Vacation?
Sometimes it can be hard to decide where to leave your cat when you are away. Do you leave them at home by themselves or board them at a kennel? While most cats are fine being left alone for one night, kittens under four months old and some specific cat breeds are like dogs and need companionship.
Leaving Your Cat Alone
As mentioned earlier, most cats will be okay if you leave them alone for one night. They may not even notice your absence as long as they have enough food, water, and toys.
However, it's important to note that young cats under four months old and certain breeds like sphynx, Scottish folds, and rag dogs tend to thrive with human company. It's best not to leave kittens younger than four months alone for more than four hours.
We advise against leaving your cat alone for more than 24 hours because cats are social animals and need their owner's attention to feel secure and at ease. They depend on you to fulfill all their care needs.
At Home With a Cat Sitter
A good option for 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 them with some quality one-on-one playtime and cuddles.
This option provides your cat with less stress because they are in their environment and get to use their litter box, and everything is where they are used to it being. This is also a cost-effective choice, especially if you have more than one kitty.
You can either have a friend or family member that your cat knows come in and take care of them or have a professional come in and watch your four-legged companion.
Having someone your cat is already 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 taking care of a cat and can make sure every need is being provided for.
When having a pet sitter take care of your pet make sure they know all about your cat's habits, behaviors, and needs because every kitty is different. Be sure to tell the sitter what time of day your cat eats, the specific amount of food they require, your kitty's energy level, if they have to be given medications at specific times, etc. We recommend providing your sitter with a guide to caring for your kitten so they know exactly how to meet all of your pet's needs.
Leaving Your Cat at a Friend's or Relative's Place
If your cat is comfortable going to another place you might want to consider leaving them at a friend's or relative's home.
The benefit of this option is that your furry friend will have constant supervision and be provided with more attention. But, if they already have a cat that your kitty doesn't get along with or if your feline friend doesn't like the person they are staying with, this can backfire and increase your pet's stress even more than if they were left by themselves.
If you would like to leave your pet at someone's house we recommend dropping them off for a few days before you leave 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.
Also make sure the person you are leaving your cat with can meet all of your kitty's needs and is willing and eager to perform the task, if not, you may want to find another option.
A Boarding Facility (Kennels)
Boarding facilities and kennels aren't just for dogs; many of them also accommodate cats. When you go on vacation, boarding your cat is likely the best option.
It's important to choose a boarding facility that is operated by professionals who will ensure your cat is always taken care of, including being fed, watered, supervised, and given quality one-on-one attention. To secure a spot for your furry friend, it's necessary to call well in advance and make a reservation, ensuring availability and space.
While some cats may experience separation anxiety and feel stressed in an unfamiliar environment with strangers, there are ways to alleviate their fears. Bringing along their favorite toys, blankets, bed, or an item of your clothing can help. Additionally, you can arrange a trial stay to assess how well your cat adjusts to the facility and to familiarize them with the surroundings.
Clear communication with the boarding facility is crucial. Make sure they fully understand your cat's needs and confirm that they offer all the necessary boarding services for you and your cat.
It's essential to feel comfortable with the chosen kennel. Ensure the place you select is clean, well-managed, and quiet. Check if the facility has a separate area for cats and dogs, and if the cat's kennel is spacious enough to keep the litter box separate from their food and bed. Consider features such as a window for your cat to look outside, climate-controlled kennels, and whether the staff provides quality one-on-one attention.
Take the time to view the place your kitty will be staying in from their perspective, to make sure your cat will be comfortable and well cared for in your absence.
At Rancho Regional Veterinary Hospital our boarding facility is cat friendly, and 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 Leaving Your Cat at Kennel
Here are the benefits of leaving your cat at a high-quality, professional boarding facility while you are on vacation:
- 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 decision where you leave your cat while you are on vacation, take the time to weigh your options and make sure you are choosing the best possible option for you and your feline companion.