Wondering what to do with your cat when you go on vacation, and how to keep them healthy and happy? Perhaps you are heading out of town and need a safe, stress-free plan for your pet while you’re away. Most owners want to enjoy their holiday but still feel confident that their fur baby is going to be comfortable and well cared for at home. Not to worry; with the right preparation, your cat will still feel relaxed in familiar surroundings while you enjoy your time away.
The following paragraphs will walk you through the necessary steps to make your cat-free vacation easier on you both. You’ll find practical advice on sitters, supplies, safety, and ways to keep your cat calm until you return.
Should I Take My Cat With Me or Leave Them at Home?
Most cats seem to prefer staying in their own environment when their owners go on vacation. Which makes sense because home feels safe, predictable, and full of familiar scents. Still, some owners wonder whether travel might be an option for them.
Separation Anxiety
It’s natural to worry about leaving your cat. Many kitties enjoy routine and can feel unsettled when their humans leave, but good preparation can help them stay relaxed. For example, some cats show mild separation anxiety, so using calming tools like Feliway diffusers or comfort sprays can build that familiar, soothing environment. Keeping their routine steady and offering extra enrichment before you go also helps them feel much safer.
Taking Your Cat With You
Some owners consider bringing their cat along. This can work in quiet, calm situations, especially with confident cats. If you’re curious about this option:
- confirm vaccinations and paperwork
- find pet-friendly hotels or rentals
- keep travel time gentle and planned
- remember that many cats find travel stressful
For most cats, staying home during your vacation is the kinder choice.
Finding a Care Provider
If your cat stays home, choosing reliable care is the key to a worry-free cat while on vacation. You might consider one or more of the following solutions:
- a trusted professional pet sitter
- a reputable boarding facility
- a family member or friend
A really good tip is to make sure your sitter understands your cat’s habits, feeding schedule, medications, and comfort items. Veterinary clinics often have good recommendations, too!
Proper Planning Makes All the Difference
With thoughtful preparation, you can enjoy your time away knowing your cat is safe, content, and cared for. That’s the real goal of leaving your cat while you go on vacation.
10 Steps to Take Before Leaving Your Cat at Home
If your cat is staying home during your trip, these steps help ensure comfort and safety until you return.
1. Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
A trained sitter gives your cat personalized attention. Many cats feel happiest at home with someone checking in daily. A good place to start looking is a trusted pet-sitting directory or local vet recommendation, because these sources often list sitters who are insured, experienced, and familiar with feline behavior.
2. Stock Up on Food and Water
Have more than enough of their usual food available. Keeping meals consistent helps avoid tummy troubles! An automatic feeder can also be a lifesaver while you’re away; it keeps portions steady and feeds your cat right on schedule. It’s a great way to maintain routine and prevent overeating or missed meals.
3. Inspect Your Home for Hazards
Look for plants, cords, strings, or small objects that could cause problems. A quick safety sweep adds peace of mind for your cat while you are on vacation.
4. Consider Pet Insurance
Insurance can help cover unexpected health issues while you’re away. For example, a company like Trupanion offers fast reimbursements, 24/7 support, and coverage for emergency vet visits. It gives you a little extra peace of mind knowing your cat is protected, even if something happens when you aren’t home.
5. Leave Clear Veterinary Instructions
Share your vet’s contact details and your cat’s medical history with the sitter. That way, they can get quick help if anything comes up and won’t have to guess about medications, allergies, or past issues.
6. Leave Plenty of Toys for Enrichment
Puzzle feeders, scratching posts, and interactive toys can help your cat stay mentally stimulated – a must so they don’t get bored and miss you too much!
7. Set Up a Camera
Home cameras make it easy to check in and see your cat happy and relaxed. The TP-Link Tapo Smart Pan/Tilt Indoor Security Camera is ideal for pets because it lets you follow their movements in real time, gives you wide coverage with smooth pan and tilt, and sends motion alerts so you always know what they’re up to when you’re not home!
8. Cover or Hide Electrical Cords
Some cats chew when bored or anxious. Covered cords are safer. So take a look around and tuck away anything loose or tempting, especially wires they could tug, chew, or get tangled in.
9. Tell a Trusted Friend or Family Member
Ask someone to be ‘backup support’ in case the sitter needs help. You should give them a heads-up so they’re ready to step in quickly if anything unexpected happens.
10. Bring Out the Suitcase Early
Many cats dislike seeing suitcases appear suddenly. Have you noticed this? Perhaps your cat hides, follows you around, or gets a bit clingy. Place your suitcase out a few days early and hide treats inside so it becomes a positive object.
Can You Kennel a Cat for Vacation?
Boarding is a great option if you prefer constant supervision for your cat while on vacation. Good facilities offer quiet cat-only spaces, fresh food and water, and gentle human interaction. Many also offer temperature-controlled rooms, soft bedding, and photo or video updates so you can check in while you’re away.
A few key areas to look out for:
- clean, calm environments
- experienced staff
- daily enrichment opportunities
Final Thoughts
A happy cat and a successful vacation without them is really about preparation. With a thoughtful plan, you know that your cat can stay comfortable at home while you enjoy your time away. A trustworthy sitter, enough supplies, and a safe environment come at the top of that list. And then, regardless of whether you travel for a weekend or a longer trip, these steps can help you return to a happy, well-cared-for purring companion.
Sources and Further Reading
- Where Can You Leave Your Cat While on Vacation? | Lafayette Vet
Here, our Lafayette vets share places where you can leave your cat while you are on vacation. We also discuss the benefits of boarding, and whether you can leave them home alone. - Cats and Vacations | PetMD
If you have cats, you’ve likely wondered what to do with them when you’re away from home on a vacation or business trip. What provisions do you make for your pets when you travel?
