Ensuring Your Cat's Happiness While You're Away | The Cat Consultant

Whether you're jetting off for the winter holidays or any other time, cat care during your absence requires thoughtful planning. Throughout my years as a cat owner, I've learned the importance of early bookings, especially during travel peaks. Delaying decisions might limit your options—booking early is the cat's meow!

Consider various factors when deciding your cat's care plan: the duration of your absence, budget considerations, and, most crucially, what aligns with your cat's fancy. Is your cat a social butterfly, craving attention, or does she give new places the "paws-down," preferring her familiar haunts?

These factors play a pivotal role in choosing the purr-fect care option. Here are some choices that'll make your whiskered friend content.

Options for Spoiling Your Cat When You're Away

• 🐾Independent Living: Letting your cats have the house to themselves works for shorter trips. If your cats are indoor dwellers and in good health, leaving them with enough provisions for a day or two might just do the trick. Before my senior cat required daily medication, I used to leave my cats overnight with a well-stocked pantry, and they handled it like pros. Automatic feeders are a blessing to maintain their mealtime routine. Just avoid this if your absence is longer or if your cats have a checklist of needs longer than yours.
• 🐾Engage a Pet Sitter: Pet sitters are a real treat, especially for shy cats who prefer the comfort of their own cushions. If you have multiple cats that mingle well, a pet sitter ensures they keep each other entertained. But make sure you go for a pro, not the neighbour's nephew looking to make a quick dirham. A pro pet sitter comes with training, insurance, and a knack for handling cat emergencies—trust me, they're paw-some!
• 🐾Opt for a House Sitter: House sitters bring a bit more glamour to the table by spending the night at your place while you're away. They're not there 24/7, but it's like a kitty sleepover that suits cats with separation issues or those needing a bit more cuddle-time. Choose wisely based on your cat's demands for royal treatment.
• 🐾Consider Boarding Facilities or Pet Hotels: Boarding might be the five-star resort your social cat craves. Vets offer boarding with top-notch medical care, but if your cat is more into spa days, luxury cat hotels are the way to go! Think spacious rooms, interactive playtime—basically a kitty vacation. Your cat might come back demanding room service.

Ultimately, your cat's preferences dictate the holiday plans. Proper planning ensures your furball gets the royal treatment while you're away on holiday, and knowing your kitty is in safe hands makes the world of difference to you both.