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We all love a holiday. But as responsible cat parents, it can be tricky to know what to do with your furball when you’re planning a trip away and how to prepare your cat for a stay away from home.
There are plenty of options for your cat if you’re heading on holiday without them. Kitty sitters are available at the tap of a button, catteries or even a responsible friend. But we thought we’d look at how to prepare your cat for a short break apart and what the best options are for your little one if you decide to go on an adventure sans tabby.
All cats are different so each of their needs will vary from one to the next, especially when spending time apart from their beloved humans. A cattery may seem like the obvious option, but for some more timid cats, it may be a little out of their comfort zone. Cat sitters are a great choice for those used to home comforts, with apps like Cat in a Flat making booking a vetted cat carer super easy. It’s also great to find that one reliable friend you can build a relationship with over time for future trips, a familiar face for your cat to seek reassurance from when you need to leave home.
Be sure to go with the right decision for your cat to be the most comfortable they can be. A change of environment is enough to spook any animal, so it’s super important your fur baby can feel safe and secure no matter what. Trying to keep their regular routine right up until the moment you need to leave will help keep your kitten calm despite the change of scene. Usual dinner times and safe spaces for them to snooze whilst you pack are essential.
Getting them ready to go can be even more daunting than packing your own case so we thought we’d make a simple checklist to help you get your cat ready for a trip away from home.
What to pack:
- Their favourite blanket or bedding – if your cat is staying elsewhere whilst you’re away, it’s important they have some home comforts around to keep them calm. Be sure to pack their usual bed or even something of your own with a familiar scent, like a jumper they can snuggle up to for comfort.
- Vaccinations – making sure your cat is jabbed is super important especially if they’re booked in for a cattery stay. This will keep them safe whilst sharing space with unknown felines, as unfortunately illness can spread quickly through catteries.
- Toys and food – cats love routine and home comforts. A trip away from their space is unnerving for your little pal, so making sure they stick to their usual diet and are surrounded by their favourite toys will help to give them a sense of home away from home. If your cat has a specific meal time schedule, be sure to inform whoever they’re staying with to try to stick to this as close as they can. It may seem high maintenance, but it will all help to keep your kitty cool in an unusual environment.
- Pheremones – whether you opt for plug ins or sprays, artificial pheremones can really help your floof feel relaxed in the run up to their holiday, and during their stay. The scents they release mimic cat pheremones and help them to feel more secure and calm. Catteries may already use these, but there’s no harm in bringing your own along!
- A good cat carrier – finding a carrier your cat doesn’t feel too stressed about will also ease the whole process. Cats can get pretty anxious around their carriers as they associate them with bad things – vets being number one! Getting the carrier out a few days before the scheduled trip will help them get used to the idea, and hopefully reduce the stress they associate with the dreaded box.
Leaving your cat in someone else’s care is a big deal for both you and them. Preparation is key, and choosing the right stay for their needs and personality will ensure you can both feel as comfortable as possible without each other. Try not to miss them too much!
