Going on a vacation is stressful for a lot of reasons and one that cat owners are usually faced with is the tricky question of what to do with your cat when going on one.

While some pets, like dogs, are highly adaptable to new destinations and traveling overall, cats are, like in many other cases, the complete opposite.

This is because cats are, by nature, territorial animals that like routines and don’t deal well with change. Their territory (aka your place) has been marked through rubbing, scratching, and releasing pheromones. So pulling them away from their safe space just like that can be extremely stressful to the point of inducing unwanted health issues.

So, if you’re someone who’s going on a vacation and can’t take your cat with you, what are your options? In this article, we’ll go over a few of the most common ones so that you can make the best decision for your cat.

What are the options for cat owners going on vacation?

As we said, taking your cat with you on vacation is not always an option. And even if it was, not all cats would enjoy or deal well with the experience. So, if you’re going to be leaving them behind, there are a few options for what to do with them.

The most common ones are: having a friend or family member come over to take care of them, hiring a professional pet sitter, or taking them to a pet hotel. Let’s go over each one in a bit more detail.

Having a friend or family cat-sit

One popular option for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation is to have a friend or family member come over to take care of them. This is a good option if you have someone you trust who is also comfortable around cats.

It’s important to make sure that the person you’re leaving your cat with is comfortable and knows how to properly babysit your cat. This includes food, water, litter, toys, and a place to sleep. You should also leave them with your contact information in case of an emergency.

Hiring a professional pet sitter

Another option for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation is to hire a professional pet sitter. This is a good option if you’re worried about leaving your cat with someone who’s not a professional or you don’t have anyone you’d be willing to let in your house.

Professional pet sitters are trained in how to take care of animals and will be able to provide your cat with the care they need while you’re gone. This includes cleaning the litter box, refilling food and water bowls, and playing with them so that separation anxiety doesn’t set in. A cat sitter will also make sure to keep an eye on your cat’s health and let you know if there are any problems.

You can even negotiate the frequency of the pet sitter’s visits based on your cat’s needs. For example, if your cat is older or has health issues, you might want to have the pet sitter come every few hours.

Taking your cat to a pet hotel

The last option for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation is to take them to a pet hotel. This is a good option if you’re worried about your cat being alone for an extended period of time or if you don’t have anyone you can trust to take care of them.

Pet hotels are designed to provide animals with the care they need while their owners are away. This includes food, water, litter, and a place to sleep. They also have staff who are trained in animal care and can provide your cat with the attention they need.

You can also expect the staff at a pet hotel to keep an eye on your cat’s health and let you know if there are any problems.

So, those are a few of the most common options for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation. Make sure to choose the one that’s best for your cat and its needs.

Which option is best for your cat?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best option for your cat will depend on its individual needs. For example, if your cat is older or has health issues, you might want to consider taking them to a pet hotel.

On the other hand, if you have a friend or family member who is comfortable around cats and knows how to take care of them, that might be the best option for you. Especially if your kitty is relatively low-maintenance, has no underlying health issues, and is relatively okay with strangers being in their space.

There is also the matter of budget. Hiring a professional pet sitter can be expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, that might not be the best option for you. In that case, having a friend or family member come over to take care of your cat might be the better choice. A pet boarding hotel is also often a cheaper service, especially if you’re going away for just a few days.

Ultimately, the best option for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation will depend on your cat’s individual needs, character, and budget. Do your research on the pet hotels and sitters in your area, interview your friends and family, and make the decision that’s best for you and your cat.

And, yes, we didn’t mention anything about leaving your cat “home alone” style. That’s because experts recommend not leaving your cat alone for periods longer than 48 hours and that’s already stretching it. So we’re just assuming your vacation will last longer than that.

So, there you have it! A few of the most popular options for what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation.
We hope this article was helpful in giving you a better idea of what to do with your cat when you’re going on vacation.

Have a great trip!