When you have to travel and have to leave your cat behind, what do you do? When you have to be away, you can rest easy knowing that your beloved cat is in the capable hands of someone you can trust. However, how can you locate a trustworthy person? Fortunately, you have a lot of options at your disposal, including professional pet sitters as well as more informal ones like friends or family, as well as pet boarding facilities. You may be better off hiring someone to watch your cat in the cozy confines of your home, or boarding them outside, depending on your preferences and your cat’s needs.
Friends, Family, and Neighbors
A cost-effective and straightforward solution is to ask a neighbor, family member, or close friend to watch your cat while you’re away. You could arrange for someone to visit your cat two or three times a day to feed it, give it medication, clean the litter box, and play with it, depending on your cat’s needs and personality. To give your cat company, you could also offer for the caregiver to spend the night in your house. In addition, your family member, friend, or neighbor can water your plants, bring in your mail, and handle other small household tasks.
For timid cats who could get anxious if you took them to a boarding facility, having a familiar person watch them in your home is a great alternative. It’s also a cheap option; you could offer to pay a small fee to your close friends or family members, or they could watch your cat for free. Another excellent way for an older, responsible neighbor child to make some extra cash is by taking care of a cat. You could also take your cat and everything it owns to a family member or friend’s house, provided that your cat is comfortable with changes in routine.
Cat Boarding Establishments
If your veterinarian office or a pet boarding facility accepts overnight boarding, you can leave your feline there. Staff members at pet boarding facilities usually look after the animals for ten to twelve hours every day. Although some facilities might also provide overnight care, the pets are typically left alone at night, secure and comfortable in their enclosures. Both dogs and cats are welcome at most pet boarding establishments; however, to prevent the cats from becoming anxious due to the sight, sound, and smell of the dogs, they are typically kept in separate rooms. Some specialized boarding facilities for cats alone offer a tranquil haven for felines.
For gregarious cats who won’t get upset when they’re away from home, pet boarding facilities are a good option. For cats that require supervision due to specific medical needs, they are also an excellent option. It’s beneficial to board your cat at a facility where a veterinarian or veterinary technician works if your cat needs special medication or medical attention.
Cat boarding costs can vary based on the kind of facility. While boarding your cat at a facility is usually more expensive than having family, friends, or neighbors watch it, it is typically less expensive than some professional pet sitting services. Typically, you bring your cat’s usual food and possibly a blanket or bed when you board them. If your cat is particular, you can bring your own litter box and litter, but the facility usually provides both.
Expert Cat Care Provider
Professional cat sitters are an excellent choice if you are unable to find a friend, neighbor, or member of your family to watch your cat. Expert cat caretakers can visit your house multiple times a day to clean the litter box, feed, and play with your cat. In order to ensure that the cat has company while you’re away, some seasoned pet caretakers will also relocate full-time. Pet sitters will perform other household duties like taking out the trash, watering your plants, and picking up your mail, just like non-professionals do.
There are numerous methods for locating a reputable, in-home cat sitter. You can get recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors, as well as from your veterinarian or groomer. Look for nearby pet sitters on neighborhood social media platforms if you are unable to get a personal recommendation. Using the pet sitting websites, you can also search for a licensed, experienced professional pet sitter.
Professional cat sitters charge different rates based on your area and whether they visit your house several times a day or remain there for the duration of your absence. Cat sitting costs can be similar to those of boarding houses, though occasionally they are a little more for overnight visits.
Getting Ready to Leave
Whoever is watching your cat, make sure they visit your house before you depart so they can get acquainted with your house, your cat’s routine, and the necessary maintenance. Note down your cat’s feeding schedule, amount to feed, and timing, in addition to any medication schedule and other care requirements. Just in case, make a note of your veterinarian’s name, phone number, and address.
Point out to the cat sitter the locations of the litter box, litter, cleaning supplies, and cat food. The sitter will ask you to fill out a form with feeding instructions and other crucial details if you board your cat. Many cat sitters will send you a written report via text or email, along with photos, so you can be assured of your cat’s well-being while you’re away. There are “pet cams” available at some boarding facilities, allowing you to video check in with your cat and see how it’s doing. You can enjoy your trip for work or vacation knowing your cat is well and happy while you’re gone, knowing it’s in good hands.
Additional Resources:
- https://meowtel.com/blog/post/how-can-i-find-the-purrfect-cat-sitter-near-me
- https://wagwalking.com/daily/pet-parenting-101-how-to-find-the-purrfect-cat-sitter
- https://mypawland.com/a-guide-on-how-to-choose-the-purrfect-cat-sitter/
- https://www.thecatbutler.co.uk/cat-care-guides/ensuring-your-cats-comfort-and-happiness-while-youre-away-a-comprehensive-guide/
