Leaving your cat during vacation: a complete guide

Vacation is approaching and you start wondering: who will take care of the cat? It is a question most cat owners face sooner or later. Unlike dogs that can often join the trip, most cats prefer to stay in the safety of their own home.

The most important thing is to plan well in advance. Start looking for a cat sitter at least two to three weeks before departure. This gives you time to meet, get to know each other, and let the cat get used to the new person. A stressful last-minute solution is rarely good, for you or your cat.

Prepare clear care instructions. Write down feeding routines, medications, the vet’s contact details, and your cat’s habits. Be detailed: what time does the cat eat? Which toys does it like? Are there areas in the home that should be off-limits? The more information your cat sitter has, the safer it will be for everyone.

Make sure your home is cat-proofed before you travel. Remove poisonous plants, close windows that lack cat protection, and leave out enough food, water, and clean litter boxes. Consider leaving an extra bag of litter and a backup supply of food.

During your vacation, it helps to stay in touch with your cat sitter. Ask for daily updates via message or photo. It gives you peace of mind and helps the sitter quickly report if something seems off with the cat’s behavior or health.

When you return home, your cat may behave a bit differently for the first few days. Some cats are extra clingy, others seem distant. Give your cat time to settle back in and pay close attention to eating and drinking habits during the first days.

Finding a reliable cat sitter does not have to be hard or expensive. In the Cat Surfing community, we connect you with cat lovers in your neighborhood who are happy to help, completely free. Create an account at cat-surfing.com and find your perfect cat sitter before your next vacation.