- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Cats might have a reputation for being solitary and independent—but being left alone for more than a day can be upsetting for them. If you’re leaving home on a work trip or a vacation, you’ll want a plan to keep your cat happy and comfortable.
With help from Rover’s resident cat behavior expert Dr. Mikel Delgado, we review how to choose the kind of care your cat needs, plus what you can do to prepare them for it.
Choose the Right Kind of Cat Care
What kind of care should you choose for your feline friend? Delgado says there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different situations and different cats require different kinds of care. Depending on your trip and your kitty, you might choose house sitting, drop-in visits to your home, or boarding.
House sitter
A house sitter will come to your home and stay there while you are away. This is a good choice if you’ll be gone for a long period, but it can be the most expensive type of care, and costs vary depending on where you live.
Delgado says keeping your cat in their home territory is almost always the best option because it’s the least disruptive. “Cats are very much creatures of habit and routine, but even more so, they are primarily attached to their territory,” she explains.
A house sitter can also be a good choice if your cat has a canine sibling.
Drop-in visits
With drop-in visits, a sitter will come into your home daily for generally between 30 and 60 minutes. This can be done once daily or multiple times a day. Drop-in visits are typically the most affordable option for care.
Single drop-ins are a good choice for a quick check-in for meals, potty, and play. They’re especially handy for short trips, cats who are comfortable being alone, and cats who prefer minimal contact with unfamiliar people.
Multiple drop-in visits are ideal for cats who need more social time or special care, like medication administration.
Boarding
While most cats are most comfortable in their own home, some cats are just fine being around other cats in a social boarding environment.
For some cats with special medical needs, boarding may be the best and safest option, Delgado says. “If your cat must stay somewhere besides your home, try to bring them with as many familiar items that smell of home with them,” she advises.
Favorite bedding, litter boxes, scratching options, and toys will help them feel more secure and safe.
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How To Prepare a Cat for Boarding
1. Choose a cattery you trust and visit the premises
Do your research when looking for a good boarding facility. Check that the facility enforces vaccine rules, maintains clean kennels, and employs skilled staff. Consider taking your cat in for a pre-trip visit to try to familiarize them with the surroundings.
2. Pack your cat’s supplies
In addition to necessities like your cat’s food and medications, bring treats, toys, and a familiar blanket in the carrier to give them comfort and a sense of home. You can also leave your cat with things that smell like you—such as some worn clothing.
3. Write instructions for your cat’s care facility
Don’t forget to write clear instructions for your cat’s feeding and litter box routine and medication schedule if applicable.
How To Prepare a Cat for Drop-in Visits
1. Book care early
It’s a good idea to reserve your time as soon as you know your trip dates, since sitters can book up quickly, especially during the holidays and busy summer months. Do a meet and greet prior to the trip.
2. Prepare your house
Gather food, treats, favorite toys, catnip, and brushes in a central location, such as a basket, so the sitter can easily find them.
3. Set climate control
Check the weather forecast for the days you will be gone and adjust thermostat accordingly. If the forecast is for hot weather, set up a cool retreat room with blinds closed. If it’s forecast to be cold, set up cozy beds for kitty to snooze in.
4. Cat proof the house
Remove access to outdoor spaces and make sure doors can’t close on your cat and trap them. Close off rooms that could pose risks. Put tempting plants in a safe space out of kitty’s reach and unplug electronics.
5. Set feeders/fountains/litter box cycles
If you have an automatic feeder, water fountain, or a self-cleaning litter box, be sure to fill and set them to operate to your cat’s requirements.
6. Write instructions for your sitter
Clearly explain feeding habits and where to find food, litter boxes, and other supplies. Ask your sitter to stick to your usual schedule, which helps minimize your cat’s stress. For special care like medications, leave precise instructions. Specify how often you want updates, whether it’s daily photos or occasional check-ins.
7. Make an emergency plan
Make a list of phone numbers in the event of an emergency. This includes your regular vet, an emergency animal hospital, and a contact who isn’t traveling with you. A microchip is an important safety tool. Add the ID number and contact information to the list.
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How To Prepare Your Cat for a House Sitter
1. Book care early
Secure your sitter as soon as you know your trip dates since they can book up quickly, especially during the holidays and busy summer months. Consider giving enough lead-time for a trial stay.
2. Prepare your house
Get your house ready for your sitter’s stay by tidying up; gathering towels, sheets and other bedding; and making sure keys, garage door opener, and entry codes are provided. Have your cat’s toys, bedding, and food and water bowls ready.
3. Write instructions for your sitter
Provide clear instructions for your cat’s feeding and litter box routines. If your sitter has agreed to perform other household tasks, list that as well. This may include collecting mail, maintaining the lawn, and watering plants. You’ll also want to make sure to leave instructions for appliances and internet, and a welcome gift of food or snacks is often appreciated.
4. Suggest a routine
Cats are creatures of habit, so consider requesting up front that your sitter follow your regular schedule to minimize your cat’s stress where possible.
5. Make an emergency plan
Make a list of emergency numbers for your vet, an emergency hospital, microchip information, and a contact who’s not traveling with you. Include a list of contacts in the event of a house emergency as well. Notify neighbors that you’ll be away and a house sitter will be staying in your home.
If You’re Traveling With Your Cat
Prep work for travel with a cat can vary depending on your type of travel—car, train, plane or boat. Here are some tips to help with all sorts of feline-friendly trips:
- Packing. In addition to a secure carrier, pack food and water with bowls, a portable litter box, and familiar items like toys or a blanket. Don’t forget to pack medical records, vaccination certificates, and your vet’s contact details—especially if you’re crossing state lines or traveling internationally.
- Carrier prep. For safety and security, you’ll need a carrier or cat backpack. Good car carriers for cats can be securely buckled down. If you’re flying, don’t forget to check airline regulations about cat carriers ahead of time.
- Travel litter box. If your cat will be in the car for more than an hour or two, pack a travel litter box and plan for a potty break. Portable, foldable litter boxes offer a convenient space for your cat. You’ll also want an escape-proof cat harness and a leash.
- Travel medication. Anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and anti-nausea pills may be prescribed by your vet to help your cat cope with traveling.
- Consider limiting food/water immediately before transport. To minimize the risk of accidents, feed your cat a light meal a few hours before departure.
