Be sure your kitty's caretaker knows where the vet is and about the arrangement as well. Typically a pet sitter will stay at your home while you’re away, or stop by to care for your pets once or twice per day. Make sure you put away any papers or clothes that might be good to cover up pee. But, if your cat has a health issue or separation anxiety, get a pet sitter or minimize the time spent alone. The bad news is that cats are able to use their paws to open cabinets and doors, so the best thing you could do is to fasten your bottles and cabinet doors tight enough, and lock the doors if possible. I learned that they would be able to administer the fluids my cat needed to stay well while I … I know you love traveling with your cat, but if you just have to leave them behind, there are two options. Disease prevention should be a high priority for any boarding facility. Some cats tend to be shy around new people and they won’t understand why this person keeps coming into their domain. Find out how often cages or rooms and litter boxes are cleaned and whether they're disinfected between boarders. In-Home Boarding. Sure, your cat is pretty self-sufficient in most ways, but that cat litter box won’t clean itself. Usually, those who leave their cat at home alone for a long time, buy a much larger water bowl than their normal bowl. As long as they have fresh water and food, they may not even realize you’re gone. According to many people, cats can stay several days at home alone. Leaving Your Cat at Home or in a Kennel While You're Away Although some cats travel well, most really don't enjoy globe-trotting. Whether you’re leaving your cat alone for 10 days, a month, or leaving cats alone for 2 weeks, they still require the same basic things to survive and thrive. “For some cats, being placed in a boarding kennel, no matter how well run, is terrifying. Having your pet stay in your own home means he is in familiar surroundings while you are away. If so, you shoul… This site is owned and operated by Susan and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Good boarding facilities require that their guests be vaccinated against common communicable diseases, so find out which vaccinations they require and ask your vet whether she recommends any vaccines your cat doesn't usually receive. Advantages of leaving your pet at home: Your pet is in their familiar setting (especially good for cats) There’s no danger of damaging other people’s things Food, toys, yard, cage, etc. Good boarding kennels can handle most routine support for cats with special needs, too. I’ve stayed with a friends cat while they went away for 6 days. Make sure your dog or cat has updated pet ID tags. They may not need long walks, like your dog, but that doesn’t mean that your feline will be fine at home alone when you plan a trip out of town. Contrary to popular opinion, the terms pet sitting and pet boarding are definitely not the same. If your cat loves being outside, they may even want to take them for a walk using the cat harness. Hi, I have a 4 year old cat, we usually take her always with us, and I did leave her for 1 or 2 nights, this would be the first time that I would have to leave her for 3 nights- would it be okay I will have 3 litterboxes, enough dry food, and a water dispenser and some water bowls, of course TV will come up 2 times a day and the radio will come on a few times a day, her … I’ve done my fair share of pet sitting other people’s cats while they were away. During my free time, I love reading a book on my kindle, biking, kayaking, and just enjoying life! When to Consider Boarding Your Pet FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) 4. feline distemper (panleukopenia) 5. upper respirator… Either way, your cat will appreciate human interaction while you are away. Some cats can suffer from separation anxiety like dogs. If, heaven forbid, your animal decides to … I try to occupy him during the day so he will sleep better at night, but I'm not home all day, and cats will sleep when they will. Fortunately, cold concrete and steel runs or steel or plastic cages with no common social space and a rather depressing environment are no longer the norm. Ask your friend or sitter if they can visit with your pet twice per day. You can go to work without having to worry that your cat will trash your entire place or upset the neighbors. Before you know it, you’ll be planning your next trip with your cat and they will be ready to travel with you. If you don’t want your cat to spend the days by themselves, you may want to consider boarding them at a facility that can provide them great care.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',109,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'adventurouscat_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',109,'0','1'])); Whether you’re leaving for the holidays, on vacation, weekend trip or just a short day trip. At home they are comfortable able to do the things they always do. Also ask about security against theft or vandalism. Your cat will do fine! Cats are very much creatures of habit. Ask, too, about emergency procedures. Traditionally, boarding has been the most popular solution for pet owners needing to leave their pets. However, that doesn’t mean you can just leave your cat without taking special precautions. Although your cat will miss you madly, at home she is in a familiar place surrounded by familiar scents. Get a towel or blanket and put it in your cat's bed, or wherever it likes to sleep, a few days before the trip. I am seriously thinking of crating him at night, although I love having him sleep against me for the few hours he does sleep with me. And if your friend offered to stop by to check on the cat I'd take her up on the offer. Friedewald, C. DMV, – Leaving Your Cat Home Alone, Parr Road Animal Hospital – Leaving Your Cat While On Holiday Tips From Your Local Atlanta Veterinarian. Cages should have good, paw-proof latches and doors that fit properly and should be in good repair. They are less likely to be stressed and be more content in their own environment. In most cases, it should be fine to leave your cat at home when you leave home. The cages should be in a closed room that will contain your cat if he does slip out of the cage. You’ll be amazed at how differently your self-contained and suave feline acts when they’re left alone. Consider getting a cat sitter – either a friend, neighbour or family member who can visit at least twice a day and make sure your cat is well-fed and safe. Someone should be on-site at night and on weekends in case of fire or other catastrophe. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In most cases, it should be fine to leave your cat at home when you leave home. Ask about arrangements for veterinary care in case your cat becomes ill or injured while you're gone. Or maybe you’ve tried traveling with your feline friend and it was a nightmare, you may be wondering “is it better to board a cat or leave at home?” This is a very common question because people don’t want their cat to miss them or sit at home lonely. Edith M Pagan on November 23, 2018: I have to kennel my girl. Good caretakers are often booked months in ad-vance for busy travel seasons. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'adventurouscat_com-leader-4','ezslot_9',117,'0','0'])); I’m a huge animal lover! If you're leaving your cat in someone else's care, let your veterinarian know that you'll be gone for a while and that you'll be responsible for the bill if your cat needs medical care while you're gone. Boarding or pet sitting, which is the least stressful for all concerned? “Some do well if left alone for a day or two as long as you provide adequate food and water and extra litter boxes.” It would probably be best to leave your cat at home rather than boarding. Food and water bowls should be cleaned and sterilized daily. Some pets do better with boarding, while some will do just fine staying at home. You will have to schedule a visit in advance to make sure that it is suitable for Fluffy. Disease:The American Feral Cat Coalition estimates that there are approximately 60 million feral and homeless stray cats living in the U.S. What about at night when no one is around? My Cat Won’t Like Being in a Cage. Although in most cases home care is ideal, it is not always possible. Even when you’re away, you can entertain your cat by providing toys for cats home alone: a cat tree, a ball of string or open paper bags can provide your cat with a daily dose of fun. Find out who will handle your cat and who else will have access to him. If you're going to be gone only a day or two and your cat free feeds and has no special care needs, you might be able to leave him alone with plenty of food, water, and litter. It’s really a myth that cats can fend for themselves, they need care and attention. Cats are generally more independent than dogs. Reasons Not to Leave Your Cat Home Alone If you’re leaving home for more than a day, you really want to get a pet sitter or consider boarding your cat. At home they are comfortable able to do the things they always do. Before you decide, ask what the basic boarding fee covers. However, if you are going away for a … Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. They are territorial and home is their own territory. Typically a pet sitter will stay at your home while you’re away, or stop by to care for your pets once or twice per day. I’ve had dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens. nthing leave the cat at home. It is also less stressful for your cat, who may be so upset she refuses to eat. Or is he too fearful and socially unpredictable in a foreign environment and would be better off at home? Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Rather than leave your pet home alone or in a kennel, you may be able to find someone to care for him in her home while you are away. However, it is not very advisable to do so because you can run some risks. But taking care of your cat means more than just feeding her, making sure the water is changed daily or cleaning out the litter box. (Adult cats are often immune.) As such, consider hiring a house sitter, or sitter that can drop in and visit your cat during the day. Many of these cats may carry diseases that can be passed on to your cat if he or she comes into contact with them. Your cat, being a territorial creature of habit, is just as happy to sit out the holidays as long as it means she gets to sleep in her own bed and her dinner schedule doesn’t get interrupted. The facilities should be clean and reasonably free of odors. It depends. Where Can I Leave My Cat While I Go On Vacation? Find information on buying and caring for a cat. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t leave your cat home alone for more than a day. It’s a great way to minimize the stress that your cat will feel while you’re away. To make them feel less alone, simply leaving the TV on for background noise or using a pheromone plug-in can help your cat to stay calm. If your cat is already on a flea control product, be sure that is noted in her records and that she won't be treated without your permission—combining flea products or overdosing with one can be lethal! Usually the sitter visits the home a specified number of times each day, although some can be hired to stay full-time, sitting not just your cat but also your home, plants, newspapers, and mail. Be sure to note the hours for drop-off and pick-up, and be sure there will be no problem if you're delayed for some reason. ” Keeping Up a Normal Routine. A happy cat has access to food, water, mental and physical stimulation in a safe, familiar environment. The goal is to get your cat's smells, and the smells of home, onto the towel. If you happen to be a cat owner, you might just be in luck. My cat who has kidney disease became sick just before I was about to leave for vacation. If you’re going to a destination that doesn’t like cats, there’s nothing wrong with asking a friend to stay with your cat. This makes it hard to generalize about what cats need because the needs of each cat will depend on the cat’s individual personality, the relationship the cat has with his or … Bringing Home A New Cat or Kitten. I’ll share them with you to help ensure that your cat is safe while you’re away. I have seen many people use this term synonymously- but that is indeed wrong and both terms are in fact two completely different methods. This article will help you get the best care for your four-legged friend. If you're like most pet owners, you'll want to check on your cat, so ask about a convenient time for staff to take calls. Cats can get stressed bringing them to a boarding facility especially if they board other animals too. Facilities that have a lot of loud noises, such as barking, excessive meowing, or loud employees can create great stress in your feline. Find out whether she's bonded and whether she's affiliated with one of the national pet-sitters' organizations. Although some cats travel well, most really don't enjoy globe-trotting. It would probably be best to leave your cat at home rather than boarding. Whether you’re boarding your cat or leaving them with a friend, you’ll want to make sure that you leave your contact, and veterinarian information. Most cats prefer to stay at home, so many traveling cat owners find that a pet-sitter is a better choice than a boarding facility. Most cats prefer to stay home in familiar surroundings, so leaving your cat behind when you travel is easier for everyone. Will she transport your cat to a vet if necessary? It's essential that you feel good about the sitter you hire, for your cat's well-being and your own peace of mind. Leaving Your Cat While On Holiday Tips From Your Local Atlanta Veterinarian. One of the best ways to find a professional pet sitter is by asking friends, family, co-workers or your veterinarian for a referral; you can also check local online business rankings and professional … If you can't take your cats with you, you need to do something more than extra food and water. Ask about her experience both with cats and as a pet-sitter, and get references. Cats should be boarded separately from dogs and should have no physical contact with their neighbors. Consider your cat's overall comfort, the quality of care and attention he'll receive, and how long he'll be boarded. If you're going to be gone only a day or two and your cat free feeds and has no special care needs, you might be able to leave him alone with plenty of food, water, and litter. A: You can leave a healthy adult pet home alone for 8 hours or more at a time. Many boarding kennels accept cats, and many veterinary hospitals offer boarding for client's pets. If you're not comfortable with the quality of care, take your cat elsewhere. I’m a self-educated pet care geek because I am a pet parent that actually wants to learn as much as possible about caring for my cats and dogs. Some cats really enjoy this, and it is a great way to let your cat get some activity and exercise during a long car trip. On the other hand, there’s pet sitting. Common examples include: 1. feline leukemia (FeLV) 2. feline AIDS (FIV) 3. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Does her vehicle look well maintained and reliable? However, it’s totally understandable that you can’t take your cat on every trip you take. Find out how often and when she will visit. They are easily thrown off by a change in their environment. Unbelievable… I just read an article online about leaving your cat at home alone while going on vacation. Unfortunately, your cat can’t always travel with you. Some felines may seem like loners, but the truth is that they do like human companionship. Either you get a pet sitter for the week, or board your pet in a pet boarding facility near you. If a cat had to choose between moving to a new house with you or staying in the same house with a new owner, the cat supposedly would select staying in the same house. But if you'll be gone longer or if your cat needs medication or can't free feed, you'll need to make other arrangements. Discuss emergency procedures. You will miss your cat while you’re vacationing, especially, if they love to travel. Leaving Your Cat At Home Or In A Kennel While You're Away, Leaving Your Cat at Home or in a Kennel While You're Away, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting and Owning a Cat. Boarding may be too stressful for your cat, especially since it is only for five days. As long as you have someone that you trust to come in and check on them once in a while. Home care is when you leave your cat in their familiar environment and ask a friend, family member, or sitter to come into your or stay at your home while you’re away. Leave your cat's bed, blanket or other comfort items in an accessible room. When you've narrowed your choices, interview the prospective sitters in your home to be sure she and your cat are comfortable with one another. Years ago, the only option for pet owners was to board their pet at the local kennel. You’ll have to put your cat in their carrier and take their personal items such as food bowl, water bowl, toys, treats, and harness to another facility.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'adventurouscat_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',115,'0','0'])); If your cat has never been there, they will be scared and unsure of what’s going on. Susan is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. From a professional service to a good friend to a neighbor’s kid, pet-sitting has always been popular. Read the pros and cons of leaving your cat at home or in a kennel while you are away. Some cats find the atmosphere of a veterinary facility very stressful, so a boarding kennel that accepts or specializes in cats might be better. As with informal pet-sitting arrangements, you’ll need to be very careful if you’re not dealing with professionals. FamilyEducation is part of the FEN Learning family of educational and reference sites for parents, teachers and students. Cats love to stay at home as long as their normal routine is not terribly disrupted. Cat breeds that won’t like being left alone are: Just like dogs, cats can get into a surprising amount of trouble when left alone. Leaving cats at … are already set up and your pet already knows the lay of the land To find a qualified pet-sitter, ask your veterinarian and friends for recommendations. Again, if your cat is easily frazzled by change, the pet carrier, car rides, etc., it really is best to just let him stay home while you go away. Going to a new home is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences in a cat or kitten’s life. Pet hotels with all sorts of amenities are now more common. Traditionally, boarding has been the most popular solution for pet owners needing to leave their pets. If your cat could make the choice though, I’d bet she’d prefer to stay in her own home while you go traveling off to various parts of the globe. If you want them to have more day to day care, then you can take them to a cat boarding facility. You want to make sure the litterbox is the most appealing place to go so there shouldn't be anything else to cover stuff up with. Cats are easy-to-care=for pets – they can access their own food and water, and even take themselves to the bathroom. Try to find someone that has interacted with your cat and your four-legged friend is comfortable with. You can leave your cat home alone, as long as at least every two days the cats litter gets changed, and there is new food and water. Kittens require more attention than an adult cat. Nothing has ever happened, but you definitely want your pet sitter to know where they need to take your cat does get sick or hurt. Pet Boarding. A number of these diseases can be serious or potentially fatal. If your cat has special dietary needs, be sure they can be met. In fact, they will likely do better in their own home than being moved to unfamiliar surroundings. Compare it to the stress we would experience if our homes burned down, we were fired from our jobs, and our … Is It Better to Board A Cat Or Leave At Home When You Leave, Leaving a Cat With Friend While On Vacation. You’re either going to have to have someone come by and check on them once every few days. You’ll be able to enjoy your vacation if you know that Fluffy is safe from passing cars, stray animals, people poisoning them, other people’s escaped pets and other unknown pitfalls that can havoc for an outdoor cat. Contact your veterinarian for any medical questions. They give your cat attention, food, water and make time for playtime ensuring that your cat is safe and no issues arise.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'adventurouscat_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',113,'0','0'])); Boarding requires you to take your cat to a different facility that boards cats. FACT: Reputable cat boarding facilities, like Holiday Barn, … Sometimes the extras aren't worth the extra charge. Some facilities offer extras—more cuddles, more play times, daily brushing, a bath before going home, etc. However, you never want to leave your outdoor kitty outside while you’re gone. The next best option is to board them at a facility that can provide great care. When you leave them in unknown territory and around strangers, they can struggle with separation anxiety. Find out what she's willing to do with your cat—give medication, play and cuddle, groom, etc.—and what other tasks she's willing to take on. This website is for informational purposes only. Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning. If they can stay at your home 24/7 that will be better.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'adventurouscat_com-leader-3','ezslot_8',114,'0','0'])); They should check your cat’s food, water and clean out the litter box, or change out the disposable litter box. I was preparing to cancel my trip to stay home and care for her when I found Critter Caretakers. We often keep a bunch of insecticide and other poisonous bug sprays in our home. Most cats do very well at home. An outdoor cat is more independent than an indoor cat. You’ll feel much better if you can see your cat while you’re away on vacation.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'adventurouscat_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',116,'0','0'])); Following these tips will help make the process of leaving Fluffy behind a lot painless for both you and your cat. By sharonstonekontos from Huntington, WV A great and responsible cat sitter is a gift. Older cats will be fine to leave alone for one night. You need to ensure that they have a safe environment where they can’t get hurt or slip outside and get lost. They often provide exceptional 24/7 care with state-of-the-art cat accessories like trees, shelves, activity mats, toys, and so on. If anxiety about leaving your pet is still getting the better of you, Shannon Amabile, MFTI, of Silver Lake Psychology in Los Angeles, California, suggests deep breathing exercises. … Here are nine things you need to know before you leave your cat alone during the day, with a pet sitter or at a boarding facility. Cats tend to be much more independent by nature, and therefore you can leave them at home alone more easily, and without worrying as much about their safety and happiness. 3 Options for Cat Care When You Leave for Vacation. This can lead to destructive behaviors like excessive crying, marking territory and other anxiety behaviors.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'adventurouscat_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',112,'0','0'])); Some cat breeds have the personality of dogs and leaving them alone for a few hours can provoke intense anxiety. Ask your family, friends, and veterinarian for good boarding facility recommendations. Look for a facility that is clean, smells good, and is relatively quiet. A kitten that is younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours. Cat boarding/catteries: Catteries, where you can board your cat, are feline-friendly alternatives for leaving your cat at home. “In general, cats prefer staying in their home and familiar surroundings,” says pet expert Amy Shojai, CABC. You will have to store them in a place where your kitty is unable to access. In addition, the cat will already be comfortable with the towel and find comfort from it. If we can count on someone to help, it's better if the person and our pet have already met … Although you’ll be away from your dog or cat, you are still taking steps to keep your pet healthy, fed, loved and safe. Before you make a reservation, ask for a tour. They are accustomed to being alone for 8 hours per day. Guests will also be expected to be free of fleas, so ask the facility manager about flea control. FEN Learning is part of Sandbox Networks, a digital learning company that operates education services and products for the 21st century. Do you have poisonous plantsat home? Pet boarding is like taking your dog to a hotel, except all the guests are pets. Keeping your cat at home is the safest and least unsettling option when you go on holiday. Is it better to board cats or leave them at home?Cats generally prefer to stay comfortably at home than a cattery or cat boarding facility. Cats are pretty independent creatures and they're often quite attached to their territory. If your cat requires special care due to medical problems, consider boarding your cat at the vet's when you travel. Make sure that you ask whoever is taking care of your cat to send you lots of updates and pics. It all depends on the pet. If you are traveling for a week o or less, leaving him at home and having a pet sitter visit daily would be better for him. Not every cat breed loves to travel. Whether you choose to board him or hire a pet-sitter to come in, make reservations as much ahead of time as possible. It’s nice to know what your options are if you do have to leave them alone for a few days. If you board your cat, bring his usual food, cat litter and favorite toys so he feels more comfortable while away from home. I recently came across two separate situations where the cats were moved to other homes for home boarding. What are the dangers of leaving an indoor cat in the home for 30 days if they are checked only twice per week.
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