The Best Cat Care Options While You’re on Vacation

This post may contain affiliate or referral links which means we may earn a sales commission. Please see our full affiliate disclosure here.

Share with your friends!

While you’re planning a trip you will also want to be sure that your cat will be well taken care of while you’re gone. Setting up vacation cat care is an important part of cat ownership and is something that requires serious consideration.

Will they be lonely and bored? Will they have enough food and water? These are important questions. The good thing is that we’re here to help!

We will share different options for what to do with your cat while you are on vacation. We’ll talk about how and when to leave them home alone, pet sitting, boarding, and more.

With some planning, there is no need to worry about your kitty. He or she will be in good hands while you’re away!

Types of available vacation cat care

There are a number of different things you can do with cats while on vacation to ensure they are getting good cat care while you’re on vacation.

• Leave your cats at home alone
• Leave your cat home with a pet sitter
• Board your cat at a kennel or cat hotel
• Have a friend or family member take care of your cats.

Each of these options has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to decide which is the best fit for you and your cat.

Leaving your cat at home with a pet sitter

The pet sitter will come to your home to take care of your cat, and will typically feed them, give them water, play with them, and clean their litter box.

This is a good option if your cat is comfortable in their own environment and you don’t mind having someone come into your home while you aren’t there.

The drawback is that your cat will be alone for long periods of time, which can cause them to become lonely or anxious. You know your cat best, so consider their personality when weighing your vacation cat care options.

Even if you can’t find a sitter who can commit to coming to your house daily, you might be able to have someone come every other day to refill food and water dishes and scoop out the litter box. Maybe even play with your cat for a little while.

Boarding your cat at a kennel or cat hotel

Boarding your cats is a good option if you’re going on a long trip and don’t want to worry about your cat at home. The kennel or cat hotel will provide food, water, and shelter for your cat, as well as exercise and playtime.

The drawback is that it can be expensive, and some cats may not adjust well to being in a new environment, small enclosures, or around other cats.

Research the kennels in your area to see what kinds of accommodations are available within your budget. Some kennels just have a small caged area for the cats while others house the cats in small rooms.

Having a friend or family member take care of your cat

This is a good option if you have someone you trust who can take care of your cat while you’re away. They will presumably not be as expensive as a cat sitter and might even be free, but they will perform the same “duties” as a hired pet sitter.

A benefit to this arrangement is that your cat may already know their temporary caregiver.

The drawback is that it can be difficult to find someone who is available when you need them.

Can you leave a cat at home while on vacation?

Leaving a cat at home while on vacation can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to consider all of the available options before making a final decision. By taking the time to find the right care for your cat, you can rest assured that they will be safe and happy while you’re away.

Leaving your cats home alone while you’re away

This is an option if you are only going to be away for a day or two. It isn’t advisable to leave cats home alone without having someone to come check on them for any longer than that.

Cats are self-sufficient and don’t need as much supervision at home as a dog does. As long as they have food, water, a clean litter box, and some boredom busters, they will be fine for short periods.

The drawback is that you won’t know if something unexpected happens to your cat while you’re away. Your cat also might get lonely and upset if they are left alone for long periods. Again, you know your cat best to consider their personality before choosing this option.

Set up automatic pet feeders and litter boxes while you’re on vacation 

If you can’t find a reliable sitter that can care for your cat daily, you can supplement by setting up automatic feeders and litter boxes.

If you choose to leave your cats home alone, set up a timed automatic pet feeder for them. The feeder will dispense food at scheduled times. so your cat will have a constant source of food.

If left with a feeder and water dispenser, your cat will be fed at their regular times and you don’t have to worry about them over-eating if they are left alone with extra food in their bowl.

There are a number of different timed feeders on the market. These are some highly-rated options:

Automatic dry cat food dispensers

Automatic wet cat food dispensers

Can you use a gravity feeder instead of an automatic feeder?

A gravity feeder will work, but it’s not recommended for extended periods of time. You are unable to control how much food is dispensed so there isn’t a way to know if your cat overeats and runs out of food before someone can come to refill it.

An automatic feeder is a better choice since it’s more predictable. You will know exactly how much food your cat eats each day.

Set up an automatic litter box while away on vacation

Not everyone has an automatic litter box, but if you plan on leaving your cat alone for a couple of days at a time, it it something that you might consider investing in; especially if your cat is particularly fussy about having a dirty litter box.

With an automatic litter box you can set it up to automatically clean when your cat has used it. This means you don’t have to worry about cleaning the litter box while you’re away. It may be difficult for some cats to get used to, so try it out for a few days before leaving on vacation.

The drawback is that your cat might not like the noise that it makes and refuse to use it. Also, as with anything mechanical, it could potentially stop working.

There are several different automatic litter boxes to choose from. These are some highly-rated options:

Set up multiple litter boxes while you’re away

If your cat doesn’t like automatic litter boxes, another option is to set up an extra litter box that they can use if their usual one gets too dirty after a couple of days of not being cleaned.

How to make sure your cat stays entertained while you’re away

One way to keep your cat entertained while you’re away is by leaving them with plenty of toys and entertainment. Some ideas include:

• Scratching posts – cats love to scratch, so make sure you have a scratching post for them to use.

• Toys – balls, feathers, and other toys that can be batted around will keep your cat amused for hours.

• A window seat – cats love to watch the world go by, so provide them with a spot where they can sit and watch from the safety of your home.

• A bed or blanket – your cat will appreciate having a place to snuggle up in when they’re feeling lonely.

How to cat-proof your home while you’re on vacation

If you’re going to leave your cat at home while on vacation, it’s important to take the time to cat-proof your home. This will help to ensure that they are safe and can’t get into any trouble while you’re away.

Some things you can do to cat-proof your home include:

• Closing all doors and windows.

• Removing any possible hazards, such as houseplants that may be toxic to cats or anything your cat could knock over and injure themselves on.

• Putting away anything that might tempt them, such as food or other tempting items like yarn or string.

• Making sure they have access to fresh water, food, and a clean litter box.

• Providing them with plenty of toys and entertainment.

• Cover electrical cords with cord covers.

How to choose the best option for your cat

The best option for your cat will depend on a number of factors, including your budget as well as the age, health, and personality of your cat. If your cat is elderly or has health problems, it may be better to leave them at home with a pet sitter or at a kennel.

How to say goodbye to your cat

When you’re leaving on vacation, it’s important to say goodbye to your cat and give them some extra love before you leave. Some tips include:

• Don’t leave them alone immediately before you go – give them time to adjust to being without you.
• Make sure they have plenty of food and water, as well as their usual toys and litter box.
• Leave a note telling your pet sitter or boarding kennel a little about your cat’s personality as well as what food and medication your cat is on and how much.
• Don’t forget to pack your cat’s favorite bed or blanket so they can feel more comfortable.
• Above all, don’t forget to spend some extra time with your cat before you go.

How to make sure your cat is happy while you’re away

The best way to make sure your cat is happy while you’re on vacation is by planning ahead. Make arrangements well in advance so that you know your cat will be taken care of.

If you’re leaving them at home with a pet sitter, make sure they are comfortable with cats and have experience taking care of them. If you’re boarding your cat, visit the kennel or cat hotel ahead of time to make sure they will be happy and well taken care of while they’re there.

By following these vacation cat care tips, you can rest assured that your cat will be happy and safe while you’re on vacation. Figuring out what to do with your cat while you’re on vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little bit of preparation, you can relax knowing that your furry friend is in good hands.

Share with your friends!