5 Tips for Traveling with Your Cat

AvatarByDale Richard Traveling Information

What to Do With Your Cat When You Travel

Going on vacation is a great way to relax and de-stress, but it can be a challenge to figure out what to do with your furry friend while you’re away. You don’t want to leave your cat alone for too long, but you also don’t want to have to pay for expensive pet boarding. Here are a few options for what to do with your cat when you travel:

  • Ask a friend or family member to pet-sit. This is the best option if you have someone you trust who is willing to take care of your cat while you’re away. Make sure to give your friend or family member a detailed list of your cat’s needs, including food, water, litter box, and medications.
  • Use a professional pet-sitting service. If you don’t have anyone you can trust to pet-sit, you can hire a professional pet-sitting service. Pet-sitting services typically offer a variety of services, such as daily visits, overnight stays, and drop-in visits.
  • Board your cat at a kennel or veterinary clinic. Boarding your cat at a kennel or veterinary clinic is another option if you don’t have anyone to pet-sit or if you’re going away for a long period of time. When choosing a kennel or veterinary clinic, make sure to do your research and find one that has a good reputation and offers the services you need.

    What To Do With My Cat When I Travel? Options Explanations
    Ask a friend or family member to cat-sit
    • This is the most common option for people who travel frequently.
    • Make sure to choose someone who is familiar with your cat and who is willing to provide your cat with the same level of care that you would.
    • Your cat will be familiar with the person and the environment, which will help to reduce stress.
    • You will have peace of mind knowing that your cat is being well-cared for.
    Board your cat at a pet kennel
    • This is a good option for people who are traveling for a long period of time or who do not have a friend or family member who is available to cat-sit.
    • Make sure to choose a reputable kennel that has experience with cats and that provides a safe and comfortable environment for your pet.
    • Your cat will be supervised by experienced staff who will provide your cat with food, water, and attention.
    • You will be able to visit your cat during your stay.
    Take your cat with you on vacation
    • This is a good option for people who are traveling for a short period of time and who have a cat that is well-behaved and comfortable traveling.
    • Make sure to research the airline’s policies on pets before you book your flight.
    • Your cat will be able to stay with you and will not have to adjust to a new environment.
    • You will be able to give your cat the same level of care that you would at home.

    When you’re planning a trip, it’s important to make arrangements for your cat’s care while you’re away. You have a few different options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

    In this article, we’ll discuss the different pet care options available to you, and help you choose the one that’s right for your cat and your lifestyle.

    Options for Pet Care While You’re Away

    Here are four common options for pet care while you’re away:

    • Boarding your cat at a professional facility
    • Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home
    • Asking a friend or family member to take care of your cat
    • Taking your cat with you on your trip

    Let’s take a closer look at each of these options.

    Boarding your cat at a professional facility

    Boarding your cat at a professional facility is a popular option for pet owners who are going to be away for an extended period of time. There are many different types of boarding facilities available, each with its own unique set of services and amenities.

    When choosing a boarding facility, it’s important to do your research and find one that is reputable and experienced. You should also make sure that the facility is clean and comfortable, and that the staff is knowledgeable and caring.

    Some of the benefits of boarding your cat at a professional facility include:

    • Your cat will be well-cared for by experienced professionals.
    • Your cat will have the opportunity to socialize with other cats.
    • Your cat will be in a safe and secure environment.

    Some of the drawbacks of boarding your cat at a professional facility include:

    • The cost of boarding can be expensive.
    • Your cat may experience stress from being in a new environment.
    • There is always the risk that your cat could get sick or injured while at the facility.

    Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home

    Hiring a pet sitter to come to your home is another popular option for pet owners who are going to be away for a short period of time. Pet sitters can provide your cat with food, water, and companionship while you’re away. They can also take your cat for walks and play with them.

    When choosing a pet sitter, it’s important to find someone who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. You should also make sure that the pet sitter is familiar with your cat’s personality and needs.

    Some of the benefits of hiring a pet sitter to come to your home include:

    • Your cat will be able to stay in their own familiar home.
    • Your cat will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from a loving caregiver.
    • You will have peace of mind knowing that your cat is being well-cared for.

    Some of the drawbacks of hiring a pet sitter to come to your home include:

    • The cost of hiring a pet sitter can be expensive.
    • You may have to coordinate your travel plans with the pet sitter’s schedule.
    • There is always the risk that your cat could get sick or injured while the pet sitter is away.

    Asking a friend or family member to take care of your cat

    If you have a trusted friend or family member who is willing to take care of your cat while you’re away, this can be a great option. Your friend or family member will be able to provide your cat with food, water, and companionship while you’re away. They can also take your cat for walks and play with them.

    When choosing a friend or family member to take care of your cat, it’s important to make sure that they are experienced with cats and that they have the time and resources to provide your cat with the care they need.

    Some of the benefits of asking a friend or family member to take care of your cat include:

    • The cost of pet care is free.
    • Your cat will be able to stay in their own familiar home.
    • Your cat will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one attention from a loving caregiver.

    Some of the drawbacks of asking a friend or family member to take care of your cat include:

    • Your friend or family member may not be available to take care of your cat for the entire time you’re away.
    • Your friend or family member may not be familiar with your cat’s personality and needs.
    • There is always the risk that your cat could get sick or injured while your friend or family member is away.

    Taking your cat with you on your trip

    If you’re able to take your cat with you on your trip, this is a great option for both you and your cat

    3. Preparing Your Cat for Your Trip

    Before you leave on your trip, there are a few things you can do to prepare your cat for your absence.

    • Make sure your cat is up-to-date on its vaccinations. This is important to protect your cat from getting sick while you’re away.
    • Get your cat a microchip in case it gets lost. A microchip is a small device that is implanted under your cat’s skin. It contains your cat’s identification information, which can be scanned by a vet or animal control officer if your cat is ever lost.
    • Pack a bag with your cat’s essential items. This should include your cat’s food, water, litter box, toys, and any medications that it takes. You may also want to pack a blanket or towel that smells like you, so your cat has something familiar to cuddle with while you’re away.
    • Create a schedule for your cat’s feedings, medications, and playtime. This will help your cat stay on a regular routine while you’re away. If you’re having someone else check on your cat, make sure they know about the schedule so they can follow it.

    4. Making Your Home Safe for Your Cat While You’re Away

    While you’re away, you want to make sure your home is safe for your cat. Here are a few things you can do:

    • Close all doors and windows to prevent your cat from escaping. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s always possible for your cat to get out if it finds a way.
    • Put away any dangerous objects that your cat could chew on or get stuck in. This includes things like electrical cords, cleaning supplies, and small objects that your cat could swallow.
    • Provide your cat with plenty of food, water, and toys. Make sure your cat has access to fresh food and water at all times, and give it plenty of toys to play with to keep it entertained.
    • Have someone check on your cat regularly to make sure it’s doing well. This is especially important if you’re going to be gone for a long time. Have a friend or family member come over to feed your cat, give it some attention, and make sure it’s not having any problems.

    5. Finding a Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility

    If you can’t arrange for someone to check on your cat while you’re away, you may need to find a pet sitter or boarding facility. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a pet sitter or boarding facility:

    • Ask for references and check them out. Make sure the pet sitter or boarding facility has a good reputation and that other people have had positive experiences with them.
    • Visit the pet sitter or boarding facility in person. This will give you a chance to see the facilities and meet the people who will be caring for your cat.
    • Ask about the pet sitter or boarding facility’s policies and procedures. Find out what happens if your cat gets sick or injured, and what happens if you need to pick up your cat early.

    6. Traveling with Your Cat

    If you’re planning to take your cat with you on your trip, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

    • Make sure your cat is up-to-date on its vaccinations. This is important to protect your cat from getting sick while you’re traveling.
    • Get your cat a travel carrier. A travel carrier will keep your cat safe and secure during your trip. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
    • Pack a bag with your cat’s essential items. This should include your cat’s food, water, litter box, toys, and any medications that it takes. You may also want to pack a blanket or towel that smells like you, so your cat has something familiar to cuddle with.
    • Research the airline’s policies for traveling with pets. Each airline has its own policies for traveling with pets, so make sure you know what the requirements are before you book your flight.

    7. Caring for Your Cat When You Get Home

    When you get home from your trip, there are a few things you can do to help your cat adjust.

    • Give your cat some time to decompress. After being away for a while, your cat may be stressed and overwhelmed. Give it some time to adjust to being home before you start trying to play with it or give it attention.

    What should I do if I have to leave my cat for an extended period of time?

    • Find a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility. This is the best option for cats who are not comfortable being left alone for long periods of time. Make sure to do your research and choose a facility that is reputable and experienced with cats.
    • Ask a friend or family member to take care of your cat. This is a great option if you have someone you trust who is willing to take on the responsibility of caring for your cat while you’re away.
    • Leave your cat at home with plenty of food, water, and toys. If you can’t find a sitter or board your cat, you can leave them at home with plenty of food, water, and toys. Make sure to leave a note for your neighbors or a friend who can check on your cat and make sure they’re doing okay.

    How can I make sure my cat is comfortable while I’m away?

    • Leave your cat in a familiar environment. If possible, try to keep your cat in the same room or area of your home that they’re used to. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure.
    • Provide your cat with plenty of food, water, and toys. Make sure your cat has access to fresh food and water at all times, and provide them with plenty of toys to keep them entertained.
    • Spend some time with your cat before you leave. Give your cat some extra attention and love before you leave, so they know you’re not abandoning them.

    What should I do if my cat is acting strangely when I get home?

    • Don’t be alarmed if your cat is a little clingy or reserved at first. It’s normal for cats to act differently when their owners are gone for a long time. Give your cat some time to adjust, and they’ll eventually return to their normal self.
    • Watch for signs of stress or anxiety. If your cat is excessively meowing, hiding, or avoiding you, it could be a sign that they’re stressed or anxious. There are a number of things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable, such as providing them with a safe space to retreat to, playing with them, and talking to them in a soothing voice.
    • If your cat’s behavior doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s best to take them to the vet. There could be an underlying medical condition causing your cat’s behavior changes.

    In this blog post, we’ve discussed the different options you have for taking care of your cat when you travel. We’ve covered everything from bringing your cat with you on your trip to finding a pet sitter or boarding facility. We hope this information has been helpful and that you’re now able to make a decision that’s best for you and your cat.

    Here are a few key takeaways:

    • Bringing your cat with you on your trip is a great option if you’re comfortable traveling with animals and your cat is well-behaved. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the destination you’re visiting is pet-friendly.
    • If you can’t bring your cat with you, finding a pet sitter or boarding facility is a great option. Be sure to do your research and choose a reputable facility that will provide your cat with the care and attention it needs.
    • If you’re only going to be gone for a short period of time, leaving your cat at home with a friend or family member is a good option. Just be sure to make arrangements ahead of time and make sure that the person who is watching your cat is comfortable with the responsibility.

    No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to make sure that your cat is safe and well-cared for while you’re away. By following the tips in this blog post, you can rest assured knowing that your cat will be in good hands.

    Author Profile

    Dale Richard
    Dale Richard
    Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

    His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.