Cat Boarding Near Me: The Dos and Don’ts of Leaving Your Cat While on Vacation (2023)

FAQs

Should I board my cat while on vacation? ›

While it may seem that cats are better off in their own home while you're away, they're actually more likely to be better off with a boarder or cattery. Because cats are so independent and easily frightened into hiding, they benefit much more from a controlled environment where they can be closely monitored.

A Boarding Facility (Kennels)

In addition to this, boarding is probably the best place to leave your cat when you are on vacation. Boarding facilities should be run by professionals who make sure your cat always has food and water, is supervised at all times, and is getting quality one-on-one time.

We don't recommend leaving your cat alone longer than 24 hours because cats are social creatures that need their owner's attention to feel safe and comfortable. They rely on you to make sure all of their care requirements are being met.

Most adult cats are fine being left home alone for up to 24 hours, under the right conditions (more on that below). If you need to leave for two or three days, a full week, or longer, you should make sure someone is coming over to care for your cat daily.

Most of the time, traveling is quite safe for cats. For extended trips that will be a week or longer, traveling with your cat may make more sense than leaving them at home. Being away from home with your cat for several days allows them to get comfortable with a new environment and stay on their usual routine.

Vacations are meant to be fun for people, but due to the change in routine, they can, unfortunately, be a cause of stress for cats and result in behavior problems and separation anxiety. Cat behavior problems can occur during the owner's absence, while being transported, or when the owner returns.

No matter how independent your cat is, we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away. Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals.

Regardless of their reputation, cats do get lonely when they are left unattended for long periods of time. Research proves that cats are social beings that form strong bonds with their owners. Do cats get sad when you leave? Short answer: yes.

Twice-daily visits are ideal for cats who eat two separate meals in the morning and evening, cats who take medication, and for kittens and seniors who would benefit from being checked on more often.

Will my cat be happy to see me after vacation? ›

Upon Your Return From Vacation

While you're ready for the reunion, don't be disappointed if your cat doesn't immediately reciprocate. It can take some cats a few days to readjust to the "new" situation, even though it's just a return to normalcy.

As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive. Your cat should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Provide Your Cat with Attention without Returning Home

If you have a cat sitter supervising them for an hour or two per day, you can safely leave them for up to a week. Any longer than that and your kitty will surely miss your constant presence at home!

The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and many of them do experience separation anxiety. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work if you haven't gone back already, it's a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.

Leaving a cat alone in your home might be suitable for a short trip away, but leaving cats alone for 2 weeks is never a good idea.

Anyone simply "present" in their life is someone they may remember, but not associate with any emotion. But as long as you and your cat have shared a pet or two, and as long as you fed them a few of their favorite meals, your cat will remember you as well no matter how long you are gone.

"Domesticated cats are used to being with people on a day-to-day basis. I don't recommend leaving a cat for three months. The long absence might take a mental toll on the cat which could lead to urinating out of the box or even becoming anti-social."

If you leave the house for a quick errand or two, it's unlikely your cat will even notice that you're not home. A quick pet and a snuggle can remind your cat that despite your absence, you've got kitty on the brain!

While leaving their pet, people may feel guilty for doing so. This is a normal feeling to experience and there are ways to combat that guilt. Understanding that your pet is probably okay while you are gone is a great place to start to reduce the guilt that is experienced when leaving your pet at home.

“Cats know who you are by smell,” Uncles says. “When you return from a trip, you smell different, which can cause varying reactions from your cat—including aggression.” Some cats act out their aggression by biting, scratching or even hiding from their parents, Osborne says.

How do I prepare my cat to leave alone? ›

Be sure to leave unlimited access to water and their usual amount of food. Invest in stimulating cat toys or scratching furniture they can play with on their own. Leave the TV or radio on when you go out, as the picture and sounds can help to keep your cat occupied and calm when they're alone.

Cats are incredibly perceptive and the way they "attach" to people isn't always obvious. For the most part, cats don't mind being alone, particularly if your absence is part of a routine. Anxiety and behavioral issues are two of the most common ways cats show their displeasure with being home alone.

Cats have a reputation as independent creatures. They don't require walks or frequent trips outdoors and enjoy sleeping the day away. Although your cat may be fairly self-reliant, it's not to a good idea to leave him or her alone for more than one day for these reasons: Illnesses and Injuries Can Happen at Any Time.

There are a number of options to ensure your pet is well cared for when you're away. The best option is to have a friend or family member look after them. If this isn't possible you could use a pet sitter or take them to a boarding establishment.

They're Greeting You. Your cat might just be trying to say “hello.” After you've been away, it's not unusual for your kitty to run and greet you at the front door and give you a sweet meow. She may also be inclined to greet new visitors.

Strong Desire for Affection Upon Your Return

A cat's expression of affection is more subtle than a dog's, so pay attention. If your cat is permanently attached to your side, following you from room to room, and rubbing up against your legs, it's their way of saying: I love you, I missed you—pay attention to me!

This brings us to the question – is it OK to leave my cat alone for 12 hours? Yes, it is OK. In fact, cats that eat dry food can be left on their own for up to 48 hours if, and only if there is also fresh water available. Kittens, on the other hand, should not be left without company for more than eight hours.

Leaving a cat alone in your home might be suitable for a short trip away, but leaving cats alone for 2 weeks is never a good idea.

No matter how independent your cat is, we do not recommend leaving your cat alone without daily visits from a friend or a professional cat-sitter for more than two or three days. Today, there are many options to care for your cat while you are away. Keep in mind that, cats tend to be independent, territorial animals.

Can I leave my cat for 3 weeks? ›

"Domesticated cats are used to being with people on a day-to-day basis. I don't recommend leaving a cat for three months. The long absence might take a mental toll on the cat which could lead to urinating out of the box or even becoming anti-social."

Whether by airplane, train, or car, any kind of travel can upset your cat and cause stress behaviors. Unfamiliar, confined environments can be stressful to your otherwise well-behaved pet, and spending time in unfamiliar spaces could add to that.

Most felines will be perfectly content being left alone for up to 8 hours while you're at work. As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive.

Cats may be independent, but they don't do well left alone for multiple days, they get lonely and anxious without their human companions—especially with the increasing time we're away from them. Cat's worry like we do and can feel abandoned and increasingly nervous the longer we're away.

Although 72 hours is the firm maximum time you should leave your cat alone, the exact amount of time depends on their age, health, and personality. You should also consider the time of year and your home when deciding how long is appropriate for your cat.

Even though cats are pretty self-sufficient, you shouldn't leave your cat home alone for more than 2-3 days maximum. If you have a young kitten, an older cat, or a solo cat, that time should be more like 1-2 days but you know your cat(s) the best.

Many car seats are sloped, so the best way to make sure the carrier is on a level surface is to place a rolled-up towel on the seat underneath the carrier. Cover the carrier with a sheet or blanket to provide your cat with extra privacy and reduce how much your cat is disturbed by things going on outside.

Be as quick with your stop as possible. If it's a food break you're taking, come back and check on your cat frequently (like every 10 minutes or so, just to be safe).

The mild sedative used in Benadryl is sometimes recommended by veterinarians for anxiety. An example would be traveling by car or airplane. Some cats get quite anxious or upset when traveling and giving Benadryl can be an excellent sedative for traveling.