Where do you put your cat when you go on holiday?
When going on holiday, ensure your cat stays in a safe, quiet room at home or in pet-proof accommodation with familiar items to reduce stress and hazards.
Where Should Your Cat Stay During the Holidays?
Holidays are joyful, but for pet owners, they demand extra planning—especially for cats. Unlike dogs, cats are territorial and may experience significant stress when their environment changes. Whether you're traveling for a few days or several weeks, ensuring your feline friend's safety and comfort is essential.
1. Keeping Your Cat at Home
- Hire a pet sitter: A trusted sitter can maintain your cat's routines, reducing stress from your absence.
- Ask a neighbor or friend: Someone familiar with your cat can offer consistent care and companionship.
- Set up a quiet room: Choose a safe space stocked with necessities like food, water, a litter box, and familiar toys and bedding to help them feel secure.
- Pet cameras: Install cameras for real-time monitoring and peace of mind.
2. Boarding in a Cattery
- Licensed facilities: Choose a professional boarding service experienced in feline care.
- Visit in advance: Assess cleanliness, staff behavior, and whether the facility can accommodate your cat's needs.
- Health records: Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date before boarding.
- Familiar items: Provide their blanket, toys, or something with your scent for comfort.
3. Taking Your Cat with You
- Pet-proof your accommodation: Remove hazards and secure all medications, decorations, cords, and curious dangers such as open windows and balconies.
- Stick to routines: Maintain feeding and playtime schedules to reduce anxiety.
- Bring comfort items: These include bedding and toys that smell like home.
- Limit exposure to holiday chaos: Set up a quiet area where your cat can retreat during social gatherings.
4. Holiday Hazards to Avoid
- Decorations: Avoid tinsel, ribbon, and glass ornaments which can be swallowed or cause injuries.
- Holiday trees: Anchor them securely; avoid chemical additives in tree water and use deterrents to prevent nibbling.
- Candles and lights: Keep them out of your cat’s reach to avoid burns or electrical injuries.
- Plants: Be cautious with poinsettias, lilies, mistletoe, daffodils, and holly—all of which are toxic.
- Human food: Never feed cats chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, alcohol, bones, or fatty meat trimmings.
5. Stress and Identification
- Safe space: Always provide a designated quiet zone.
- Identification: Use collars with ID tags and consider microchipping in case they escape during the commotion.
6. Emergency Readiness
- Vet info: Have emergency veterinary contacts and poison helpline numbers on hand.
- Daily checks: If someone else is caring for your cat, ensure they check for unusual behavior, appetite changes, or signs of ingestion of foreign items.
Conclusion
Cats thrive in stable, familiar environments. When going on holiday, your safest options are either leaving them in their home under reliable care or choosing well-reviewed, pet-safe accommodations. Always keep harmful decorations, foods, and plants out of reach, and maintain a stress-reducing routine. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your cat is comfortable and safe.
