Where Should You Leave Your Cat When You Go on Holiday?
Going on holiday is exciting, but if you're a cat owner, it's essential to plan how and where to accommodate your feline friend to ensure their well-being during your absence. Cats are curious and sensitive animals, and holiday distractions or changes in their environment can pose unexpected dangers. This article explores safe options for cat care while you're away, as well as precautions for ensuring their safety and comfort.
1. Keeping Your Cat At Home
Many cats prefer their home environment where they feel safe and in control. If possible, have a trusted friend, neighbor, or professional pet sitter care for your cat at home.
- Comfort and familiarity: Home is a cat’s comfort zone. Keeping them in their territory prevents stress caused by unfamiliar surroundings.
- Daily visits: Ensure someone checks on your cat at least once or twice a day to provide food, fresh water, and clean the litter box.
- Safety checks: The caregiver should monitor for any signs of illness or hazards like ingestible decorations.
2. Boarding Facilities
If leaving your cat at home isn't possible, consider a reputable boarding facility that caters to cats specifically. Selecting the right facility is crucial:
- Pet-proof environment: Ensure the facility removes common holiday hazards like ribbons, tinsel, battery-operated decor, and snow globes with ethylene glycol.
- Routine and supervision: Professional staff can offer regular meals, health checks, and supervised play, keeping your cat engaged and cared for.
- Private space: Choose a facility that provides individual, calm spaces free from excessive noise or dog interactions.
3. Taking Your Cat With You
Some people opt to travel with their cats, but this requires diligent preparations:
- Secure accommodations: Ensure your destination is pet-friendly and safe from holiday hazards like hazardous plants (lilies, mistletoe, holly) or open decorations.
- Familiar items: Bring your cat's bedding, toys, and litter box to reduce stress and provide comfort.
- ID and microchip: Make sure your cat wears an ID collar and is microchipped in case they get lost in the unfamiliar setting.
4. Temporary Stay with Friends or Family
If trusted friends or family members have experience caring for cats, you may consider leaving your cat with them temporarily. However, evaluate their home for safety:
- Cat-proofing: Ensure holiday decorations like candles, breakable ornaments, and loose wires are removed or secured.
- Quiet space: Ask them to provide a separate room with your cat's essentials to allow for adjustment to the new environment.
5. Preparing for Emergencies
No matter where your cat stays, prepare thoroughly for emergencies:
- Vet info: Leave details of your veterinarian and emergency contacts with the caregiver or facility.
- Poison control: Provide contacts for local poison control centers in case of ingestion of toxic plants, foods, or substances.
Holiday Hazards to Avoid
Leaving cats alone, even for short periods, can expose them to risks especially during the holidays:
- Toxic foods: Don't leave leftover holiday food like chocolate, onions, or bones accessible.
- Decorations: Secure tree ornaments, avoid tinsel, and keep electrical cords concealed to prevent chewing injuries.
- Plants: Remove or replace toxic holiday botanicals such as poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe with artificial alternatives.
- Fire and heat: Keep candles, fireplaces, and heaters out of your cat’s reach to avoid burns or fire hazards.
Helping Your Cat Feel Safe
Whether your cat stays home or travels, alleviate stress with the following:
- Quiet room: Set aside a calm area with their food, water, and litter box.
- Reduce noise: Use calming music or white noise to buffer holiday chaos.
- Scent familiarity: Items with your scent, such as worn clothing, can offer reassurance.
Summary
When planning your holiday, prioritize your cat’s wellbeing by choosing a care solution tailored to their needs. Whether they stay home, board, or travel with you, minimizing stress and eliminating hazards such as toxic foods, dangerous decorations, and stressful environments is essential. With thoughtful preparation, both you and your cat can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
