How to Get the Best Cat Care While on Vacation: 5 Vet-Approved Options to Consider

As much as we’d love to spend every moment possible with our cats, most of us can’t be home 24/7/365. There will come a time when you’ll need to leave your home for a few days or even weeks to go away on business or take a much-needed vacation. But who will care for your pets in your absence? Read on to find five cat care options and their pros and cons to help you secure the best care possible for your kitties while you’re away.

How to Get the Best Cat Care While on Vacation

1. Pet Sitter

A qualified pet sitter is by far your best option for pet care while you’re away. Your cats get to stay in their home with their toys and usual comforts, and you won’t need to take them for a car ride to some unfamiliar, scary place. Cat sitters are professionals who understand how to care for animals, so they know what to do if something goes wrong while you’re away.

Depending on how long you’re gone for, how many pets you have, and the extent of care required (e.g., medication administration typically costs extra), costs can add up quickly.

2. Boarding Facility

A boarding facility gives your kitty a daily routine, with meals and playtime on a predictable schedule. Your pet may also get an opportunity to socialize with other pets. Many facilities have veterinarians on site, so if something were to go wrong, the professionals are on hand to help.

The biggest downfall is that your cat will not be at home, in a place they’re comfortable. Some get nervous and stressed out when transported to new places or exposed to other animals, so consider your pet’s personality before going this route. They may also be exposed to diseases or illnesses carried by other pets in the facility.

3. Pet Sitter Who Boards at Their Home

Some professional pet sitters have the facilities in their homes to care for multiple pets at once. At-home boarders differ from other boarding facilities as they typically cater to one specific type of animal, meaning your kitty won’t be listening to dogs bark the entire time you’re away, lowering their stress levels. This is a great option if your kitty requires close and ongoing attention.

The downfall is that your cat will still be cooped up in a kennel most of the time and be exposed to the scents and sounds of an unfamiliar place.

4. Friend or Family Member

A friend or family member familiar may pet sit free or at a reduced cost. Because your cat knows them, they’ll be unafraid when they come to do their daily visits. You may even ask them to house sit for you, providing more security for your home as it’ll be occupied for the duration of your trip.

The downside is that they’re not professionals. They may not know what to look for in terms of illnesses like a pet sitter or boarding facility would. Additionally, they may have other responsibilities and not prioritize your cat the same way a sitter or boarder would.

5. Neighbor

Asking your neighbor to watch your cats while you’re away is another convenient option. They’re already close by, so they can pop in once or twice a day to take care of your pet and also keep a close eye on your home. They may do this as a favor for you, potentially saving you hundreds on pet care costs while you’re gone.

We only recommend going this route if you know and trust your neighbor. They should have some degree of knowledge of cat care and, at the very least, like cats. Remember that unless your neighbor works in the veterinary field, they are not professionals and may not know what to do in case of an emergency.

Ask the Right Questions

Even though you now have some idea of who you could ask to watch your cat while you’re away, your work still isn’t done. You shouldn’t hire someone for this important job without first interviewing them to make sure they’re up to the task.

Having a meet and greet with the pet sitters or boarding facility is an absolute must before hiring one. Doing so gives you a good idea of what the people and/or facilities are like and allows you the opportunity to pick up on any red or green flags that may sway your decision-making process. You’ll obviously not need to conduct a meet and greet with your friends, family members, or neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still sit down with them to make sure they’re the right person for the job.

Check out our lists below of the questions you need to ask someone who will potentially be looking after your pets while you’re on your trip.

1. Pet Sitter

• How long have you been pet-sitting?
• What would you do in an emergency or if my cat were to get injured?
• How long will you be at my home every day?
• What will a typical visit look like?
• Will you also bring in my mail and water my plants?
• Are you insured or bonded?
• Are you comfortable giving medication?
• Will you send updates and photos?
• May I see a list of references?
• Do you have any training in cat care or behavior?
• Are you affiliated with other pet industry locals (e.g., veterinarians, groomers, other sitters)?
• What is your nightly rate?

2. Boarding Facility

• What vaccinations does my cat require?
• Can I take a tour of the facility?
• Are you insured or bonded?
• Do the staff members have informal or formal training in cat care and behavior?
• What are the biosecurity standards in your facility?
• Is there an in-house veterinarian?
• What happens if a pet in the facility contracts a transmissible disease?
• Do you offer any additional services (e.g., nail trims, grooming)
• How are the cats housed, and do they share spaces with other cats?
• Do you accommodate cats with special needs?
• Will my cat be kept in a cage the entire time or given time out to exercise and play?
• Will you administer medication?
• Do staff members play with the cats?
• How do you deal with cats who are stressed out?
• How big are the kennels?
• Are the cats housed away from the dogs and other animals?
• Will you send photos and updates?
• What happens in case of an emergency?
• What is your nightly rate?
• Can you provide references?

3. Pet Sitter Who Boards at Their Home

• Does my cat require vaccinations?
• What will my cat’s accommodations look like?
• Will they interact with other cats?
• Do you administer medication?
• What would happen in case of an emergency?
• How much time will you be spending with my cat?
• Do you have any training in cat care or behavior?
• What is your nightly rate?
• Are you affiliated with other pet industry locals (e.g., veterinarians, groomers, other sitters)?
• Can you provide references?

4. Friend or Family Member

• How much time, realistically, will you be spending with my cat while I’m away?
• Are you comfortable administering medication?
• What would you do if my cat became injured or escaped?
• Could you bring in my mail and water my plants?
• What will you charge me?

5. Neighbor

• Do you have any experience with cat care?
• Are you comfortable around cats?
• How many times per day are you able to check in?
• Could you bring in my mail and water my plants?
• What will you charge me?

Remember that if you have a friend, family member, or neighbor looking after your cat, it is your responsibility to provide them with all the necessary information, contacts, and equipment, including the veterinarian's phone and address, a transport kennel, etc. You must also ensure the cat has enough food to cover the duration of your absence and anything else they might need.

Final Thoughts

The best person to watch your cats in your absence will depend entirely on several factors, including how long you’ll be gone and the personality of your cat. For example, if your kitty has extreme anxiety, transporting them to a boarding facility that’ll be full of scary sights and new smells may not be the best option for them. They’ll likely do better at home with a pet sitter, friend, or family member coming by to check on them. However, if your kitty has a medical condition requiring monitoring, it’ll be in their best interest to take them to a facility where veterinary staff will be on hand at all times.

See also: 

• Should You Take Your Cat On Vacation Or Leave Them At Home? Tips & FAQ

• AI & Pet Care According to Vets

Featured Image Credit: VAKS-Stock Agency, Shutterstock