Overview of Care Options for Cats
Summer is usually a time when we like to take a short or long break. But for us cat owners, vacation is not always completely carefree. We want our cat to remain safe, cared for, and stress-free during this time. To ensure that the vacation is pleasant for both the owner and the cat, it is crucial to find the best option in a timely manner.
Since every cat has its own personality and needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some owners have no major issues; they place their cat in a carrier and take it with them on summer vacations. Unfortunately, this is not always a good choice, as for some cats, the change of environment and (long) travel can be a very stressful experience.
What care options are available to us, how to choose the right one, and what should we pay attention to?
What is important when choosing care?
The cat owner must focus on general cat behavior regarding acclimatization to both home and foreign environments, as well as acceptance of other people and animals. Some cats, due to age and health conditions, require special daily routines, such as feeding, taking medication, cleaning the litter box, and time for play and the owner's attention.
In addition to everything mentioned, it is also important how many days the owner's absence will last. In the case of more demanding care, finding the best option will likely take a bit more time for research and making the final decision, as this type of care involves greater responsibility that is carried by someone else.
Options for Cat Care During Vacation
Home care
Care provided by a family member, relative, friend, or neighbor
It is one of the least stressful options, as the cat stays in its home environment. You can ask a family member, relative, friend, or neighbor for help with care. The cat has likely already met all of the mentioned individuals and may have shown at least a bit of affection to someone, so prior introductions are usually no longer necessary. For basic, low-maintenance care of your cat, such a solution is quite suitable during your absence.
The selected person must be reliable, and it is also desirable that they have experience with cats. They should visit your home once or twice a day, clean the bowls and refill food and water as needed, clean the litter box, tidy up the area where the cat is located, and give the cat some attention and playtime. It is advisable to write down care instructions and, for safety, also provide the contact information of the veterinarian.
Care of the Professional Cat Guardian
As trends and habits change, we are seeing more and more pet care providers. They can offer pet visits at home, while some also provide temporary stays with a caregiver.
Professional caregivers have experience with cats (some also with dogs), guarantee responsibility for the work done, and can easily handle more demanding cats that require medication in case of health issues in addition to basic care. Due to their extensive experience, they know how to approach a cat so that it becomes trusting in a short amount of time. A common practice is to get to know the cat beforehand to ensure that the care runs as smoothly as possible later on.
To make your vacation more peaceful, you can arrange for them to send you some pictures or videos of what is happening with your pet in the meantime.
Cat hotel
Some cat hotels, in addition to accommodations, also offer cat-sitting services at your home, which is a less stressful option for your furry friend. Staying in a cat hotel requires relocation, meaning a change of environment, so owners still find it somewhat difficult to choose this form of care during their vacation. The usual practice for staying in a cat hotel is to inform the caregiver about the cat's personality and habits, health status, treatment for internal and external parasites, vaccinations, sterilization or neutering, microchipping, and to bring along the pet passport, etc. In some places, you also provide cat food for the duration of the care and any necessary medications. In cat hotels, they will recognize any potential health issues during your absence and take appropriate care of your pet in emergencies.
The cat will be placed in a space specially reserved for her, where she will have access to a soft bed, a scratching post, toys, bowls with food and water, and a litter box. Some areas are air-conditioned to help the animal feel more comfortable in high temperatures. Some cat hotels also offer outdoor access to a fenced area with play equipment. For more particular cats that do not want company, they also allow for a stay completely without contact with other animals.
Since cat hotels are limited in terms of available space and caregivers, it is necessary to make arrangements for care in advance. If your cat is not shy and moving does not pose a significant adjustment issue, staying in a cat hotel is a safe and good choice during your absence.
How to choose the best option?
Every owner knows their cat best, so it is right that the judgment is left to them. Shy cats and those that are strongly attached to home will certainly feel most comfortable in their home environment. For sociable cats and those used to change, there should be no issues staying in a cat hotel or with a professional caregiver. However, be cautious with older and sick cats, as they would likely benefit more from care at home by a reliable and sufficiently trained person.
Upon returning from vacation, the most important thing is that your cat greets you happy and healthy.
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