Following the uptake in UK holidays and the increase in lockdown pets this year, Cats Protection is issuing advice on how to care for your cat while on holiday.
The leading feline welfare charity warns against taking your cat with you as it says cats in general find change difficult and are more likely to be content in their own environment.
It also says thereās a risk that the cat might be tempted to escape or if the cat is provided outside access they may get lost in the unfamiliar area.
Daniel Cummings, Cats Protectionās Behaviour Officer says: āMany cats often find journeys stressful, even if they donāt necessarily show it. Theyāre territorial animals so the journey and the change in environment can be difficult for them.ā
The charityās warning comes after it took in a cat called Georgie last year, 12 years after sheād disappeared on a family camping holiday in Scotland.
Despite Georgie becoming a much-loved fixture around the campsite, she was still living the tough life of a stray before she was found, enduring the harsh winters out in the open as she scrounged for food.
Daniel Cummings advises that the best option for the cat is to get a sitter ā either a friend, neighbour or professional cat sitter who can visit at least twice a day and make sure the pet isĀ well fed and safe.
āThe alternative is to book a cattery but before you make a decision, youāll need to visit and inspect it. Youāll also need to ensure that your catās vaccinations are up to date,ā says Daniel. āAnd remember, catteries do get booked up in advance so you will need to plan ahead.ā
More help and advice about how best to care for cats while on holiday can be found on Cats Protectionās website here.