As a pet owner there are always things to consider when booking a much-needed holiday and one of the main considerations to make is what to do with your pets.
Thankfully PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing is here to help. She explains: “There are so many options to consider when it comes to what to do with your cat when you go on holiday. The difficulty is finding the best one for your particular feline friend as all cats are different.”
The best option for your cat
Nina continues: “We recommend cats are kept at home with a trusted and reliable house sitter, preferably one that will stay in your home for the time that you are away. However, that’s not always an option for everyone; but you should never leave your cat without anyone to check on them at least a couple of times a day when you go on holiday – even if you have an automatic feeder or cameras throughout your house. Cat holiday care is a must for your furry friend.”
Nina shares five option to consider:
1 Arrange a trusted house sitter to stay in your home and look after your cat.
2 Ask a friend, neighbour or family member or a pet sitter to attend your cat at least twice a day.
3 Book your cat into a cattery – make sure that they are a local council licensed cattery.
4 Home-from-home boarding, where your cat will stay in someone else’s home rather than a cattery. Again, make sure that they are licensed by the council.
5 Take your cat with you – but we recommend this as a last resort and only if they have a character that can cope with travel, new places and will be content and calm in strange surroundings.
Nina adds: “All cats are different with unique personalities. But most cats will prefer to stay in their own home and find it less stressful than travelling to a new place. If your cat is comfortable with strangers and being away from home, a cattery may be an option that you prefer.”
Finding the right pet sitter
“It’s important that you find a house sitter that is right for both you and your cat. You should never hire someone blindly and always do your research. After all, this person will be looking after your cat and coming into your home.”
Here are Nina’s top 5 tips:
1 Read their profile and check for DBS clearance, reviews and references.
2 Make sure that they have pet sitter insurance, which should include public liability and cover for your pet whilst they are in your care – although this won’t include veterinary care.
3 Check if they have been trained in pet first aid for emergencies.
4 If your cat needs medication or special care, make sure that they have experience with this.
5 when you’ve found a house sitter, arrange a meet-up and introduce them to your cat. Do not hire someone without thorough research, make sure that they are the right person for you and your cat.
6 Ensure that you’ve booked the with plenty of notice and have someone in mind as a back-up, in case of a last-minute cancellation.
7 Make sure that they know your cat’s needs. For example, if your cat loves a lot of special interaction or prefers to be left in peace, check that they will provide bespoke care to your cat.
“Sometimes, you just want someone to come and check on your cat and not stay over. If this is the case, we recommend asking a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to attend to your cat at least twice a day. Making sure that your furry friend has been fed, given fresh water, had their litter changed and given some attention whilst you are on holiday. You will need them to feel comfortable checking your cat over to make sure they appear well and also feel confident to contact your vet and take them to the vet if they need care.”
Never leave your cat alone
“Whilst there are amazing items you can buy for your cat, such as camera’s that link to your phone, microchip cat flaps that only allow your cat access to and from the house and automated feeders, which make your life easier – we recommend that your cat has company overnight and at least two visits a day.
“If your cat becomes ill or injured whilst you are away, without someone there to help, your furry friend is at serious risk of being left in pain or feeling unwell for hours before your sitter next visits.”
