Updated: Who Will Care for My Cat While I’m On Vacation?

As the days get warmer, you may consider a vacation - getting away from home and enjoying a relaxing break. But who will take care of your cat while you’re away?

You have a few options: ask a friend or a family member to help, board your cat at a kennel or your veterinarian’s, or hire a professional pet sitter.

If you have a friend or family member willing to visit, that’s great. If your cat is already familiar with that person, and you know that you can trust them blindly to give your cat the best care possible, that is probably your best option. Unfortunately, this option is not always available.

A kennel, a veterinarian’s clinic, or a pet sitter that boards at their home can be suitable if your cat has a medical condition that requires close and ongoing attention. This can also be a good option if you have construction work taking place at your home, making it temporarily unsuitable for your cat. However, kennels are also a source of stress - from the travel required to get there to the stay in an unfamiliar place. Even the best boarding facility has unfamiliar scents and sounds and, in most cases, proximity to other animals. Cats are usually confined to a cage or a small enclosure. It is important to remember that cats are territorial creatures of habit and may not respond well to being transported away from their familiar environment.

Nabuco, Enjoying lap time with his cat sitter

For most cats, visits by a professional pet sitter are your best option. Your cat will get to stay at home, saving them the stress of traveling and staying in an unfamiliar place. In addition, staying away from other pets will reduce the risk of exposure to illness. A professional pet sitter will maintain your cat’s diet and exercise routine and will be able to monitor their well-being and behavior to make sure they are safe, healthy, and having a good time while you are away.

A professional pet sitter will take the time to focus on your cat, providing care and enrichment, in addition to food and a clean environment. They are also insured and trained to know what to do in an emergency. You can be sure your cat and your home are protected and have peace of mind while enjoying your time away.

Whichever option you decide is best for you - make sure to book your cat care well in advance. This will ensure availability for your cat. This is especially important ahead of busy travel periods such as the summer travel season and holidays, as pet sitters and boarding facilities get booked up.

To learn more about Purrmore’s range of professional cat-sitting services, check out our Services page and contact us to schedule an initial meet and greet.

This article was originally published on May 26, 2020. Updated: April 2024.