I don’t know why but my cats handle being left alone for a few days much worse than my dogs handle it. Cats do not like change. They are comforted by a routine. In cats are into control. But if you have to leave your cat for business or personal travel, you have many care options.

In general, veterinarians recommend leaving your cat at home and bringing the care to them. Cats have a territorial attachment and prefer familiar surroundings. Daily contact with a caregiver while you are away is important. If you do board your cat in a kennel, take your cat’s own toys and litter box to provide some familiar smells of home.

Boarding facilities are convenient and they may be a good option for some cats but not for others. A timid cat may find any boarding facility a frightening experience and an elderly cat may be adversely affected by contagious diseases or the change in routine. You should check out the facility personally. Find out if: The cats receive personal attention daily? How are the staff trained and what is the ratio of animals to caregivers? Will your cat be in close contact with other cats? Is there a vet on call? Is the facility clean and odor free?

A better option for your cat may be staying with a relative or friend under certain conditions. Has the cat visited there before? Does the family like the cat? Does the cat like them and seem comfortable in their presence? Do they have small children or other pets that may not behave toward your kitty the way you want?

A third option is using a professional cat sitter, that is, a person who comes to your home once or twice a day. Professional cat sitters can be an extremely convenient option and in-home care is certainly an ideal solution for most cats. But, such care providers should be checked out thoroughly. Ask for references and check out the company that provides the sitter. Get an agreement in writing about the length of the service and the services to be rendered. Ask the care provider to maintain a log or diary to record when they visited and any observations about the cat.

Finally, you can ask a friend, neighbor, or local student to be your cat care provider. Again, this works best if the cat knows the person and you are comfortable that they take this responsibility seriously. Care is more than dumping some kibble in a bowl and changing the water. If the cat will accept them, your caregiver should spend some quality time talking to, sitting with, and petting your feline.

And don’t forget, traveling with a cat can be fun. This is really an option that is best exercised with a cat who has been accustomed to travel from kittenhood.

Remember that cats have different temperaments, states of health, and personalities. What is right for one cat may not be right for another. For the health and well-being of your kitty, make his needs your number one priority when it comes to selecting a care option. No matter which option you choose to provide the care of your cat while you are away, be sure to leave the telephone numbers of your veterinarian, a friend or relative, and yourself.

Posted by Julie.