15 Tips on How To Take Care of Cats While On Vacation

(Last Updated On: October 9, 2021)

Being one of our family members, take care of cats while on vacation is important. In this article, we are going to provide 15 valuable tips to take care of cats while on vacation.

How to take care of cats while on vacation

How to take care of cats while on vacation? When you leave your cats in the care of someone else, there are certain fundamental “rules” that both of you should adhere to:

1. Be as precise as possible.

It’s critical that you and your cat-care provider communicate well. If you say, “Make sure your sitter knows which scoop you’re talking about when you say one scoop of dry in the morning and one scoop in the evening.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that the person who will be caring for your five cats is trustworthy “If you don’t have litter boxes, you’ll end up with a large mess (and maybe a sour relationship) when you return home.

Other things to mention are: How many and what kinds of treats can be distributed, how to use the electronic cat watering machine, where to put dirty litter, cage liners, or doodie-bags, where to put dirty litter, cage liners, or doodie-bags, where to put dirty litter, cage liners, or doodie-bags, how to use the electronic cat watering machine, where to put the can opener, which items your bird likes to get into but will harm them (zippers come to mind), and

2. Come to an agreement on a price

Before you leave, make sure you and your sitter agree on a cost for the services delivered; this way, no one will be disappointed or have unreasonable expectations when you return.

3. Make a timetable

You’ll notice that many of your neighbors and coworkers travel around the same time as you. If you’re expecting for your neighbor to watch your cat while you’re gone, be sure he’ll be there! During peak seasons, professional businesses fill up rapidly, so book your cat-care appointment as soon as you book your flight.

4. Assign responsibility

Determine who is liable. Nobody likes to consider awful things occurring to them, but they do. Decide who is responsible if your cat attacks a neighbor’s youngster while playing in the yard.

Who will cover the vet expense if your cat gets harmed while you’re gone? There are a lot of possibilities here, so consider them all and talk to your insurance provider about your alternatives before thinking you’re “covered.”

5. What about the sitter?

Do you wish to be kept up to date? Let your sitter know how and when you’d want to be kept up to speed on your cats’ whereabouts and behavior while you’re away. In the event of an emergency, make sure your sitter has a phone number or a method to contact you no matter where you are.

6. Make sure about cats requirements

Make sure there’s sufficient cat food, toys, litter, and other necessities on hand. Most people keep their dry food in particular containers, which means that if your cat’s food runs out, the sitter might not be able to identify the original bag to figure out what type of food your cat has been eating.

Carrying a piece of kibble into a cat supply store and asking the salesperson, “Do you know what sort of food this is?” is a bit awkward.

7. Take help from relatives and friends

Tell your sitter if anyone else is going to be in your house while you’re gone. Let the sitter know if your housekeeper arrives every Friday. Let the sitter know if you’ve hired an electrician to come in and rewire the house.

Also, make sure you and your sitter understand who is responsible if the electrician accidentally lets the cat out the front door while unloading his truck.

8. Take care of Keys.

Test the extra set before giving it over to your sitter (the keys, but let the sitter test the keys too.) Also, don’t hide your keys for your sitter anywhere on your property.

This is a major risk if a thief sees them “hiding” the key in your hiding location – what if someone less than trustworthy sees your sitter “hiding” the key and tries to take your belongings?

9. Enhance Security

Seal off sections of your home to keep intruders out. To discourage your cats from wandering into “unprotected area,” lock bedroom doors or install baby gates.

Because no matter how well-behaved your pets are when you’re at home when you’re gone, they’ll head straight for the coziest couch. Block off banned places and make sure your sitter is aware of the “house rules” to avoid stress and dissatisfaction.

10. Make a list of the extras

Say so if you want your sitter to bring in the mail and newspapers and take out the garbage. Your sitter is worried about the health and well-being of your cats, so unless you ask, he or she may forget to water your plants. Make a list of any additional duties you’d want your sitter to perform and write them down so you’re both on the same page.

11. Take help from Neighbor

Give the name and phone number of a neighbor with a key to your house. Emergencies happen, and if your sitter is unable to care for your cats for whatever reason, they’ll want the name of someone who can. Larger cat-care firms with a staff of sitters who can give backup are less likely to experience this.

12. Be open and honest

Be open and honest about the characteristics of your cats. The individual who looks after your cats have to have a true grasp of their personalities. If your cat is a huge barker, make a note of it, and if your cat doesn’t want to be catted, make a note of that as well. You’ll be delighted with the outcomes if you set your sitter up for success.

13. Make it simple to get inside your house.

We’ve previously spoken about keys, but make sure your outside lights are working so the sitter can securely access your home at night, and make sure your walks and entryways are clear of garbage and litter.

14. Shut the “cat doors.”

When you may like having your cats come and go throughout the day while you’re at home, if you leave that cat door open while you’re gone, your cats’ safety is jeopardized.

Your cat or cat has been accustomed to your routine and knows what to expect when he enters and exits the house. He’s most likely developed a schedule that revolves around yours.

When you leave, though, his routine gets thrown into a loop. He can get bored and start fighting through the fence or dig out to pursue a smell, a person, or an interesting sight.

Keep that cat door shut to assist achieve that aim. Both you and your cat sitter want your cats to be at home and healthy when you return from your trip, so keep it locked.

15. Make a phone call when you arrive home.

Unless your phone and let them know you’ve returned safely, your sitter is worried about the welfare of your kitties and will continue to come and visit long after your planned return home.

By applying these 15 steps you will be able to ensure that both you and your cat have a sound and relaxing vacation!