Caring for your cat when you're away

Cats feel most secure when they’re at home in familiar territory. That means if you’re heading away on holiday, it’s much less stressful if your cat stays at home.

A timed cat feeder when on holiday – combined with check-ins from a friend or neighbour – can do the trick for shorter trips of a day or two. But for longer trips, you’ll need more comprehensive care. 

What you choose depends on your cat’s personality and the duration of the trip. To make it easier for you to decide, read our expert tips on finding the right holiday care for your cat, plus how to minimise stress and disruption before and after your trip.

While it’s possible to take your cat on holiday, most cats are much happier staying at home. Cats are highly territorial and feel safest in familiar surroundings with known smells and routines. That means for most families, leaving your cat at home with proper care is the least stressful option.

When you go away on holiday, there are a few different options to choose from for your cat’s care. Regardless of which option you choose, ensure you’re clear about any specific requirements or care before you depart.

Pet sitters either call in to feed and socialise with your cat or stay in your home while you’re away. Cats can generally be left for up to 24 hours without check-ins if provisions such as timed feeders are in place, but for longer trips, twice-daily visits from your sitter are recommended.

Before booking a pet sitter:

• Choose someone known to you or from a vetted agency
• Arrange a meet-and-greet in advance
• Show them your cat’s routine and ensure they can adhere to it

Because cats can be wary of strangers, an introduction to your pet sitter before you depart is particularly important. Let them play with your cat and give them some treats to help form positive associations. It’s also a good idea to discuss how often they’ll send you updates, so you know what to expect.

If your cat is confident and adapts well to change, a reputable cattery can provide professional, reliable care. They’re often more affordable than live-in pet sitters, but quality can vary widely, so research thoroughly before booking. 

Ask your vet, friends and family for recommendations, and be sure to visit in advance. When there, check for:

• Clean, secure pens
• Fresh litter trays and bowls
• Knowledgeable, attentive staff
• Willingness to answer detailed questions
• Good ventilation and temperature control

A good proprietor should also ask about your cat’s habits, diet and health, and have appropriate licences relevant to the local authority.

Asking a trusted friend, neighbour or family member to care for your cat at home is often the least disruptive option. It can also be low-cost, allowing your cat to stay in familiar surroundings. 

Some cats may get bored or frustrated if left alone with only a brief visit once or twice a day, so this option won’t suit all cats. If your friend can only call in briefly, they might miss subtle signs that your cat is becoming unwell. 

To keep your cat happy, ask your helper to:

• Visit twice daily
• Stick to consistent feed times 
• Spend time bonding and playing before leaving
• Clean your cat’s litter tray regularly

If you do decide this is the right option for your cat, a thoughtful souvenir from your trip can help show your appreciation to your cat sitter.

Cats can be very sensitive to the pre-holiday hustle and bustle, so try to keep any pre-trip activity calm. Plug-in pheromone diffusers can help create a soothing atmosphere in the house and calm any stress your cat feels.

It’s normal to worry about pets while away. To help ease any anxiety, preparation is key. Consider leaving a list with important details on, such as:

• Your contact details, including details of where you’ll be staying
• Your vet’s contact details, including emergency numbers
• Information about your cat’s routine, including quantities and preferred times of day for feeding
• Any medication and how to administer it
• Any conditions that the carer should be aware of, and how to spot the signs of illness
• Your cat’s favourite toys and treats, plus how many to feed per day
• The best way to engage and bond with your cat

Many owners worry about this, and while cats can show signs of missing their owners, this is often more likely due to boredom or frustration at being left alone. Signs can include:

• Changes in appetite
• Increased vocalisation
• Excessive sleeping
• Toileting accidents
• Excessive grooming or under-grooming

Cats mainly miss the routine and security you provide. Maintaining familiar patterns while you’re away is the best way to keep them settled. If you notice any signs of increased anxiety once you’re home, it’s always best that you speak to your vet for advice.

When you return home from a trip, it’s important to reconnect with your cat – even if it doesn’t seem like they missed you! 

Here’s what to do:

• Greet your cat calmly
• Offer gentle play or grooming
• Resume your normal feeding routine and schedule
• Avoid overwhelming them with attention
• Expect temporary changes in behaviour

Most cats readjust within a day or two once their routine is back to normal. If that’s not the case and you have cat insurance with Petplan, log in to your My Petplan account and connect with a vet professional who can address any questions and concerns you may have.