New Cat And Traveling For Work

[Softmeows]

I had adopted a lovely kitty recently, and will have to be away for 4 days on a work trip in about a month. The cat is already adapted and is doing great. What is a good way to arrange for care for my cat when I am away? I do not have friends or family nearby who can come and do it for me. A cat sitter or cat hotel? Would you feel ok letting a stranger into your home to check in on your cat? I obviously have never done this so needs tips please!

 

[Kieka]

For me, it depends on the cats personality. My girl would shut down completely in a pet hotel/boarding type situation. I simply could not board her, even at my vets office, without worrying about coming back to a case of fatty liver because she didn't eat for the entire time. My boy though would be fine with being boarded.

But since I have two cats and it doesn't make sense to board one and not the other, I would have to find a pet sitter. In which case, for safety, I would use a pet sitter service that is insured. There is, of course a risk, with letting someone come into your home when you are gone. The cost though of re-keying if you is super paranoid is less then possible medical complications for a super stressed cat.

If your cat is not the type to get stress sick, then boarding is probably the better option. I prefer vet boarding because I know medical care is right there and they are often familiar with your cat already, to some degree. If looking at a non-vet boarding I prefer small businesses because they have more to prove in properly caring for your cat.

 

[FelisCatus]

Multiple vets in my city have what they call Kitty Condos, I believe it’s $10 a night and they look after/play with them. The one requirement is they have all of their shots up to date. I would have a better peace of mind with my cats being looked after by vets/vet techs versus friends or family who may not know or even want to take care of your cat(s) but reluctantly agree. I have read far too many horror stories of senior cats dieing due to improper care.

 

[rubysmama]

Hello and welcome to TCS. And congrats on being a new cat mom.

Is that beauty in your avatar pic your kitty?

Would you feel ok letting a stranger into your home to check in on your cat? I obviously have never done this so needs tips please!

I, personally, wouldn't be comfortable having a stranger into my home, so I would have to board my Ruby if I ever had to go away. But lots of people are fine with cat sitters coming into their homes.

TCS has a few articles on both, that you might find helpful.

How To Find The Best Boarding Facility For Your Cat
A Pet Owner's Guide To Pet Sitters
Selecting The Best Pet Sitter

 

[Softmeows]

Hello and welcome to TCS. And congrats on being a new cat mom.

Is that beauty in your avatar pic your kitty?



I, personally, wouldn't be comfortable having a stranger into my home, so I would have to board my Ruby if I ever had to go away. But lots of people are fine with cat sitters coming into their homes.

TCS has a few articles on both, that you might find helpful.

How To Find The Best Boarding Facility For Your Cat
A Pet Owner's Guide To Pet Sitters
Selecting The Best Pet Sitter

Thank you, yes that's my sweet girl! I feel torn so far as I don't feel comfy with a stranger, but taking the cat to be boarded even at the vet might be an additional stress for her after being recently rehomed. I wish I could take her with me

 

[Softmeows]

Multiple vets in my city have what they call Kitty Condos, I believe it’s $10 a night and they look after/play with them. The one requirement is they have all of their shots up to date. I would have a better peace of mind with my cats being looked after by vets/vet techs versus friends or family who may not know or even want to take care of your cat(s) but reluctantly agree. I have read far too many horror stories of senior cats dieing due to improper care.

Thanks, I will ask our vet. I just always feel bad whenever animals are spending hours in the cages (aka condos) vs free roaming at home.