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How to Keep Your Cat Entertained While You’re on Vacation

  • 10 min read

How to Keep Your Cat Entertained While You’re on Vacation

Who should take care of the cat when you go on vacation? Many cat owners ask themselves this question . How is cat care arranged on vacation? And can you leave a cat alone for 14 days? Here you can find out how your four-legged friend manages the time at home while you are on vacation.

Don’t rush things before leaving cats at home

Our four-legged friends quickly notice when we are stressed. So plan your trip well and don’t pack at the last second. Less time pressure also means that you can say goodbye to your cat in peace on the day of departure and follow the morning routines that keep the cat safe.

Sleeping cat

Follow your cat’s daily routine as much as possible

Cats love a regular daily routine. The person in charge of looking after the cat should therefore always try to offer your cat food at the usual time. In no case should the food be changed in your absence. Other routines, such as cleaning the litter box or playing daily in the evening, should also be maintained as far as possible.

Give Your Cat a Self-Play Toy

It is very important that your cat remains entertained while you are away. For this purpose,  you can you can leave some self-play toys for your feline friend. You can select the toys according to her liking that may help in keeping the cat entertained for hours.

Cat furniture or cat tower

Cats are like the family members, so it’s necessary that you take care of their needs even in your absence. Make sure you arrange cat furniture before leaving. Cat furniture may include cat tower, scratching bench or scratching tower. Cat furniture act as cat scratchers and help to keep your own furniture safe. 

Get another cat

Have you ever considered adopting a different cat? Getting your cat a companion could be the ideal way to beat the loneliness of being at home alone. Adopting a new cat entails significant responsibility, so be sure you’re prepared for it. Go to the animal shelter in your community and request to see the cats. You are the one who will know best what kind of personality your current cat will fit in with.

Leave memorabilia for your cat

It is advisable to let your four-legged friends wear a t-shirt or other piece of clothing. Cats love the smell of their human roommate and find it calming. Therefore, many cats also like to lie down in the laundry basket. The same goes for places like your bed or sofa that smell like you. The cat should also be able to visit these places in your absence. Changes in the animal’s familiar environment should be avoided during the holiday in order to spare the cat additional excitement.

Cats love the smell of their human roommate and find it calming.

Cats love the smell of their human roommate and find it calming.

Talk to your cat on the phone

It sounds like a crazy idea, but some cats actually respond and start purring and rubbing themselves on the phone. Just try it and call the cat sitter from vacation to say hello to your cat. Some cats respond to your voice on the phone.

Cat waiting for your phone call

Check in on your cat with a camera

Cameras are great for both your cat’s safety and your happiness. Pet cameras help you keep an eye on your cat and ensure they’re not getting up to something. Maybe they knocked over something in the kitchen and you need a friend to come over and clean up. Worse, your cat locked themselves in a closet and the only way to know is through hearing their cries through your camera.

If you feel anxious about leaving your cat alone, a camera can also give you a way to feel connected.

Set Up The Cat Food And Water Strategically

Investing in a food and water dispenser is the greatest method to ensure that your cat doesn’t consume excessive amounts of either. If your cats need a particular diet, such as wet food, your best bet is to have someone come by the house and feed them.

Tip: Keep the bowls for food and water apart to prevent your cat from unintentionally (or intentionally) spilling water into the food bowl and getting wet food.

 Make sure your cat litter box is clean

Before leaving, make sure your cat litter box is all cleaned up so that there are no uncomfortable incidents for your feline fellow. 

​​Cover/Hide Electric Cords

You will truly enjoy the vacation if you have the surety that your cat is safe back home. For this purpose, make sure that the environment for your cat is free from any potential hazards, such as electric cords and wires or some poisonous plants. 

Keep your cat’s rituals

Does your cat get exactly three treats every afternoon? She loves to lie on the toilet seat in the morning and watch you do your morning routine? She might also enjoy being carried around the house on your shoulder while you tidy up. It’s those little things that she’ll miss while you’re away. Therefore, initiate your cat care and try to maintain such rituals.

If possible, hire a cat sitter

If you want to leave your cat home while on vacation, you can also consider hiring a professional cat sitter to take care for your cat. This way, leaving your cat at home will not a stressful for you and you will be able to focus on the vacation with peace of mind. 

How long can you leave a cat alone?

You should never leave your cat completely alone for more than a day – even if you provide enough water and food. The litter box should be cleaned at regular intervals. Cats don’t like to be alone either: They like to play , let themselves be petted or just enjoy some company.

Your cat should definitely have the opportunity to get to know the person caring for it in advance, as some four-legged friends can be quite shy around strangers. Maybe you live in a flat share, so that the cat always has someone around despite your absence. Or you can ask friends your cat already knows. If you would like to travel longer, it is best to ask the person looking after you if they can move in with you for the time being so that your four-legged friend is not alone for too long and also has company at night.

Leaving Cats Alone while on vacation – FAQs

Q: How to deal with cat separation anxiety

To deal with cat separation anxiety, ensure your cat has plenty of stimulating toys and a comfortable environment. Consider using interactive feeders or puzzle toys to keep them engaged, and maintain a consistent routine with a trusted caregiver to provide them with attention and care in your absence. This helps reduce anxiety and keeps your cat entertained while you’re away.

Q: What are some tips for leaving my cat home alone while on vacation?

A: When leaving your cat home alone while on vacation, it’s important to ensure they have everything they need to be comfortable and entertained. This includes setting up multiple food and water stations, providing a variety of toys and activities, and arranging for someone to check in on them periodically.

Q: How can I keep my cat entertained while I’m away on vacation?

A: There are several ways to keep your cat entertained while you’re on vacation. This can include leaving out interactive toys, providing climbing structures such as cat trees, setting up window perches for bird watching, and even leaving on some soothing music or TV for company.

Q: What are some ways to keep my cat engaged and entertained at home?

A: To keep your cat engaged and entertained at home, consider providing puzzle feeders, rotating their toys regularly to keep them interesting, setting up a cozy spot by a window for bird watching, and even hiding treats around the house for them to find.

Q: How can I help my cat feel more comfortable while I’m away on vacation?

A: To help your cat feel more comfortable while you’re away on vacation, make sure they have access to familiar objects and scents, such as their favorite blanket or toy. Additionally, consider leaving out an item of your clothing that carries your scent to provide reassurance.

Q: What are some great ways to keep my indoor cat entertained while I’m on vacation?

A: Keeping your indoor cat entertained while you’re on vacation can be done by providing a variety of stimulating activities, such as interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and even creating a ‘kitty playground’ by rearranging furniture to create new climbing opportunities.

Q: How often should I check on my cat while I’m away on vacation?

A: It’s advisable to have someone check on your cat at least once a day while you’re away on vacation. This ensures that they have fresh food and water, a clean litter box, and provides them with some human interaction and companionship.

Q: What can I do to keep my cat happy while I’m on vacation?

A: To keep your cat happy while you’re on vacation, make sure they have plenty of engaging activities to keep them occupied and entertained. This can include providing interactive toys, setting up window perches, and ensuring they have access to their favorite resting spots.

Q: Are there specific things I should consider leaving for my cat if I go on a trip?

A: When leaving for a trip, consider leaving out familiar objects and scents for your cat, such as their favorite toys and blankets. Additionally, providing a variety of entertainment options like interactive toys and puzzle feeders can help keep them engaged and comfortable.

Q: How can I ensure my older cat stays entertained while I’m on vacation?

A: To ensure your older cat stays entertained while you’re on vacation, it’s important to provide gentle and low-impact activities, such as interactive toys, comfortable resting spots, and even considering setting up a cozy heating pad for extra comfort.

Q: What are some considerations for leaving two cats home alone while I’m on vacation?

A: When leaving two cats home alone while on vacation, it’s important to ensure they have access to separate food and water stations, multiple litter boxes, and plenty of engaging activities to prevent boredom and potential conflicts between the cats.

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Hamna

Hamna

Hamna Nasir is a dedicated cat lover, avid traveler, and accomplished author. Born and raised in the bustling city of San Francisco, Hamna's education journey led her to Boston where her interests expanded and intersected in unexpected ways. Hamna's ontent explores a multitude of topics, from preparing your cat for its first trip and choosing pet-friendly accommodations to understanding feline behavior in different environments. Her first-hand experiences, love for storytelling, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the bond between cats and their owners have earned her a devoted following. Her insights have been celebrated by pet lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and travel bloggers alike.