Whether you’e going away on holiday or planning a less exciting trip, you will need someone to take care of your cat. But which option is best for you?
You will need to take several things into account when you make your choice. Most notably, your cats temperament, their routine and your budget.
#1 Asking someone you know
This option in undoubtably one of the best.
You know and trust the person you are asking, and so you know they will do a good job of looking after your furry little friend. It is also the least expensive option!
If you know someone who fits the criteria of being reliable, good with cats and free at the right time, why not find out if they can help you?
If the answer is yes, take a few minutes to fully explain everything they will need to know. Instructions should include; what food you give your cat and when, portion sizes, and any ground rules you have with your cat.
#2 Petsitting
Petsitting is available in several forms; home visits, having someone stay in your home to look after the pet or temporarily moving the pet into the petsitter’s home.
Home visits tend to be best suited cats who are independent, but if your cat needs affection and attention at regular intervals this may not be for them.
For these cats, you might consider one of the other two options. Make sure you use a reputable company or website and brief the person fully on the needs of your feline friend before you go away.
#3 Catteries
Catteries work in the same way as kennels for dogs.
The price varies depending on the number of cats and how long that need to stay. For a single cat in the UK, the price tends to be around £10 per day, but can vary between £8.50 for a basic room and £20 for a luxury “suite”. Location, facilities and room size all come into play here.
Before being accepted into the cattery, you may need to provide evidence that your cat is vaccinated against feline influenza and feline enteritis amongst others. Most catteries won’t accept un-neutered males over a certain age.
If your cat is a creature of habit, finding comfort in routine and stability, they might be unsettled in a cattery.
NB: Make sure you visit the cattery before making a booking, to ensure it is up to standard.
#4 Private petsitting exchanges
This is a relatively new concept that, thanks to the internet, is becoming increasingly popular.
The principle is that each person looks after the other’s pet for free, at some point in the future. The idea is that you help each other out, either by looking after the pet in your own home or in theirs.
There are various websites that you can use to find this service, or you can search on Facebook for petsitting swaps in your area.
Always be careful with this type of arrangement, but it could lead to some great encounters!
Which option do you opt for when you go away?
Feel free to leave a comment below with your experiences, positive or negative, to help others!