HI all-
I will be going away for two weeks in December. My little kitten will be about eight months at that time. I am very nervous and dont know what kind of facility I should look for. Should I just hire a cat sitter that will just come to my house once a day for an hour or should I put her a facility.. Please help!
I like the cat sitter option. My cats don't travel well and get upset by changes at home or strange places. The cat sitter allows them to be in their own home with familiar litter box, food dishes and nap places. I introduced them to the sitter when we interviewed her so it wasn't a total stranger to them. You may want to ask your vet for recommendations on options.
Price was also a consideration for me, the cat sitter is a less expensive option than boarding would be when I had multiple cats.
Many cat sitters will do more than just feed, clean up and monitor the cats. Mine offers mail pickup, plant care and newspaper retrieval services as well.
Posted 2 years ago by TrufflesMom #
I would find a good cat sitter. Your cat will be less stressed out if they can remain at home in the environment to which they are accustomed.
Try to find a good sitter who will spend at least an hour a day with your cat, not just the usual "drive-by feeder." Find a good one, then leave detailed instructions. It helps to get timers for lights and even TV, so that lights and TV can come on at certain times each night. It will reassure your kitten.
Your kitty will probably do much better in her usual space with a cat sitter. You might want to save some special toys and treats for the cat sitter to give your little girl - it will help them make friends. You can also leave a soft, dirty (worn) sweatshirt or T-shirt, so your kitten can smell you even though you aren't there.
Posted 2 years ago by scaredicat #
I have never had to board my cat since the longest i've been away since i had him was a weekend. i just left lots of food and water and toys out. as i was preparing for that weekend, i considered all the options and i just thought i would be bad for him to be put into a strange cage for all the while i was gone. if you can get a sitter i think that would be great. she'd be much more at home, free to run around and i'm sure it's cheaper...
Posted 2 years ago by kaits_mama #
Do you have any friends/co workers with kids in college? If so, they might be home for the winter holidays and might enjoy having a place to live that isn't "moving back in with mom and dad'.
Even if someone is out of the house most of the day, having them sleep at your home will keep your kitties happier than being placed in a boarding facility.
Of course, there are a few places that will spoil your cats when they stay there, but those places are few and far between.
Posted 2 years ago by CheetahBoysmommy #
We'd only ever left our cats for one week at a time up until last year when we took a 2 week holiday. We've always used a cat-sitter, ours is an ex vets nurse so is very capable of dealing with anything they might throw at her! They're much happier in their own environment, they have all their things around them plus their favourite sleeping spots. Home is best if you can find a cat-sitter you're comfortable with.
Posted 2 years ago by MadcatwomanintheUK #
I had to go to San Diego when my girls were 5 months. I did end up boarding them at a cat only veterinary practice. It was six dollars per day per cat and was a relief for me knowing they were being watched over and had help available if they needed it. They enjoyed the time there so much they wouldn't come out of their room when I went to pick them up. I board whenever I travel but for me its about personal preference. I would have a catsitter anyday IF I knew of any reputable ones in my area. Either way, your kitten will be well taken care of.
Posted 2 years ago by mollycat71 #
My little girls would be so stressed if we boarded them. Especially Windi, who would be just plain scared. We have always had cat sitters for our kitties. I'll bet that you have agencies where you are that are bonded pet sitters. If you have a friend that would be ideal. But if you find a professional pet sitter service, just do make certain that they are bonded.
Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
Hello,
I own the Cat Hotel in Burbank, CA. While I agree that cats do well with a sitter in their own environment boarding offers other options that should be considered.
With a good boarding facility you can be assured that your cat's eating/drinking habits will be monitored daily. You can be assured that your cat will not slip outdoors un-noticed. Be sure that any facility is licensed.
The Cat Hotel is staffed 24/7 so our guests are never left alone.
Our guests settle in quickly and we treat them as if they were our own cats.
I suggest talking to your vet and interview pet-sitters and if you are able, tour some boarding places. Please visit my website at www.cathotelburbank.com for photos and more advice. Good luck.
Most cats would rather stay at home. We boarded our cats once. We know the owner and her boarding house is a luxurious place were cats get to watch Video Catnap, and other videos just for cats.
Still, our cats were pining for home. It depends on your cats, but as far as our cats are concerned, there's no place like home.
Posted 2 years ago by ClaudesMommy #
I boarded my cat Kizzi at 8 months and again at 1yr a few weeks ago, she was fine both times.
She ate well, looked well, no problems atall.
Posted 2 years ago by Kizzi'sMum #
My only experience with boarding was horrible---Taja got out of her cage and clawed the attendant to pieces--they told me never to bring her back! I've left them for as long as a week at home---extra litter boxes, food & many water bowls. This time, since Sheba is 14, Peter wanted to have a sitter come in, so she is coming on day 2 & 4, we will be back on day 6. She is licensed & bonded and recommended. I leave on Tuesday and we'll be back late Sunday.
Posted 2 years ago by Sheba's Mom in Raleigh, NC #
I've had good and bad experiences with boarding. If you have a playful outgoing kitten, it can be good. When my girls were kittens they charmed the staff at the "kitty hotel" and came home with extra toys. However I've also boarded them at places where they came back smelling bad and looking stressed. The last time I boarded them, the staff couldn't get even them out of the "kitty condo" - I had to go back and get them. They were so stressed out and miserable. It was the same place they had loved as kittens; but they couldn't handle it as adults.
Posted 2 years ago by scaredicat #
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