Emma Jones
Every year, two-legged friends are looking forward to the holidays: if you can, you can take a backpack and suitcase to the beach, the mountains or the other end of the world for a few days. However, pet owners must first consider before booking: Can I take my pet with me when I travel? As a cat owner, this is not always easy. Here we tell you what options there are for taking your velvet paw with you on holiday with a clear conscience or leaving it at home.
Should I take my cat on vacation?
If you think about the drama some cats make from a short visit to the vet, you can imagine what some cats think of a vacation trip. For many cats, the journey and new surroundings in the holiday region are associated with a lot of stress. The excitement of being transported in a crate, being in a completely unfamiliar place full of unfamiliar stimuli, and the disruption of your routines cause many cats great stress. It is therefore advisable to save your cat from traveling if possible and to find a good holiday care provider who will take care of your four-legged friend. Of course, exceptions confirm the rule, so there are certain cats who are relaxed and like to travel with you – for example, if they are used to it from an early age.
The best solution is to organize a reliable holiday replacement to take care of the cat. It is okay to give the cat to friends on vacation. It is better if the friends take care of the animal in its usual environment since a change of environment is associated with stress for most cats. Alternatively, you can also book a cat sitter via special platforms. Another option is animal boarding houses, where the cats are accommodated in rooms and, if desired, can be allowed to roam freely.
How do I find a cat sitter for vacation care?
A cat’s best vacation home is in its home. Unlike dogs, a cat does not need the permanent presence of people, especially if it lives with a fellow cat. However, the care of the animals must be secured: The cats must be fed and occupied regularly and the litter boxes must be cleaned. And last but not least, the velvet paws are of course happy to be stroked and cuddled.
If acquaintances or helpful neighbors who are familiar with the animals take on the holiday care of the cat as friendly service, that is of course ideal. If no one can find you, you can hire a cat sitter for the duration of your vacation. You can find cat sitters on the Internet, through advertisements and recommendations. Be very careful when choosing: You entrust him with your cats and also allow him unsupervised access to the apartment.
What are the advantages of a pet boarding house?
If you don’t have the option of a cat sitter either, you can place the cat in a boarding kennel. Note that you must register for such cat care early on. Pension places are often scarce, especially during the holiday season. In addition, most paw hotels only accept cats with up-to-date vaccinations. In addition, some accommodations require additional vaccinations and parasite prophylaxis. Inquire about this in advance directly at your chosen accommodation.
Before checking into the kennel, check the following points:
- Cats among themselves: Are only cats or other animals such as dogs taken care of? Could this lead to stress?
- Housing: Will the cats be housed individually or in groups? The “Deutscher Tierschutzbund eV” recommends “socialization only if the animal has previously lived with other cats and likes it.” Cats that have always been on their own would react stressed when brought together with other cats – especially if it must be done without preparation.
- Preview: A reputable animal pension should give you the opportunity to look around on site. You can see for yourself whether the rooms are large enough, animal-friendly, and hygienic.
- Health care: Clarify whether the animal pension has been checked by the veterinary office, whether medical care for your animal is guaranteed if necessary and whether a veterinarian is available in an emergency.
- Individual services: Does the animal boarding house provide for special feedings, such as special diets
The professionalism of the operator and the staff: Ask about the training and qualifications and have references shown to you. - Value for money: Are the services and the price in a reasonable relationship to each other? Can hidden costs arise?
You should only choose this accommodation if you have a good gut feeling and feel comfortable with the animal boarding house.