Cats live in a world all their own. They differ in personality, behavior and needs from their canine counterparts. Cats are a species who wake up to a new day, with no past baggage. They can be a hand-full or a breeze.
When you plan a trip out of town and your resident felines need care, you have two exceptional options. Hire a professional pet sitter to visit your kitty everyday or check them in to a reputable boarding facility.
A Professional Pet Sitter Comes to You
When you hire a professional pet sitter, your cat stays home while you’re gone – no disruption of sights, sounds, routines or nap locations. Your pet sitter visits your home at predetermined times to scoop out litter boxes, provide fresh food and water and most importantly, playtime and cuddles – one-on-one time. Cats that stay home keep to the same routines with very little interruption. When medication is required, they receive their daily doses without stress.
The added benefit of a professional pet sitter is that they are coming to your home on a daily basis, sort of a home sitter as well. They can alert you if something is awry, bring mail, newspapers and packages in, cycle lights and blinds, and water plants.
Reputable pet sitters are insured, bonded and experienced. Many are trained in pet CPR and First Aid. They can recognize when your kitty is not doing well and may need veterinary care.
However, there are situations when cats cannot stay home while you’re away. Another option is boarding.
Veterinary Boarding
Many veterinary hospitals offer boarding for kitties that may be too sick to stay home alone. While that may seem like a good idea, most people do not realize that medical and surgical cases may take priority over the care of your pet. And, staff goes home at the end of the day so all the guests are alone during the night.
Cat Boarding is like a Luxury Hotel
For the active kitty, boarding facilities used to be the only option pet parents had when they had to leave town and needed care for their cats. But, they are no longer the cold, sterile cages from back in the day. Most are upscale comfortable and luxurious spaces where your cat is kept clean, comfortable, fed and entertained. The temperature controlled environments are typically located away from the noisy dog areas. Most usually offer amenities such as supervised play with other cat guests, video monitoring so you can view your kitty any time on an internet device, and housed in their very own “kitty condo.”
Make the Right Choice
Whatever option you choose for your kitty care while you’re away, be smart. Check out the boarding facility before you intend to leave. If you hire a pet sitter, be sure she is insured and experienced. Avoid relying on a neighbor, brother-in-law, or friend to care for your pets, as it often doesn’t work out as well as you’d hope. They may not have the same level of commitment or focus on your pets’ well-being as a professional pet sitter who dedicates their time and expertise to animal care. Prices for pet sitting and boarding are comparable so choose the option that best suits your cats’ needs.