Almost all cat owners know the problem. As soon as the Christmas tree is put up in December and
other Christmas decorations are displayed, things get exciting.
You recently took in a new kitten. You're super happy, but as the holidays approach, you realise you haven't thought of one thing: Where to take your cat when you leave on holiday? Luckily, you don't have to worry about your pet as there are several options. Which option is best for you, find out below!
As a first option, you can choose to go on holiday together with your cat. That way, you won't have to miss your sweet pet for a moment. Although at first glance this seems like the ideal solution, it is not always possible. For instance, if you are planning a faraway trip by plane, this is not obvious. Besides, you always have to keep an eye on him, because you don't want to lose him. Moreover, a new environment can be very stressful for your cat, making him feel bad throughout the trip, which is the last thing you want. So taking your cat on a trip is not always the best solution.
Taking your cat on a trip is a good option if you have a cat that does not go outside and if you plan to rent a cottage somewhere. If your cat is used to walking around, then the creature will feel very bad if it has to stay indoors or then it is likely to get lost. So think about this carefully beforehand. If you are taking your cat on a trip, it is also important that your cat is not very anxious by nature. Otherwise, chances are that it will behave very anxiously during the holiday.
If taking your cat on a trip is not the best solution for you, you could just let him stay with family or friends for a while. Again, your cat could possibly be stressed by the new environment. In this case, however, there is a solution: let your cat get used to the new environment beforehand. Take him on occasional visits and see how he reacts to it. That way, you can see if your cat will enjoy his holiday spot.
Whether this option is the best one for you depends on a number of factors. First of all, it is important that your cat can cope well with changes. In addition, it also depends on the holiday spot. Are you taking him to a place where there are cats or other pets? Then it is important that your cat is social, so you know he will be comfortable with his peers. So if your cat is social and can handle change well, this is a good option, but make sure you make good arrangements with your family members or friends beforehand. So that they know exactly what to do when and so that you can leave on your trip with peace of mind.
A third option is to hire a sitter. Ask your friends, relatives or acquaintances if they can pop in every day for a few minutes to look after your cat. Preferably ask someone who has cats themselves, so that the person in question knows how best to look after your cat. If you do not know anyone in your area who can or wants to do this for you, there are also professional cat sitters you can ask for help. Possibly, you can work with a relay system. For example, your sister can look after your cat on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while your neighbour takes care of the other days.
If you plan to have someone come over to look after your cat, keep in mind that your cat will be alone for most of the day. This is not for every cat. Do you think your cat will manage just fine? Then this is definitely a possibility. It is better not to choose this option if your cat has to follow a special diet or if your cat is ill. If your cat does not get the right care then, there is a risk that the critter could be at risk. If someone knows the animal well and knows what it needs, this is still a possibility.
If you really don't like the idea of your cat sitting alone, there is the option of finding a sleepover buddy for your cat. This is the ideal solution in many cases, but the problem is, it's hard to find someone who sees fit to do this. Your family or friends have their own families to take care of and can't just come and live in your house for a few weeks, and letting a complete stranger live in your house isn't very pleasant either.
Should you do find someone who is up for this, preferably choose someone who has the same day and night rhythm as you. Cats value a good rhythm and like it when their grooming rituals happen at the same times. If you opt for this option, it is a good idea to let your cat get sufficiently acquainted with its new lodger beforehand. That way, you can see if there is a click and you won't have to worry.
This is the best option in most cases, but if your cat is very anti-social and cannot cope with new people, it is better to find another solution. This option is especially great for outdoor cats. Outdoor cats mark their territory and when they cannot go outside for a long time, other cats take over their territory and they have to start all over again. You avoid that by opting for this solution!
The last option is to send your cat on cat hotel. A cat hotel is very pricey though, so that is definitely something to consider. In some cases, however, this is the best choice. The staff at a cat hotel know exactly how to handle cats, so you can be sure that your cat will get the best care.
If you choose a cat hotel, choose one that suits your cat well. You can opt for group housing and individual housing. In group housing, your cat will be placed among other cats and in individual housing it will be placed in a small pen. The latter option is not very pleasant for your cat, as a cat needs space to play.
A cat hotel where your cat is placed in a small pen is never really the ideal solution. Your critter will certainly not enjoy it, but group housing is a good option if your cat was socialised with other cats between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks of its life. So your cat should be social enough to be with other cats.
Most importantly, take a good look at what is best for your cat or kitty!
Is your cat or queen easily stressed, what is your cat or queen used to and how does he or she react to changes. If you take a good look at how your cat or cat is put together, you can make the right choice for him or her and you can enjoy your well-earned holiday without worries!
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Almost all cat owners know the problem. As soon as the Christmas tree is put up in December and
other Christmas decorations are displayed, things get exciting.
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Kattenveertjes loving the beautiful work of the Lion Foundation.
