Most of us look forward to the holiday season – traveling abroad, exploring new cultures, enjoying the good life. But, what about our pets? Dogs can sometimes accompany families on vacations, but few cats are adventurous enough to travel with us to unknown places. For cats, the holiday season can be anything but relaxing.
Which holiday arrangement best suits you and your cat is of course a matter of personal choice. The one option you should always avoid is leaving your cat alone and unattended, even if you provide adequate food, water, and litter boxes.
A much better option is to hire a reliable person to take care of your cat in familiar surroundings. There your cat will feel safe and know the surroundings, smells and hiding spots. It is important that you have complete trust in your chosen caregiver as they will be at your home while you are away. Also, your cat should respond positively to the person you choose. It’s best to test this beforehand, rather than when your bags are already packed. The best choice is someone who has cats or knows them well so both you and your cat can benefit from their knowledge and experience. If your chosen handler has a cat of their own, you may be able to reciprocate on other occasions.
So an ideal supervisor is someone you already know. But what if nobody in your circle of friends is available? Many pet sitters offer their services online. However, before you commit yourself to a supervisor, you should carefully assess him/her in a personal conversation. Don’t just focus on what he’s telling you—observe how he behaves toward you and, most importantly, your cat.