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Leaving Your Cat When Traveling: Finding a Pet Sitter or Cat Boarding Facility

Leaving Your Cat When Traveling: Finding a Pet Sitter or Cat Boarding Facility

Updated on August 20, 2021
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
Cat sitting

Vacations are exciting, but, unfortunately, your kitty can't always join you in your plans. And although cats may not require as much daily care as a dog while you are away, they still need someone to look after them. Hiring a sitter or boarding your cat will ensure that they have constant access to clean water, that they are fed the right amount of food each day and that they receive attention—all important to maintaining your cat’s health, even when you are away.

However, since all care options are not the same, it can be hard to decide whether to hire a sitter for your cat or to board them. Before your next trip, use the following guide to determine what type of care will be ideal for your cat.

Which is best: A sitter or boarding?

There are two main options when you are heading out of town and need someone to care for your cat. You can either leave them with a sitter, or you can board them at a kennel or cat hotel. As you consider each option, use the following lists to weigh the pros and cons of both types of care.

The benefits of a cat sitter:

  • Your cat will be able to remain in their own home, which allows them to stick to regular routines. This can be particularly beneficial for highly anxious cats who don’t handle a change in their environment well.
  • Your cat will not be required to get along with other animals. This can be helpful if you have a cat who prefers to spend time with the same animals in your home or solo.
  • Your cat will be in a quiet environment. If your cat is sensitive to noise, a kennel can be overwhelming, making your home a better choice.
  • A sitter can provide extra care for senior pets and cats with disabilities. This is beneficial when your cat needs daily medication or requires extra one-on-one attention.
  • A sitter can take care of multiple animals in your home. This can be a perfect fit when you have a combination of animals in your family.
  • A sitter can also keep an eye on your home. If you are going to be away for a long time, a sitter who visits daily or stays in your home can also care for the property, such as gathering mail and watering plants.

The drawback of a sitter:

  • Hiring a sitter will require providing access to your home. If you are uncomfortable giving someone access to your home or you live in a location that makes cat check-ins challenging, boarding might be better.
Cat sitting on couch

The benefits of boarding your cat:

  • Your cat won’t be alone. If you think spending long periods alone will upset your cat, a kennel or cat hotel can ensure that they are always around other animals and people.
  • Your cat will have plenty to do. The regular attention provided at a kennel can keep your kitty from becoming bored and getting into mischief.
  • Your cat will have access to immediate veterinary care. In many cases, kennels offer on-site veterinary care, with 24/7 emergency veterinarians on call.
  • Your cat will be in a professional, supervised situation. Many kennels are run by staff who are certified in animal behavior and are often attached to veterinary clinics where professional vet techs will be helping take care of your cat.

The drawback of boarding:

  • If your cat isn't a very social creature, then a facility full of other pets and strange noises could be a stressful environment.

Finding a cat sitter

If you opt to hire a sitter for your cat, a friend or family member who is familiar with caring for cats or, even better, familiar with your feline can be a great option. If you don’t have someone you know who can take on the task, a professional pet sitter is an equally good choice.

Whether you hire a professional sitter or ask someone you know to help out, be sure you feel comfortable with whomever you choose before you leave your pet in their care.

Looking for a professional cat sitter

If you don’t have someone to watch your cat, there are many ways you can find a professional cat sitter. You can ask family, friends and coworkers if they have a sitter they trust. Or you can use an online network that connects professional sitters to pet parents.

Questions to ask a professional cat sitter

Choosing a cat sitter requires careful screening. Asking the right questions will determine whether your cat and your home are in capable hands. A professional sitter should be patient and accommodate your questioning.

  1. Find out how long they have been in the pet-sitting business.
  2. Ask if they are backed by any professional insurance in case of an emergency. 
  3. Ask for references from other pet parents they've worked with and follow up to confirm positive reviews.
  4. Find out if the sitter uses any other employees to cover pet visits. You should ask to meet anyone who will be coming to your home.
  5. Give the sitter a chance to interact with your cat and see how they get along.
  6. Find out if their visits include playtime with your pet.
  7. Ask about their experience responding to emergencies or mishaps.

Picking the right pet boarding facility

If you decide to board your cat, you'll need to shop around for the right kennel. Some kennels offer services such as grooming, medical care, daily playtime or feeding services for cats with special dietary needs. Some veterinary offices also offer boarding services.

Cat on carrier

Before deciding on any kennel, be sure to inspect their cat area. When touring a boarding facility, take into account the following. 

  • There should be a fair amount of space between cat and dog areas. The activity and noise of a large group of dogs could distress your cat.
  • Check for clean kennels and litter boxes. Floors and accessories should be free of dirt and hair.
  • Enclosures should be large enough for your cat to sleep away from the litter box. Ideally, they should include a shelf for perching above the floor and privacy walls. Open kennels can be stressful for cats who like to hide.
  • Ask if you can leave your cat's bed or a T-shirt with your scent on it for their stay. This can provide added comfort while you are away, but not all kennels allow this.
  • The mood of the current occupants will be the best sign of a good kennel. Do the other cats look content, or are they visibly stressed?
  • Pet parents should ask about the kennel's policies for sick pets, cleaning procedures and whether the staff is on-site 24 hours.
  • The kennel should require current vaccinations for their feline guests and ask you for your pet’s records. Ask which vaccines are required. 
  • If your cat requires daily medication or shots, be sure the kennel staff is prepared and qualified to provide that. If the kennel will not give injections, ask your veterinarian's office if they board cats.
  • Ensure that you can bring in your cat’s own food so that their regular diet isn’t interrupted.
  • If you will be requiring a long-term stay for your pet, ask about special arrangements that may be needed to keep your cat comfortable and adjusted over an extended time. You will want to know what accommodations may be made and the extra charge for this service.

Before you leave

Before departing on your trip, leave your sitter or the boarding facility a list detailing your cat’s normal schedule, likes/dislikes, requirements and habits. This will help your cat stay close to their regular routine and also help a guardian notice if anything is amiss.

Cat boarding and cat sitting checklist:

  • Certificates verifying your cat's vaccinations and a clean bill of health (most boarding facilities require this information)
  • Your emergency contact information (including the phone number and address of your travel destination)
  • Emergency contact information for someone you trust with your pet who lives nearby
  • Your veterinarian's contact information during regular hours
  • Your veterinarian's emergency contact information for after-hours service
  • Your cat's medication and dosage instructions (if applicable)
  • Feeding instructions for your cat (including their food type, feeding schedule and portion size)
  • Cat food
  • Treats
  • Pet ID tag (include an extra just in case)
  • Your cat's favorite toys and bed
  • Current photos of your cat in case they get lost

Whether you decide to board your cat or hire a sitter, be sure to check in periodically to see how your cat is doing. In many cases, your sitter or boarding facility will offer to send you daily updates and pictures. Knowing that your pet is adjusting well will make your vacation more relaxing.

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