The holidays are often a whirlwind of activities and we have tips for leaving your cat at home with a pet sitter. Many of our clients embark on trips during this time of year and depend on our team to care for their pets while they are away. Cats, in particular, do best remaining in their own homes under the care of a pet sitter. 

Here are our best tips for making your home as safe and comfortable as possible before leaving your cat:

Leave detailed instructions: At In-Home Pet Sitters, we carefully consult with owners about their pets’ needs before beginning care, but it’s always a good idea to leave notes for your pet sitters anyway. Write down anything that might be helpful such as your cat’s litter box habits, favorite toys, recommended treats, and favorite hiding spots. Also, leave the veterinarian’s phone number and emergency contacts in a prominent location. Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant, advises owners to leave a spare key in a hidden location or with a neighbor, just in case.

Double check for safety: Before you leave, ensure your home is set up in a way that ensures your cats’ safety. This is especially important if your cat will be less supervised than usual. Remove breakable objects that your pet could knock over and shut doors to rooms you don’t want your pet to spend time in alone. As always, examine what appliances you leave plugged-in and make sure you didn’t accidently leave any heat sources on.

Provide your scent: Both dogs and cats are comforted by the smell of their owners. Leave a few articles of clothing or blankets around for your pets to snuggle with. Of course, choose items that you wouldn’t mind getting damaged.

We provide in-home care for cats, dogs and small pets. Contact us to learn more about our flexible pet care options. Hire us to check on your kitty a few times a week or stay with your for the duration of your trip.