If you’re planning on traveling, is it better to take your cat with you or leave it behind at home? Both options can lead to anxiety and a lack of peace of mind. Here are some tips for keeping your cat entertained while you’re away. Keep it fed, and create a safe environment for it. It will also be happy to have your company! Keeping your cat in a crate while you travel will also prevent them from escaping.
Leaving Your Cat at Home Can Cause Anxiety
If you’re planning a trip, you should know what can trigger a cat’s anxiety. Physical problems, such as a sore paw, can also make your cat feel frightened. A sick cat’s anxiety is even more significant because it is constantly on guard and unable to use all of its defenses. To help your cat overcome this anxiety, try to change its environment.
To soothe your cat, try to leave a scented item in its favorite place or place where it’ll feel comfortable. A recorded voice message can also help. Some cats respond well to this, but others get agitated when they hear it. If you leave your cat at home for more than a few minutes, you can wear a T-shirt with a familiar scent to reassure it that you’re home.
In addition to being frightened, your cat may feel anxious when traveling if it doesn’t have its usual routine. This can be exacerbated by the restrictions related to COVID-19. Leaving a familiar scent behind makes your cat feel relaxed and less stressed when you’re away. The same goes for traveling with a sick cat. It may also experience anxiety when its routine is interrupted.
You can leave your cat home with a trusted pet sitter as a last resort. Make sure to choose a cat carrier that will allow it to turn around and stand up. If your cat is already anxious, it may be best to travel with a cat carrier that has a large enough opening for your cat to turn around. It will also have a better chance of adjusting to its new environment.
Keep Your Cat Entertained While You’re Away
If you’re leaving your cat home alone for an extended period, you may want to keep them occupied and happy. While they may get bored quickly, they may also be destructive and misbehave when left alone. You can easily prevent this problem by creating a stimulating environment for them. A cat tree or climber should be placed strategically around the home. Besides, leave out plenty of soft toys for them. Some toys come with hidden treats, so your cat can find the treat in them. But don’t let your cat play with new toys – they can be dangerous to them.
Another way to keep your cat busy is to get her some cat TV or YouTube videos. These are entertaining to cats and can keep them entertained for several hours. You can even play a YouTube video playlist for your cat if you’re out of the house for long periods. Videos with different animals and birds can keep her entertained for hours. You may also purchase a DVD for her to enjoy while you’re away.
Another way to keep your cat entertained while you’re away is by arranging play dates. If you’re willing to play with your pet, you can set a play date with a friend’s pet. Make sure you have enough time to spend with your pet while away. Boredom is one of the leading causes of ill-behaved pets. But a few simple activities can keep your cat busy and engaged.
Create a Safe Environment for Your Cat While You’re Away
Prepare your home for your cat before you go out of town. Take away breakable items from the house and place them safely. Tape up stove knobs so that your cat cannot turn them on while climbing. Close doors to rooms kitty doesn’t need to be in. Put comfort items and cat toys in the safe room. It will be easier for you to care for your cat while away.
If you’re going on a long trip, keep in mind that leaving your cat home alone for several days or even weeks can be stressful for your cat. While many cats don’t require special attention while you’re away, prolonged periods of isolation can cause them to become anxious and frustrated. While most cats do not require special care when you’re away, it is best to prepare a plan ahead of time to avoid a traumatic experience for your feline friend.
If you’re traveling by car, make sure your cat is indoors. Keep the cat carrier in a secure room, and make sure it has three sides of blankets and a water bowl. Make sure that the cat carrier isn’t too hot or too cold. Keep the carrier in the last room in your home where your cat can roam freely. If your cat is inside the carrier, make sure they have access to water and a litter tray.
Use cardboard boxes with a blanket inside them. This will help them feel safe when they are new to a house. Place your new cat gently on the floor. Speak in a low voice and observe, and then leave them alone. Let them explore the room on their own. They’ll learn to trust you and can’t wait to meet you again. It’s a win-win situation for both.
Feed Your Cat While You’re Away
If you need someone to feed your cat while you’re away, consider leaving your key with a neighbor, friend, or relative. This person should be able to give your cat the food they need. It’s always a good idea to check references and meet the sitter before they leave. Also, don’t forget to leave a spare key in your car, as you can’t be sure that the person won’t try to escape with your key.
Fill the cat’s food bowl with dry food before you leave. While cats do not eat until they’re satisfied, they still need to eat. To keep them happy and healthy, you can dispense small amounts of food at set intervals or give them a dry treat instead. For added convenience, you can purchase a cat food dispenser. These devices dispense food in small portions and can be purchased at any retail pet store.
A timed feeder may be helpful for a weekend trip but unsuitable for longer trips. A holiday means a change in routine for you and your cat. Whether you leave your cat home with a professional or leave him alone for a few days or weeks depends on your cat’s personality. A calm cat will quickly adjust to a new routine, while a highly strung cat will bolt at the first sign of change. It’s important to carefully select your cat’s care method and prepare well for your holiday.
Choose quality cat food that is nutritious enough to provide the nutrients your cat needs. Cats don’t eat raw food, so choose high-quality food that provides essential nutrients. Consult a veterinarian if your cat doesn’t seem to get the nutrition it needs. They’ll have the best recommendation for the proper diet. For this reason, you must choose the best food for your cat.
Secure Your House Before Leaving Your Cat at Home
Before you leave your cat alone at home, secure your house to prevent your pet from getting lost or hurt. This means locking doors and windows, putting away your shopping bags, and hiding clutter. Make sure your stove knob is in the “off” position, and tape it to prevent your cat from accidentally turning it on. It would be best to close windows and doors to rooms the kitty does not need to be in. Remove any breakable items, and leave out comfort items and toys that she can play with.
You should secure your house by placing heavy-duty locks on all windows and doors. This will prevent your cat from opening them, and you’ll also give it a lived-in look. You last want to return home to find your cat trapped in a room. Ensure your cat is locked in a room or two before leaving. This will help them feel safe while you’re away.