How To Cat-Proof Your Home While On Holiday

Now that we’re finally allowed to travel again, many of us will be packing our suitcases and heading off on holiday this summer. Along with checking your passport and booking taxis to the airport, another important thing on your to-do list might be ensuring that your furry friend is taken care of while you’re away.

For short trips, you may be able to avoid paying cattery costs and moving your cat to a new environment by simply adding a few modifications to your home. If you’re planning a city break or short country getaway this summer, the pet care experts at Catit share their top tips on how to cat-proof your home and give your fussy feline their very own staycation.

Catteries and pet-sitters

Cats may be more independent and self-sufficient than other pets, but they should still only be left alone for short periods of time. If you ensure that they have access to fresh air or a cat flap, food, litter trays, and a generous water supply, then your cat should be safe and sound on their own for 2–3 days.

However, if you’re planning a longer holiday, then arranging for a neighbour, family member, or professional pet-sitter to look after your cat can often be a better option than checking them into a cattery. Not only can it be more affordable due to expensive cattery or kennel fees, but cats are very territorial and can get stressed or overwhelmed when they are moved to a new environment. Keeping them at home means that a friend or cat sitter can visit once or twice a day to check they have plenty of food, water, and interaction while they remain in familiar surroundings. Just be sure to give your sitter a detailed list of daily food requirements, favourite toys, and any medications your cat may need so they know exactly what to do while you’re away.

Smart feeders

Aside from access to a litter tray or outdoor areas for going to the bathroom, the most important thing is providing your cat with food and water. One of the best ways to do this while on holiday is to invest in a smart feeder. Manual feeders that dispense food as your pet eats can be a good short-term solution while you’re at the office during the day, but for overnight trips, feeders with smart technology really have the edge.

This is because today’s modern designs can be connected to your phone, allowing you to schedule your pet’s meals and portion sizes from anywhere. You can therefore set alerts when it’s time to refill with their favourite food, and then arrange for a neighbour or cat-sitter to come and top it up. Some smart feeders even have a backup battery and can automatically clear obstructions, meaning that there’s no risk of blockages or a loss of power interfering with their scheduled mealtimes.

Water fountains

As well as their famous curiosity, cats are also known for being picky. This is no different when it comes to their drinking water, as many house cats won’t drink water that has been left standing for a few days or has been too close to their food. In fact, they are often drawn towards sources of running water like taps, hoses, or streams because it not only sparks their inquisitiveness, but there is less chance of it being stagnant (Cats.org).

If you aren’t around to freshen up their water bowl yourself, then water fountains are an excellent way to make sure your cat stays hydrated, no matter how finicky they are. These fountains provide a constant flow of water and can be fitted with a stainless-steel reservoir that is less irritating to your cat’s skin than rubber or plastic bowls. Especially if they eat dry food or you’re on holiday during warm weather, ensuring that your cat drinks enough water is vital to keeping them healthy, happy, and alert.

Interactive toys and furniture

It’s always important to create a fun, stimulating environment for your furry friends, but even more so if you’re planning to spend time away from home. Especially if you have indoor cats in a flat or apartment, kitting out your house with interactive toys and cat furniture will help your cat stay active and burn off some steam.

For example, scratching is a natural habit that allows cats to mark their territory, relieve pent-up energy, and keep their claws healthy, and they shouldn’t be prevented from doing it (RSPCA). So, if you want to protect your sofa or carpet from getting damaged, it’s wise to invest in a dedicated scratching post and play furniture with rough surfaces for your cat to climb, scratch, and explore. Simple self-groomers attached to walls or coffee tables are also a great way for long-haired cats to keep their fur under control, especially during warm weather.

If you have a particularly high-energy cat who loves to play, providing them with motion-sense, paw-activated toys can keep up their regular playtime even when you’re gone. Be sure to fill any smart or sensory toys with treats and charge them up before you leave, so that your furry friends can stay as stimulated and active as possible.



For more information, visit https://catit.co.uk/