With lockdown easing in most places around the world, travel plans are starting to re-emerge. The excitement of a trip can sometimes be tinged with anxiety when thinking about leaving your cat at home. To make sure you and your kitty are ready, Cat in a Flat has put together a handy checklist of how to prepare for your cat’s care before going away. Our top 10 is below, touching on all their points:

1. Decide what kind of care your cat needs

Depending what level of attention your cat(s) need, we can offer one or two visits per day OR overnight stays. We are happy to do a combination of those as well as each sitting is tailored to your cats individual requirements.

2. Arrange your cat care early

During the summer season we do get booked up quickly, so recommend booking your cat sitter at the same time you book your holiday. Dont leave it until the last minute.

3. Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, medication and flea treatment

And ensure your cat sitter has your up-to-date vets details. Its often a good idea to let the vet know your arrangements with your cat sitter while youre away as well.

4. Introduce your cat to their cat sitter

If possible - especially if you have a shy or nervous cat - its a good idea to introduce your cat and sitter prior to your get away. With current covid regulations, we are offering online meet and greets unless absolutely essential we visit prior.

5. Leave detailed instructions for your cat sitter

Everything we will need to care for your cat in your home while youre away should also be left out in one handy spot to minimise movement around your home. We can send you release forms etc to be completed online beforehand too.

6. Cat proof your house

For example; if there are any no go areas for your cat in your house, make sure doors are closed/blocked and if you have a nervous or anxious cat think about plugging in a calming diffuser a few weeks before you leave.

7. Take note of the weather conditions

If you are going away during a particularly hot period, maybe prepare some frozen treats and ensure your cat is left with plenty of water. If heading off during the winter months, leaving the heating on low is a good idea for the house and cat.

8. Leave something of you behind

Leaving an item of your clothing behind, in a place your cat sits/sleeps, can help with any separation anxiety. Plus having a piece of clothing from the sitter before they arrive can also help familiarise your cat with their scent in the home.

9. Arrange to be sent daily updates

We are happy to send photo updates every visit, every day, or whenever you like and we welcome communication anytime - especially under the current covid circumstances as things can change quickly.

10. Enquire if your cat sitter is happy to do some additional tasks

If there are extra household tasks such as watering plants, drawing curtains, or popping the bins out that you’d like us to complete - just let us know. And remember we also offer BESPOKE sittings for cats and homes that require specific attention.