Your bags are packed. Flights are booked. You'll ready to go. ..but, you remember, what about the cats? How will they manage?
Going on Holiday? I guess it's time to think about your cat's wellbeing whilst you are away
Surprisingly, although cats appear as though they are independent and free-spirited, they thrive with routine. They love routine; they memorise your habits and activities, they nap around the same time each day and they will hint when it's close to feeding time.
This means that going away on holiday can compromise their routine dramatically and can mean your cat becomes distressed with the uncertainty.
When a cat is distressed, it may resort to flight or fight and show signs of: - hiding out of plain sight and furthest away from you - hissing and hitting out (mostly with claws) - lack of appetite and toilet use - freezing in their stance with their back arched
Nevertheless, these characteristics and wellbeing shift can be prevented by working to really establish a routine surrounding feed, fuss and play so when a pet sitter or cattery takes your place for the time being, it means they can step into your shoes. It's recommended to think about what times the visits could be and for the duration so then you can work towards these over the week or so.
Similarly, if you know your cat has a nervous disposition to begin with and you are really concerned, it might be worth reaching out to your local vets to see if they advise anything. You can purchase tablets to calm anxiety or even room sprays that help with relaxing whilst you are away.
It has also been noted that cats can be left up to 48 hours with a sufficient supply of water and food but this isn't advisable, particularly as it's not worth the risk incase anything happens to them whilst you are away for this duration.
With the build up towards going on holiday? It's time to think about your cat's wellbeing is just as important as the trip itself.
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