Leaving your cat behind while you travel, whether for a weekend break, a family holiday, or a work trip, can be one of the hardest parts of being a pet parent. Cats are not just pets; they’re members of the family, each with their own personalities, quirks, and emotional needs. When it comes to their care, most owners want nothing less than the best.
For years, the traditional solution has been the local cattery: a facility where cats are boarded and cared for while their owners are away. But as our understanding of feline behavior has deepened, and as professional pet care services have evolved, many cat owners are discovering that catteries may not always provide the most comfortable or suitable environment. Instead, hiring a dedicated cat sitter, someone who cares for your cat in the comfort of your own home, is fast becoming the preferred choice.
This isn’t just a matter of convenience for the owner; it’s about ensuring that your cat feels safe, relaxed, and loved in your absence. Cats thrive on familiarity, and even small changes in their environment can lead to stress or unwanted behaviors. By hiring a sitter, you minimise disruption, reduce health risks, and provide your cat with one-on-one attention tailored to their needs.
In this article, we’ll explore eight important reasons why choosing a cat sitter often outweighs boarding your pet in a cattery and why your cat will thank you for it.
1. Familiar Surroundings = Less Stress
Cats are deeply territorial animals. Their home isn’t just a space; it’s their safe zone filled with familiar smells, sounds, and hiding spots. Removing them from that environment, even temporarily, can create anxiety. In a cattery, your cat is surrounded by strange scents from other animals, different routines, and sometimes noisy surroundings.
A cat sitter allows your pet to stay in the environment they know best. They sleep in their favorite spot, eat from their usual bowl, and continue exploring the same windowsills and corners. This familiarity helps them feel secure, reducing the likelihood of stress-related behaviors like hiding, scratching, or refusing to eat.
2. Personalised, One-on-One Care
In a cattery, staff may be caring for dozens of cats at once. While many facilities are well-run, the sheer number of animals means your cat may not always get the attention they need. Interaction can be limited to feeding times and quick check-ins.
With a cat sitter, the care is 100% tailored to your pet. If your cat loves interactive play, they’ll get it. If they’re more reserved and just want quiet company, that’s what they’ll receive. This one-on-one approach ensures that their emotional and physical needs are fully met, not just the basics.
- Lower Risk of Illness or Injury
Anytime multiple animals are housed together, there’s an increased risk of illness. Even in reputable catteries, cats may be exposed to respiratory infections, fleas, or stress-induced health issues. For older cats, kittens, or those with underlying health conditions, this risk can be even greater.
Keeping your cat at home eliminates that risk. A sitter will feed them, clean their litter tray, and monitor their health closely. If anything seems unusual, you’ll be informed immediately. For cats with special medical needs, such as daily medication, a sitter provides the reassurance of personalised care without the stress of a clinical setting.
- Consistent Routine
Cats thrive on predictability. Regular mealtimes, familiar feeding spots, and daily rituals all contribute to their sense of stability. Boarding in a cattery often disrupts these routines; different feeding times, new surroundings, and unfamiliar people can cause anxiety.
A cat sitter will maintain your cat’s normal schedule as closely as possible. Meals happen on time, litter trays are cleaned regularly, and play or cuddle sessions happen when your cat expects them. This consistency is comforting and helps your cat adjust to your absence more smoothly.
- Added Home Security
Hiring a cat sitter benefits not just your cat but also your home. A sitter visiting daily creates the impression that the house is occupied, which can deter potential burglars. They can also handle small household tasks, bringing in the post, watering plants, or switching lights on and off.
This dual service gives you peace of mind that both your cat and your home are being looked after while you’re away. It’s an advantage that a cattery simply can’t offer.
- Flexibility and Convenience
Catteries often have strict opening hours for drop-off and collection, which may not fit with your travel schedule. In contrast, cat sitters are far more flexible. Whether you need morning visits, evening visits, or even overnight stays, you can arrange care that matches both your schedule and your cat’s preferences.
This flexibility also extends to last-minute changes. If your flight is delayed or your trip is extended, a sitter can often adjust more easily than a cattery that operates on fixed bookings.
- Regular Updates for Peace of Mind
Being away from your cat can leave you anxious. Many cat sitters now provide daily updates, photos, videos, or short messages showing your cat eating, playing, or relaxing. This reassurance allows you to enjoy your trip without constant worry.
Knowing that your cat is safe, happy, and sticking to their routine makes it easier for you to relax and focus on your travels.
- Cost-Effective for Multi-Cat Households
If you own more than one cat, cattery fees can quickly add up since most charge per animal. By contrast, many cat sitters charge per household rather than per pet. That means all of your cats can be cared for together in the same familiar space, at a more affordable cost.
Not only does this save money, but it also spares your cats the stress of being separated from one another in different enclosures.
Conclusion
Choosing how to care for your cat while you’re away is a decision that deserves careful thought. While catteries can provide a safe and structured environment, they often come with drawbacks: unfamiliar surroundings, exposure to illness, and limited personal interaction.
A cat sitter, on the other hand, offers something more holistic care that respects your cat’s personality, routine, and need for stability. It’s not just about feeding and cleaning; it’s about creating continuity, offering companionship, and ensuring that your pet feels secure in the space they know and love.
