Cat Sitting: Why Most Cats Do Best at Home While You Travel
By Anissa · Walks for Lucy, Reston, VA
Dogs may be my specialty, but I love cats. The friendly ones who come running to the door, the shy ones who take a few visits to warm up, and the troublemakers. I love them all. (I'm still working on convincing my husband that we need one of our own.)
Ask me about a cat I've looked after and I'll probably act it out for you, head tilts, paws and all. Some want food the second I walk in. Some want all the attention. And some are mostly interested in seeing what they can knock off the counter.
If you're heading out of town and wondering what to do with your cat, here's why I think most cats are happiest staying right at home.
Cats love their own space
Cats are all about their territory and their routine. A carrier, a car ride and a strange room full of new smells can be a lot for them. At home, they keep their favorite window, their sunny spot and their secret hiding places. Their meals and litter box stay just the way they like them. And there's no chance of picking up a bug from other animals.
What I do on a cat visit
- Fresh food and water, and I keep track of how much they've eaten.
- Scoop the litter box, and keep an eye on it. Changes there can be an early sign something's not right.
- Give any medicine they need.
- Play and attention for the social ones, and quiet patience for the shy ones.
- A photo for you, even if it's just a pair of eyes peeking out from under the bed.
How often should someone visit?
At least once a day. Twice is even better for kittens, seniors, cats on medication, or cats who get a bit lonely. Cats are very good at hiding when they don't feel well, so I'd never recommend leaving a cat for days with just an automatic feeder.
Little critters too
I love caring for birds, guinea pigs, turtles and other small pets as well. They do best in their own setup, too.
If you'd like your kitty cared for at home while you're away, I'd love to meet them, whenever they're ready to come out and say hi.
Walks for Lucy offers dog walking, drop-in visits and overnight dog sitting in Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax, Chantilly, Centreville and McLean, with overnight pet sitting in Leesburg. See the full service area.
General pet care information, not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's health, call your vet.
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Need a hand with your pets?
Dog walking, drop-in visits and overnight pet sitting in Reston, Fairfax and Loudoun County.