If you are planning on traveling for an extended time period and you regularly care for a cat in the confines of your home, finding an alternate person to take care of your feline while you are absent will become a priority. You will need to decide whether to have someone come to your home periodically to check on your pet or whether to bring it to a boarding facility like Academy Of Canine Behavior until you return. Here are two points to consider when making this decision.
Evaluate The Need For Medical Assistance
If your cat is elderly, if it routinely needs medical assistance, or if medication needs to be administered to keep it healthy, a boarding facility may be a better answer to your dilemma. A cat boarding facility will have a veterinarian on-staff or a phone call away to handle any medical emergencies that arise. There will also be staff members available around the clock to be able to give a pet their needed medication as well as to check on their health situation as necessary. While these tasks can be done by someone visiting your home, there is the chance they will not be there when a problem arises, and they would need to transport the cat to a veterinarian if there were a medical issue that needed attention.
Consider Your Cat's Social Needs
If your cat shies away from other people when they visit your home, or if they are skittish around other animals, it may be a better idea to have someone come to your home to tend to their needs. They will have the security of being in a familiar location when the caregiver arrives, allowing them to hide from this person if they get scared. Let your caregiver know of any areas your cat will run to when strangers are around so they will have an idea where to look for your pet if it is not in plain view upon their arrival.
If your cat is social, and if it gets along with other animals, a cat boarding facility may be a great getaway destination while you are away. Your cat will enjoy having others pet it while you are away, which will help keep it content and feeling loved when you are unable to do this on your own. Some boarding facilities offer grooming services, which will also allow your cat the benefit of interaction, which can aid in keeping your cat from becoming depressed because of your absence.
