Going away for a vacation? Your cat may prefer to stay home over being boarded or sleeping over at a friend’s house. Most cats can handle a few days without their families as long as their basic needs are covered. That said, while cats are independent, they do miss their favorite humans when we’re away and they do need daily check-ins to refresh their accommodations and ensure they’re safe. Here’s what you should know when planning to leave your cat home alone while you’re on vacation.

1. Get a Pet Sitter
No matter how independent your cat is, it’s essential to have someone check in on them at least once or twice each day. A pet sitter can top off your cat’s food bowl, clean and refill their water, give them some love and attention, and scoop the litterbox. Even if your cat is set with an automatic feeder and self-cleaning litterbox, you’ll get peace of mind that they’re safe, healthy, and not too lonely with a daily check-in from a trusted sitter.
Many pet parents rely on a friend, neighbor, or family member to check in on their cats. While a friend may offer to visit your cat for free, it’s worthwhile to hire a reputable pet sitter who’s been verified by a professional association like Pet Sitters International (PSI). A professional pet sitter from a bonded and insured sitting company will be trained in pet CPR, can administer medications, and will recognize signs of a potential emergency. Pet sitters can be relied on to be on time, to give you updates, and deliver on promised services without making critical mistakes like leaving the door unlocked or letting your cat out.

2. Cat-Proof Your Space
As a seasoned pet parent, you probably have already cat-proofed your home, and you likely have a pretty good idea of what kind of mischief your cat tends to get into. If you’ll be leaving your cat alone for an extended period of time, stress and boredom can lead them to be more destructive than usual. Before you take off, scan your home for any potential hazards. Make sure to unplug and put away electronics, pick up small items like hair ties, and take out trash.

3. Set Up A Pet Cam
You can get a pet camera to watch over your cat from your smartphone. Some have a built-in treat tosser, laser pointer, or other cool integrated features, like infrared night vision and motion tracking. Most have a two-way audio so you can “call” your cat anytime.

4. Give Your Cat A Safe Space
If your cat is an indoor-outdoor kitty, it’s best to lock up the pet door before you go. The outside world is a dangerous place for cats, even more so when you’re not home to make sure they’re returning safely each day. For indoor cats, make sure to close off bathrooms, bedrooms, and/or the kitchen to minimize hazards that you might have missed.

5. Keep Your Cat Entertained
Make sure your cat has plenty of ways to pass the time while they wait for you to return home. Now’s the time to clean out and refill the bird feeder, make sure your cat has plenty of perches and nooks and put out a few extra toys. Interactive toys like Crazy Circle, Catit Groovy Fish, and FroliCat Bolt are perfect for home-alone cats.

With all of your cat’s needs taken care of, you can go on your vacation with the peace of mind that they’ll be fine on their own. Meanwhile, your cat will enjoy a quiet staycation while they wait for you to return.