Here is a must do checklist
Things to check before leaving your cat at home – So your going away for a while and leaving you cat home, then before you leave run through a check list with your Cat Sitter. Cats can get up to mischief when left alone so make sure you keep you kitty safe! Walk through your house and check for things that could cause any problems or issues.
Check your cats microchip details are up to date before leaving for your holiday. Call the chipping company and just check all the information is correct. Make sure all details of your name, address, telephone numbers and email addresses are all up to date, often these details are overlooked when we change these any of these details. If your cat was to go missing when you are away, the last thing you would want to do whilst you are away is to try and sort out microchipping details as this could be highly stressful.
Medication
If your cat is on any kind of medication, please advise the vet that you are going away and the cat is being looked after by a cat sitter. Make sure there is enough medication to last for the time you are away and it is stored away correctly. Do explain to your cat carer how to administer the medication and how often if should be given, and check your cat carer is confident to do this.
Food and cat litter
Make sure you leave enough food and cat litter for the time you are away. Food should be stored in a closed cupboard, or food store that can not be opened by your cat. No cat sitter wants to turn up to a sitting job to find the cat has helped himself to 5 pouches of food because the owner has left them on the kitchen side! Make sure there is enough food to last the duration of your trip, leave clear instructions on how much and how often to feed your cat to your cat sitter.
Check there is going to be enough cat litter to last whilst you are away. Cats do like the litter tray to be clean and fresh, so the litter will need to be changed regularly.
Make sure all cleaning products have been store away correctly and should not be left out where a cat can be exposed to the products. Any chemicals also should be stored away from any pets in the household. You can discuss with your cat carer where the products will be stored if they are needed whilst you are away.
Make sure any plants or flowers that are left are cat friendly, as we all know that cats like to have a big chew on something when they are bored! So if you are leaving any plants either put them outside away from your cat whilst you are away, or put them somewhere out of reach. Some flowers and plants are highly toxic to cats, so it is important you check they are safe to have in your home.
lilies are dangerous for cats
Choking hazards
Check the house of any choke hazard’s such as rubber bands or needles, and remove decorations eg tinsel or Christmas lights that cats can get tangled up in. Although your cat maybe well behaved whilst you are home, when left at home alone they may chew or eat things if they are bored.
Electricals
Make sure electricals are turned off and unplugged, hairdryers and curling tongs etc have been checked to be unplugged. Check no electrical wires are left hanging to prevent the cat hanging itself.
Windows and blinds
Check windows are closed and secure, no cat sitter wants to turn up to find an indoor kitty has managed to get out of the window and taken himself on a little walk! Make sure blind cords have been cut and have been placed out of the cats reach, and curtain tie backs have been removed whilst you are away. Cats love playing with the tassels of a tie back but this could end in disaster.
House temperature
Check the house will be a comfortable heat whilst you are away, either set the heating to come on at a certain time, or have it on a constant low to keep the house warm but not to hot for your cat.
Cat flaps
If you cat is allowed out, please check the cat flap is working correctly and is not damaged. If your cat flap is run by batteries make sure you leave a spare set of batteries for your cat sitter if they need replacing.
A photo of your cat
Lastly leave a good photo of your cat with the cat sitter, if you cat does go missing it is best to act fast. This photo can be then used to alert people to your lost cat or to make posters or leaflet
Any concerns should be discussed with your cat sitter.
Before you go on your holiday discuss any worries with your cat sitter, a good cat sitter will visit you home and advise how to keep you cat safe so you can go on holiday and enjoy yourself knowing you cat is in safe hands.