Are you planning to go on vacation soon? If you have a dog, then you’ll definitely be making arrangements for someone to take care of Fido. But what about Fluffy? Cats are known for their independent nature. That self-sufficient streak allows them to comfortably spend longer periods of time alone at home than dogs can. However, your feline buddy isn’t as independent as she thinks. Continue reading as a Fredericksburg TX vet discusses why it’s a great idea to bring your beloved cat to a pet hotel while you’re away.

Boarding Provides a Safer Environment for Cats

While leaving your pet at home may seem feasible, there are several potential mishaps that could arise. Cats have a knack for being playful and mischievous. It’s likely that many of you have, at some point, saved your cat from a dangerous situation. Fluffy may have gotten stuck behind a bookcase or tangled up in a piece of string. The key is to never underestimate your pet’s capacity for mischief.

When depending on a petsitter, it’s important to keep in mind that they may encounter unexpected emergencies that prevent them from being available. There is always that potential danger. Your pet could run out of food or water while you are away if something like that happens.

Ultimately, boarding is the safer choice for your beloved pet. You can rest assured that your kitty will have food and water, and she’ll be carefully looked after. Boarding with your Fredericksburg TX vet is extra beneficial, as they’ll already be aware of any medical issues she had.

A Great Kennel Isn’t Very Stressful

Adjusting to a cattery environment can be quite overwhelming, particularly in the beginning. This is the reason we go to great lengths to ensure that our cat boarding facilities are designed to provide the utmost comfort and enjoyment for our furry guests.

Discovering a top-notch kennel and staying loyal to it can be very beneficial. The more familiar your pet becomes with her temporary home, the less distressed she will be when she finds herself there. After a few stays, Fluffy will quickly realize that she will only be in a different location for a short period of time.

If you’re worried about your pet feeling sad or lonely, you can also make arrangements for her to receive some additional cuddles or playtime. It never hurts to ask!

Cats May Not Be As Independent As They Pretend

A lot of people believe that because cats are quite independent, it’s best for them to remain at home. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. Our feline companions can experience profound sadness, loneliness, and anxiety when left alone. Fluffy may express that anxiety through various dangerous behaviors, including excessive grooming, loss of appetite, and/or attempts to escape.

Fluffy Isn’t Much For Travelling

As you probably know, our feline pals are generally not fans of car rides, and they definitely don’t like planes. While there are a few adventurous kitties out there that have adapted to van life or are otherwise trekking the world with their humans, they are the exception rather than the rule.

While Fluffy may be loving and cuddling, traveling can really unsettle her. Like any other animal, cats have that built-in fight-or-flight instinct. The last thing you want is for your kitty to bolt in fear when she’s in an unfamiliar place!

How Long Can Cats Be Left Alone?

It is true that cats can stay home by themselves for longer than dogs can. But how long is too long?

As a rule of thumb, we would usually recommend that adult cats never be left alone for more than 24 or 48 hours. That is assuming that the kitty is healthy. If Fluffy has a medical issue, then it’s best to just board her.

We also don’t recommend leaving kittens or senior cats home alone for more than a single night, if that. They’re just too fragile!

Kitties Have Unique Needs

One reason boarding is a great choice for dogs is because it allows them to run and play freely. Many dogs love going to doggy daycare! Cats have a different way of thinking. (Actually, that’s quite an understatement.) This isn’t the case with our feline pals, though. Cats generally prefer to keep to themselves, and are not as inclined to interact with other pets, especially strange ones. Even though Fluffy and Mittens often ultimately learn to get along, it’s rare for our feline pals to become close right away.

Cats also tend to feel more secure in cozy, compact areas. If something startles your furry friend, such as the sound of a kitchen pot clanging or a loud alarm, she will likely seek shelter and hide. Fluffy finds the kennel environment to be quite comforting. Fluffy prefers the comfort of home, where you are. Extended periods of solitude can be highly distressing for cats, posing significant risks to their well-being.

A good kennel will take these things into account. Fluffy will have that safe, private place that feels cozy and secure for her, but she’ll also get the one-on-one attention that will keep her from feeling lonely.

You Know Your Kitty Will Stay Put

Another aspect to consider when it comes to pet sitters is the potential risk of your feline buddy escaping. The Great Outdoors can be quite treacherous for a kitty! Some cats are desperate to get outside and will attempt to escape whenever someone comes or goes from the house. The last thing you want is for Fluffy to escape while you’re gone!

Boarding Provides a Sense of Security

Pet sitting services have gained significant popularity in recent years. We completely understand the reason and appeal of having someone stop by to walk your dog or feed Fluffy while you’re away. However, this also means allowing someone else to enter your home. We want to make it clear that we do not believe dog walkers are untrustworthy. In fact, the majority of them are likely to be wonderful individuals. However, you can’t be too careful these days.

A Purrfectly Heartwarming Reunion

It’s truly heartwarming to witness the sheer joy that dogs exude when their owners come to retrieve them. Cats are equally delighted to see their owners and come back home!

When you bring Fluffy home, you may notice that she is quite chatty and cuddly. She might want to share her experience of her stay, or maybe express her disappointment at your departure. Or she may simply want to head straight for her favorite napping spot and return to her usual routine. Either way, you’ll enjoy that special time with your cute pet when you return.

Conclusion: When it comes to pet care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. By choosing a professional facility for your kitty, you can rest assured that she will receive fresh food, water, and daily attention. She will also be closely monitored, ensuring that any potential illness can be promptly addressed.

Reserve a Spot at Our Fredericksburg TX Cat Hotel

Would you like to schedule boarding or a veterinary appointment for your cat? Feel free to get in touch with us at your Fredericksburg TX animal hospital at any time. We take great pride in offering a secure, hygienic, and enjoyable environment for your pets during their stay with us. Our utmost priority is to ensure that our furry guests receive the royal treatment they deserve!