The summer dilemma of the owner
Summer. Planned vacation. You are facing your cat.
Question:
- "Should I take him with me" (seems like an act of love).
- "Should I leave him at home" (seems like "abandonment").
Surprising reality:
- For the most cats, leaving them at home is better.
Let's see how to decide.
The key difference with dogs
Dogs:
- Generally love traveling.
- Adapt to new places.
- Want to be with the owner.
Cats:
- Are territorial.
- Love routine.
- Get stressed by changes.
- Often prefer to stay at home.
Understanding this is essential.
The 5 reasons why "leaving him at home is better"
Reason 1: the cat is territorial
Unlike dogs:
- A cat is attached to the place, not just the person.
- Change of place = maximum stress.
- Returning home = return to "his" territory.
Reason 2: travel stress
The journey (see dedicated article):
- Carrier.
- Car/train/plane.
- Unknown noises.
- Movement.
For cats: trauma.
Reason 3: unfamiliar environment
Vacation home:
- New smells.
- New sounds.
- Unfamiliar spaces.
- Possible exposure to dangers (unsafe balconies, toxic plants).
Weeks of adaptation for the cat.
Reason 4: health risks
Change of environment:
- Decreased appetite.
- Stress.
- Possible hepatic lipidosis (see specific article).
- Stress-induced cystitis.
Reason 5: difficult return
Once back home:
- Often takes 1-2 weeks to "rediscover" routine.
- Additional stress.
When "taking him" is okay
Exceptions where taking the cat can work:
1. Long vacation (1 month+)
If you will be away for 4+ weeks:
- Intensive pet sitting is expensive.
- The cat may suffer greatly from your absence.
2. Cat already "used to" traveling
Few cats have a "traveler" temperament:
- They adapt easily.
- Stress is contained.
3. Family vacation home
Already known in the past:
- Reduced stress.
- Familiar environment.
4. Emergency area vacation
If you need to evacuate (fires, floods):
- Taking him is necessary.
Alternatives to "taking him"
Option 1: pet sitter at home (the best)
What it offers:
- Daily visits (1-2 times/day).
- Food, water, litter.
- Cuddles, play.
- Health check.
Cost:
- 15-25 € per visit.
- 30-50 € per day (long visit).
Advantages:
- Cat stays at home.
- Minimal stress.
- Almost normal routine.
Where to find:
- Pawshake: platform.
- DogBuddy / Holidog.
- Friends/relatives (free).
- Vets (some offer it).
Option 2: live-in pet sitter
What it offers:
- Person lives in your home.
- 24/7 with the cat.
Cost: 40-80 €/day.
Suitable for: long vacations.
Option 3: cat boarding
Dedicated facilities:
- Space for each cat.
- Qualified staff.
Cost: 15-30 €/day.
Advantages:
- Safety.
- Experienced staff.
Disadvantages:
- Cat outside of its environment.
- Stress from a new place.
Option 4: friends/family
Free but:
- Check their knowledge.
- Possible oversights.
- Potential stress for them.
How to choose the pet sitter
What to check
Experience:
- Years with cats.
- Types of cats handled.
References:
- Online reviews.
- Contacts of other clients.
Preliminary visit:
- Meet the pet sitter first.
- Show the house, litter boxes, bowls.
- Leave detailed instructions.
Insurance:
- Professional pet sitters have a policy.
What to leave for the pet sitter
Documents:
- Vet's number.
- Your phone number.
- Emergency family number.
- Possible veterinary credit card.
Materials:
- Food (labeled portions).
- Litter + sand.
- Any medications (with instructions).
- Toys.
written instructions:
- Daily routine.
- Cat preferences.
- Normal behaviors.
- What to do if...
What to prepare for the vacation
Weeks before
Veterinarian visit:
- Health check.
- Vaccinations.
- Any medications.
Updated microchip.
Recent photo of the cat.
Days before
Food stock:
- Enough for the entire period.
- Same brand (no changes).
Fresh litter:
- Stock up for duration.
House cleaning:
- Clean litter.
- Fresh water.
Day of departure
Normal routine:
- The cat should not "feel" anything unusual.
- No dramatic goodbyes (they stress).
Leave used clothing:
- Your scent.
- Bed, sofa.
Signs of stress upon return
What to expect:
Mild stress (normal):
- "Reproachful" vocalization.
- Initial distance.
- Exploring the house.
Timing: 24-48 hours.
Significant stress:
- Anorexia for 2+ days.
- Hiding.
- Poor litter box use.
- Change in behavior.
What to do:
- Patience.
- Cuddles when he seeks them.
- Normal routine.
If it persists:
- Veterinarian.
Typical stories
Ideal story:
- 2-week vacation.
- Pet sitter every morning/evening.
- Cat stays at home.
- Upon return: slight "resentful reward" for 1 day.
- Normal life resumed.
Drama story:
- Decide to take him.
- Stressful journey.
- Vacation home: cat hides for 5 days.
- Eats little.
- Maximum stress.
- Veterinarian upon return for initial lipidosis.
Special situations
Senior cats
Dangerous changes:
- More stress.
- Leaving at home with a pet sitter is ideal.
Cats with medical conditions
Under veterinary control:
- Qualified pet sitter.
- Possible veterinary boarding (for serious conditions).
Solo cats (no other animals)
Loneliness + human absence:
- Increased stress.
- More frequent pet sitter (2 visits/day).
Pairs of cats
Keep each other company:
- 1 visit/day is often sufficient.
Costs
Pet sitter (2 weeks):
- 1 visit/day: 200-350 €.
- 2 visits/day: 400-700 €.
Boarding (2 weeks):
- 250-500 €.
Taking him (by car):
- "Free" but high stress.
Calculation:
- Pet sitter at home: often cheaper than boarding + less stress.
When "vacation with the cat" works
Specific cases:
Familiar family home
- Family house at the sea/mountain.
- Cat has been there before.
- Familiar with the place.
Long-term transfer
- More than 1 month.
- Pet sitter too expensive.
"Traveler" cat
- Rare temperament.
- Already shown to handle trips.
Myths to debunk
Myth 1: "Leaving the cat is abandonment".
False: with a pet sitter it is care.
Myth 2: "He will feel alone".
Partially true: less stress than traveling.
Myth 3: "All cats can travel".
False: most suffer.
Myth 4: "Boarding = guaranteed stress".
Variable: depends on the boarding and the cat.
Myth 5: "He will miss you".
True but: manageable with care.
The truth
For most cats:
- ✅ Leaving him at home is better.
- ✅ Pet sitter is the ideal solution.
- ✅ Stress reduced to a minimum.
- ✅ Health preserved.
Investment: 200-700 € depending on duration.
Benefit:
- Peaceful cat.
- You have a relaxed vacation.
- Without worries.
Exceptions: very few cases justify "taking him".
And remember: loving your cat means respecting his nature. If staying at home is better for him, it is not abandonment: it is informed love.
Plan well. Invest in a pet sitter. Enjoy your vacation. Upon return: you find a serene cat, intact home, normal life.
For your cat, home is the world. Let him live it.
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