All of us need to leave our fur babies from time to time, whether it’s to travel for work, holidays, or some other reason. When it comes to arranging the care of your cat or another small animal (rabbit, ferret, etc), pet sitting can be a far superior option than boarding your pet elsewhere.
Dogs are social creatures and many of them will thrive in a boarding kennel while you’re away. Cats, on the other hand, are not social creatures at all – though they will most likely miss you while you’re gone. They may be much happier with a cat sitter at home than being sent out to be boarded in unfamiliar surroundings.
Cat Boarding – there are some Cons
Lots of people send their cats out to be boarded. This may be to a cat-specific boarding facility (cattery) or simply at your local vet. While there are some exceptionally good catteries out there:
- Not all catteries provide premium conditions and care.
- Vet boarding facilities usually have small cages.
- While some cats are quite happy to go to the cattery for their vacation, many will find the experience very stressful. This is especially the case with boarding at the vet, a place your pet may associate with being sick or in pain.
- It can also be stressful being in the company of strangers – especially in an unfamiliar environment. Most cats will become very stressed by going to a cattery or the vet for an extended period. Some will even feel they have been abandoned – they don’t understand that you will be coming back for them, and their time away from you and home will seem endless.
- Your pet will not, in most catteries, receive one-on-one love and affection.
- A lot of cats hate to travel, and some can become extremely distressed and even car sick.
Cat Sitting – Why It’s Better
The benefits of cat sitting in Sydney in your home include:
- Your pet is the focus of the sitter while they are there.
- Your pet is more comfortable in their home environment.
- Your pet will be less stressed.
- Your cat will be given her regular diet.
- Your pet will not be exposed to other animals and potential issues such as illness, fleas, infections, etc.
Having a pet sitter also gives your home a “lived-in” appearance while you’re away – they can collect your mail, water your plants, bring in your bins, alert you of any issues, and generally minimize the risks involved with leaving a home empty and unattended.
However long you’re away, your pet needs these basic things:
- A safe environment (inside, especially at night)
- Fresh water daily
- Fresh food daily
- Waste cleaned up and removed daily
- Prompt care if unwell
- Love and affection
The right pet sitters provide this.
It is, however really important to only hire a professional, registered pet carer for pet sitting – you wouldn’t leave your human child in the hands of anyone less, would you? A professional cat (or dog) sitter who is registered will not only be trustworthy with your pet but also with access to your home.
Hot Dog Walking offers professional, trustworthy cat sitting Inner West services, alongside other pet care services. We can come to your home daily while you are away to check in on and feed, clean up after and love your pet – whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit, ferret, chicken, budgie, lizard, or another small animal. We can also provide overnight stays if requested.
Additionally, if we are minding a dog, we can walk him so he stays happy and healthy.
Call us today to explore how our cat sitting service in Annandale, Rozelle, Leichhardt and Glebe can benefit you and your precious fur baby next time you need to be away!