The holidays are a busy time filled with travel, visitors, and changes to routine. Every year, when we begin to think about making plans for the holidays, our very next thought that follow is... "what are we going to do with the kitties this year?" Whether we're planning to travel to visit family, hosting gatherings at home or flying overseas for a little holiday R & R, you may have a few option in front of you for how to best care for your floof during the holidays.
While it is exciting for people, it can be stressful for cats. Long car rides, unfamiliar places, and new smells can cause anxiety. Whether you are driving to visit family, flying out of state, or staying close to home but hosting guests, a little planning goes a long way in keeping your cat safe and comfortable.
These tips will help you prepare for holiday travel while making thoughtful decisions about your cat’s care.
First, Some Things to Consider
Let's start by thinking about Kitty's temperament. While all cats prefer familiarity and routine, some kitties are more chill than others. Consider how you cat reacts to disturbances in their routine and think about how each of your care options might stress them out.
How comfortable is your kitty in a carrier? In an unfamiliar place, around kids, strangers and other pets? Do they expect to have plenty of attention and lap access, or do they prefer a cozy hidey-hole away from any activity?
And if your cat has any special needs, be they dietary, behavioral or medical, can you be confident those needs can be accommodated in each option.
And finally of course the cost. Depending on the length and complexity of your plans, your options for accommodating your cat can become expensive. It's always best to do your research and prepare for any potential outlay as early as possible.
Preserve Comfort and Routine
Cats are creatures of routine, so try to identify any ways you can continue their favorite familiar experiences during the travel season. Make sure kitty has their favorite toy on hand and access to something with your smell to make them feel more at home in a stressful environment. For example, if you're boarding you kitty, send a well worn hoodie or the blanket from their favorite sleeping spot to make them feel more at home. If they'll be spending time in a carrier, like on a long road trip or flight, replace the carrier's padding with the blanket or pillow they love most.
And of course have plenty of their favorite treats on hand. A little spoiling for the holidays is perfectly appropriate!
If You Travel With Your Cat, Prepare the Space in Advance
If your cat will be traveling with you, set up a quiet room at your destination before you arrive. Include a litter box, food and water, familiar bedding, and a few favorite toys. This gives your cat a safe place to decompress while the rest of the house is busy.
Always use a secure carrier for transport and never allow cats to roam freely in the car. Make sure your cat’s collar and microchip information are up to date in case of an unexpected escape.
Boarding Your Cat Can Be a Safe and Comfortable Option
For many cats, staying behind in a calm, familiar environment or a trusted cat-only boarding facility is far less stressful than traveling. Cat-only boarding facilities (Like Chez Mieux!) provide routine, quiet surroundings, and caregivers who understand feline behavior. This is especially helpful when holiday visitors, decorations, and noise would disrupt your cat at home.
When choosing a boarding facility, look for one that offers individual suites, daily interaction, and personalized care based on your cat’s habits and preferences.
Schedule Care Early and Confirm Details
Holiday dates fill up quickly. Whether you are boarding your cat or hiring a pet sitter, book early and confirm all details in writing. Provide clear feeding instructions, medication schedules, emergency contacts, and vet information.
If your cat has special needs, discuss them ahead of time so there are no surprises during a busy holiday week.
Prepare for Holiday Hazards at Home
If your cat is staying home while you travel or while guests visit, remove common holiday hazards before you leave. Secure decorations, cover tree stand water, avoid tinsel, and keep toxic plants out of reach. Ask sitters or family members to keep doors and windows closed to prevent escapes.
Leaving familiar scents, bedding, and routines in place can help reduce stress while you are away.
Keep It Calm... As Best You can
Cats take emotional cues from their people. Try to keep departures and arrivals low key. Avoid dramatic goodbyes and give your cat space when you return home. Let them approach you when they are ready. And kitty calming spray can be your best friend! A generous spritz
Maintaining a calm tone helps your cat feel secure and reinforces trust.
A Little Planning Makes a Big Difference
The holidays should be enjoyable for everyone in the household, including your cat. Planning ahead allows you to travel with peace of mind, knowing your cat is safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
At Chez Mieux Cat Kennel, we specialize in providing a quiet, cat-only environment where each guest receives personalized attention during the busiest travel seasons of the year. If you are planning holiday travel, we are happy to help you decide what care option is best for your cat.