Tips To Prevent Anxiety With A Cat Sitter
It's often less stressful for cats to stay home when you go on vacation, as opposed to going to a boarding kennel. Yet, staying home doesn't mean they should be left unsupervised. Hiring a pet sitter to provide basic care can go a long way towards avoiding problems and reducing your cat's stress. The following tips can increase your cat's safety and further help alleviate your cat's anxiety when you are away.
Tip #1: Make a list of hiding places
It's not uncommon for cats to turn antisocial for the sitter. At the same time, your sitter will want to make visual contact each day to make sure your cat is doing okay. Chances are good that you know most of your cat's hiding places, such as a cabinet, under the beds, or inside a box in your closet. List all the known hiding spots your cat has to make it easier for your sitter to check on their well-being.
Tip #2: Create a comfort spot
Cats are often used to being left alone for long hours, but they will begin to notice when the hours become days. Cats also can suffer some separation anxiety, which means they may not eat or they may become stressed. Create a cat bed just for them. You can line it with your pillowcase or a well-worn shirt – just something that holds your scent and can provide comfort.
Tip #3: Provide some extra litter pans
Stressed cats may sometimes turn on their litter box. Plus, a pet sitter may not be able to scoop the box as often throughout the day as your cat is used to. Providing a couple of extra litter boxes can help minimize the chances of an accident.
Tip #4: Supply some favorite treats
Only you know what your cat's favorite treats are. Make sure to have a good supply on hand for the pet sitter to offer. You may also want to provide a few new cat toys that your sitter can dole out while you are away. Catnip toys can work especially well to help your cat relax and feel less anxious.
Tip #5: Schedule some pre-sitting meetings
If your cat is especially nervous around strangers, then invite the sitter over a couple of times before you leave so that your cat can become accustomed to them before your vacation. Don't force your cat to be picked up or petted by the sitter, but do have the sitter offer the cat some extra special treats. Your cat may never fully warm up to the sitter, but they will feel less stress if they are familiar with the person.
A pet sitting service like Katie's Kitty may also be able to meet your needs in this area.
