Cat Sitting vs. Cat Boarding in Alexandria, VA

As much as you’d like to, you can’t take your cat with you everywhere. While leaving your cat at home is usually okay for errands or day trips, if you’re going out of town for a few days or more and you have to leave your cat behind, you’ll need to find a way to make sure it’s being taken care of.

Two popular ways cat owners ensure their pets are healthy and happy are cat sitting and cat boarding in Alexandria, VA. Both of these options come with their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to know which is right for you and your feline friend.

Cat sitting

Cat sitting entails hiring someone to either stay at your home or visit your home multiple times a day to check on your cat. A cat sitter will provide your cat with food and water, clean out its litter box and play with the cat while they’re there.

Cat sitting is a great option if you know and trust someone who is good with pets and who will be able to offer your cat the attention it deserves. You want to be absolutely sure you trust your cat sitter—some people won’t treat your cat as well as they say and won’t play with or pet the cat, depriving it of love and attention.

If you opt for cat sitting, be sure to leave your cat sitter detailed instructions about food and medication, as well as your vet’s phone number and information in case of an emergency.

If your cat is older and has an established routine, hiring a cat sitter is probably ideal. This way, your cat stays in a place where it is comfortable and can maintain its regular routines. Cat sitting is also a good choice if you have multiple pets. Boarding multiple pets can be expensive, and pets tend to be less destructive or distraught when they have others to play with.

Cat boarding

On the other hand, cat boarding is when you check your pet into a facility that takes care of pets around the clock. Think of these facilities as pet hotels with all kinds of amenities. Staff will come to check up on your pet, give them food and water, socialize with them, play with them and make sure they don’t require medical attention.

Boarding your cat is a good idea if you’re going to be gone for a longer period of time and don’t have anyone to go check on your cat. It’s also a good choice for cats who tend to get in trouble if they’re left alone in your home for extended periods of time. However, boarding can get expensive after a few days.

Unfortunately, some cats get really anxious when you board them, since they are away from the environment they know and love. You can help ease these anxieties by bringing your cat’s bed and favorite toy, as well as an article of clothing that smells like you to remind them of home.

At Kingstowne Cat Clinic, your top choice for feline medical and surgical care, we offer top-quality cat boarding in Alexandria, VA for existing patients. You’ll know your cat is in great hands while you’re away. We also offer wellness exams and a wide variety of cat care procedures to keep your cat healthy and happy. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Categorised in: Cat Boarding

This post was written by Writer