How to Leave a Cat With Short-Term Caretakers

You may feel unglued when you have to leave your cat for business or vacation trips, because you'll miss the little beast so much. But she will be fine in the care of other people. Here's how to put a good plan in place for times when you need to let someone else enjoy taking care of your cat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your cat's normal food
• Litter box, and an extra container of litter
• Contact information for your vet
• Phone number to reach you
• A cat-loving friend or professional pet-sitter
• An extra set of keys to your house

1. Choose a caretaker who can come to your house at least once a day, and preferably twice a day. Cats are happier when they can stay in their own homes. Work out a clear visiting schedule with the visitor. Remember to provide them with the extra set of keys.

2. If you cook special food for your cat, fix up a batch in advance. Place portions in individual sandwich bags for each day you'll be gone.

3. Put in writing everything your caretaker needs to know: detailed feeding instructions, name and numbers for your vet, phone numbers for you.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to hire a professional pet-sitter, check with your vet's office. They can probably recommend someone to take care of your cat.
• If your cat takes medications, make sure your pet-sitter knows how to give pills and liquid meds to a cat. Giving medicine to a cat is not an adventure for beginners. Don't assume that all cat-lovers already know how to do this. Be sure you've got someone who's experienced. Or, teach your caretaker exactly how to administer the medication.