Cats are Social Animals – Tips for While You’re Away

Tips for having a well adjusted socially happy cat.

As much as we can pretend, we don’t really know what’s going on in the head of a cat. Some are like dogs, trailing behind us, but most are slightly aloof, with all interaction on their terms only.

I’m often asked for advice on what to do with animals when people are on holiday, and now that many cats have had their owners home for possibly a year or more, they are used to company. Some people are at the point of not going a holiday at all, as they are so worried about what would be best for their cats/s.

There’s no getting away from the fact that cats are more comfortable at home than they are in a cattery, away from everything they know and everyone they love. staying at home is often the best option all round.

Even though we use the term aloof to refer to cats, they are often also traumatised if they are used to someone at home, but suddenly find themselves alone for days on end. If someone is only popping in every few days to top up water and dried food, it can be especially upsetting for a pet.

My own cats have always stayed at home, which was the best solution for us.

Tips for keeping your cats happy in Aberdeen while you’re away:

Have regular company visit when you’re away on holiday. We can visit once or twice a day.

Introduce your cat to your cat sitter, so they are prepared before you go.

Don’t force your cat to say hello, that will come in time, when they begin to trust the person feeding/offering pets.

Please don’t wash their blankets/bedding just before you go. Changing bedding and freshening blankets can be distressing for some animals, and we don’t want your pet to feel upset while you are away.

Leave your regular food and plenty allowed treats for us to interact with your pets.

If your cat is used to being indoors all the time, going outdoors whenever they please, or being walked on a lead, we can help with each type of feline lifestyle.

If your cat is a extra social feline or an indoor only cat and you’d prefer a longer visit, this can be arranged as a one off or as a regular thing. Extra time at a regular time slot is charged at a half hourly discounted rate.

Have timer lights smart lights so your cat isn’t left in the dark when the house would usually have some lights for them to move about. Especially in months where it is dark early, as even thought cats have much better night vision than us, keeping their routine as familiar as possible, is a very important aspect of pet care.