You read often that cat owners refer to themselves as "employees" of their cats. But is that really how cats see us? Does my cat miss me when I go on holiday without her? In this article, you'll find out how affectionate cats really are and get practical tips to make the transition as stress-free as possible for your cat when you go away.
Does your cat miss you when you have to leave it home by itself?
One thing right away: although you can of course leave your cat alone for a few hours and it sleeps on average 16 hours anyway, it is often wrongly assumed that a cat can be left alone for days on end. However, it is known that cats that are often left alone tend to develop depression, become overweight or even develop behavioural problems. Cats are solitary animals, but they are also social animals. For most cats, it is also true that they feel more comfortable in pairs than alone. Of course, exceptions prove the rule and every cat has its own character. Some like to be on their own for a while, while others prefer to be with their human all the time. These social characteristics are partly influenced by their first experiences as kittens. As a result, some cats cope better than others when you are not around and they have to spend time alone.
How can I tell that my cat loves me?
Even though they are often said to be aloof and only see us as their employees, cats seek friendly relationships with us humans and often form deep bonds with their favourite humans.
Cats may not display their feelings as openly as dogs often do, but our feline friends send many subtle signals to show their attachment to us. Cats show you their love and affection through the following behaviours, for example:
Slow winking (also called "cat kiss")
Purring
Head bumps or pressing their whole body against us
Running after and following us at every turn
Attempts to climb onto their human's lap, back etc. or similar search for physical closeness to us
Relaxed rolling onto the side and showing the underside of the belly (caution: it is better not to touch their belly anyway, because many cats are particularly sensitive in this area and react with scratching or similar).
engthen your bond and improve your cat's well-being. And if you go on holiday and hire a cat sitter, be sure to inform him or her of all your cat's preferences and ask them to maintain your pet's routine as much as possible while you're away.
How long can a cat be left alone?
Never leave your cat completely alone for more than a day, even if you give it plenty of food and water! As already explained, cats are social animals and seek contact with us humans. On the one hand, it is of course essential to clean the cat's litter box every day, and on the other hand, regular checks should be made to ensure that the cat is in good health. However, most cats are simply happy to have some company! For most cats, being placed in a boarding kennel means a lot of stress, combined with the loss of their familiar environment, which offers them protection and security. Therefore, it is often a better alternative to get mobile cat care at home for the time of a trip.
Cat care on holiday: This way your cat misses you less
Everyone who lives with a cat knows that cats are creatures of habit. This applies to their daily routines as well as their familiar surroundings. Any sudden changes to this routine or territory are always associated with stress for our feline companions, and too much stress is neither healthy for us humans nor for animals.
When you travel, it is therefore better to leave your cat in its familiar environment and maintain its daily routine as much as possible with the help of a local cat sitter. It's best to let your cat sitter know many details of your daily routine, rituals and schedules: when does your cat get her food and how exactly? Is there a game she particularly likes, where does she prefer to sleep? What idiosyncrasies does she have? How and when do you give treats?
My 4Patas Pet Sitting @Home service always includes a free initial consultation where we can talk about all these individual needs and get to know each other. My daily visits to your cat will then last at least 30 minutes, during which I will take care of litter box cleanliness (and surroundings), feeding and playing as well as simply providing spatial company if your cat is too shy to play. There are many cats who hide at first. This does not mean that your cat prefers to be completely alone for the duration of your trip. It just needs some time to get used to the new company.
Tips for your holidays:
Organise care for your cat at home if possible
Calmness and tranquillity during the preparation of the trip (packing of suitcases, etc.) and on the day of departure itself.
Always organise a familiarisation meeting with your pet sitter.
Maintain your cat's routines and schedules
Allow access to your cat's resting places
If possible, do not change food during this time
Leave your cat a piece of clothing you have worn, as it loves the smell of its human and feels reassured by it (many cats therefore like to sleep on or in the laundry basket)
Use a cat pheromone diffuser to calm your cat (it plugs into the wall socket).
Some cats respond very positively to their human's voice, whether it's a voice message on the cat sitter's phone or even a short phone call (sounds exotic and far-fetched, but I've experienced it myself)
Interactive toys (activity boards, or fillable treat balls) keep them busy and distracted.
And after your return home...
....it's best to give your cat an extra portion of love and attention - even if it initially gives you the cold shoulder. She has missed you very much and is happy to have you all to herself again!
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