Even though vacation are meant to be fun for people, cats may find them stressful and develop behavioral problems and separation anxiety because of the interruption in their routine.
A cat’s behavior issues can arise when the owner is abroad, while the cat is being transferred, or right after the owner gets back home. While some cats can handle travel, hotel stays, or kennel boarding, most cats fare better when they remain at home with a pet sitter. Although this isn’t always possible, there are thankfully some things you can do to lessen your cat’s stress and the likelihood of behavioral problems while you’re away.
Your cat’s environment has changed.
Cats adore routine and thrive on it to the point where they could become worried if something changes. When cat owners leave on vacation, many things change for the cats, including their absence, changing feeding patterns, less attention, new people, and occasionally new surroundings if they are boarded.
A new schedule may take your cat five days to two weeks, or even longer, to grow used to and accept. Consider how long it can take some cats to adjust to a new environment or to welcome new cats into their homes. These two examples demonstrate how stiff cats can be. When a stranger deviates from the routine, like a pet sitter, your cat becomes stressed. When your cat has had time to acclimate to the new routine with the dog sitter and before you return from your trip. By rigidly observing important benchmarks like meals, playtime, grooming, lap-sitting interactions, and others, you can help your cat feel as relaxed as possible. Some cats hide as a result, exhibit defensive behaviors, or carry out unwanted actions.
Peeing in unconventional places
Unwanted elimination, especially urinating beyond the litter box, is one of the most common behavioral problems cats display when there is a change in the family. When among new individuals, such as pet sitters or boarding facilities, cats may act aggressively or exhibit terror. These emotions may cause cats to urinate outside of their litter box as a means of communicating their anxiety or fear to people. Cats appreciate the aroma of their own bodies, therefore putting that perfume onto items that smell like their owners also helps to calm them down. Since urine is challenging to remove from items like furniture, carpeting, and mattresses, dealing with and cleaning up after a urine spill can be frustrating.
Excessive scratching by cats
Anxious or disturbed cats may start clawing more, in addition to inappropriately peeing. Animals instinctively scratch to maintain the condition of their claws and to mark their territory. But these behaviors might get worse and constitute an issue when the cat is under stress.
The Hiding Habits of Cats
Cats generally run away from new objects because they are so frightening to them. Because it is scared of the situation, your cat can hide from the pet sitter, while being boarded, or even when you return home.
Cat Attacking Techniques
A cat that is fearful or worried may act aggressively or defensively. When cats are in unknown situations or locations, their behavior can occasionally show extreme stress. In cats, signs of stress and panic include lunging, biting, swatting, and can-be singing.
Cat Stress Reduction and Vacations
Cat owners can do a variety of things to make their cat’s experience easier when on vacation, such as the following:
- If your cat will be staying at home while you are away, arrange for the pet sitter to meet it as many times as you can before you leave. The pet sitter should offer your cat’s favorite treats or engage it in interactive play with its favorite toys. This will help your cat associate the pet sitter with positive memories. If your cat wants to leave, let it. Don’t just use an introduction to force people in.
- Bring your bag out as least a week before your vacation to give your cat time to become used to it. To get the cat to associate your luggage with nice things, toss in some treats or toys. The same will hold true for the carrier if you need to transport your cat.
- Once you’ve written down your daily schedule, ask the pet sitter to adhere to it. Since you were gone, your cat was unable to refresh their cheek-rub markings, and as a result, they were no longer able to identify your scent. If you know the routine will change while you are away, put some of these modifications into place beforehand so the cat can begin adjusting to the change without added stress from your absence.
- Anything scented that you’ve worn but haven’t washed, like a t-shirt, should be given to your cat. If you leave your cat in the cat bed, it may feel more at peace. Before you travel, try it out to see how they respond. While you’re away, your recorded voice or message may also be played for certain cats, while it annoys others.
- Give everyone of the loved ones of your cat the chance to choose a pair of socks from their closet before you go. Before rubbing socks all over the cat, each pair should be contained in its own plastic bag. When you return from your vacation, put on the cat-scented socks to ensure that you have the cat’s recognizable “you are family” aroma on you once more.
- If you intend to board your cat there, bring items that smell like you as well as their favorite toys and treats. Encourage children to adhere to the institution’s regular meal and playtime schedules if they exist. If you have to transfer your cat, put it in a carrier wrapped with a towel and let the staff know where and how your cat likes to be handled. Keep the carrier quiet while driving, buckle them in with a seatbelt, or place them on the floor of the vehicle. Additionally, the carrier could include some sweets or favorite dishes.
- Medication, dietary supplements, and pheromones are further choices for cats who are worried or anxious. Several of these should be started before leaving on vacation since they may be highly helpful.
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