When Your Cat Goes on Vacation – Tips for a Successful Feline Holiday

A holiday is approaching, and it’s time to arrange care for your cat. In this post, we’ll go through different options for organizing holiday care for your feline friend. We’ll explore which type of care might be the most suitable and what to consider when planning their stay. You’ll also find practical tips for preparing for the holiday and a handy checklist for the purrfect little vacationer.

When Vacation Calls...

Cats are creatures of habit who thrive on routine. Even small changes in their environment can make them feel uneasy. When you start preparing for a trip, many cats sense that something is happening long before you even leave. Suitcases appearing, a shift in the household atmosphere, or last-minute packing can all raise their stress levels.

But there’s no reason to feel guilty about your holiday plans. Every pet parent deserves a break, and in the best-case scenario, your cat might even enjoy their own little vacation! The key to success lies in planning care arrangements calmly and well in advance.

Our summer guest Mimosa fully relaxed on her own little vacation 🧡

Options for Cat Care While You’re Away

Keeping Your Cat at Home in Familiar Surroundings

Some cats are seasoned travelers who adapt easily to changes, while others are more sensitive and happiest in their own home. For the latter, one option is to arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to visit your cat at home.

The number of visits can range from once daily to multiple times, depending on your cat’s needs—feeding schedules, possible medication, and social interaction. During these visits, the sitter will feed your cat, clean the litter box, and spend time playing or cuddling with them.

This arrangement often works well for shorter trips, as long as your cat is independent and doesn’t crave constant companionship. However, keep in mind that cats are social creatures. For longer absences, they may need more interaction than occasional visits provide. If you don’t have a reliable sitter, or your cat would benefit from more human presence, boarding them at a professional care facility may be the best solution.

Onni and Aava had booked our home visit service – even the slightly shyer Miss Aada dared to chase the feather toy in her familiar surroundings. 🏡

Boarding Your Cat at a Care Facility

Another excellent option is to bring your cat to a trusted boarding facility where they can stay for the duration of your trip. Nowadays, there’s a wide range of choices—from traditional pet hotels to smaller, homelike boarding homes. Each type has its benefits, but the most important thing is to choose an environment that suits your cat’s personality and needs.

Many cats adapt surprisingly quickly to a new setting, especially if it feels homely and the caregivers understand feline behavior and needs. Visiting the same place repeatedly also helps—your cat will grow familiar with the surroundings, smells, and people.

In the best-case scenario, your cat develops a “regular holiday home,” which creates a sense of security and reduces stress during future stays. A familiar place can be a great solution for both weekend trips and longer vacations.

Esa felt right at home from the very first second. This boy wasn’t the least bit shy about new environments or people. He wanted to be part of everything, from doing the laundry to joining in on family movie and game nights.

How to Choose the Right Care for Your Cat

Every cat is unique. Some are happy anywhere as long as they have food and a cozy spot to nap. Others become stressed by even the smallest changes.

When weighing your options, consider:

• How does your cat react to new places and people?

  
  

• If boarding outside the home: What are the facilities like? Are there other animals present? If so, which kinds? (For example, dogs’ presence, sounds, or smells might upset some cats.)

  
  

• Does your cat prefer more social interaction or peace and quiet?

  
  

• Will the caregivers have time to spend quality time with your cat?

  
  

• Does your cat have special needs like medications, dietary restrictions, or anxiety?

  
  

• What’s your cat’s personality? Are they a cuddly lap cat, an active explorer, or more of a solitary type?

  
  

If you have more than one cat, try to plan around the needs of your shyest one. A familiar companion can make settling into a new environment easier, so it’s usually best for bonded cats to stay together. Even shy cats can surprise their owners with how well they adapt—especially when the facility is calm and cat-friendly.

Oreo and Nougat fell in love with CatBnB’s new climbing wall.

Why a Homelike Environment Works for Many Cats

Cats can be very sensitive to unfamiliar smells, noises, and bustling activity. That’s why smaller, homelike boarding homes—where there are fewer animals and a more relaxed pace—are often ideal, especially for timid or anxious cats.

Vieno is enjoying her stay at CatBnB, lounging like a queen. The photo was taken one day after arrival.

Benefits of home environment:

• Your cat can be part of everyday home life.

• Social cats get more human interaction and attention.

• Shy and independent cats have quiet spaces to retreat to.

• Daily routines like feeding and rest can follow your cat’s usual schedule.

• The caregiver can get to know your cat’s personality and tailor their care to suit them.

  
  

When preparing for a stay, share details about your cat with the caregiver. Understanding your cat’s temperament is key to ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. Whether your cat craves playtime, conversation, or quiet companionship, knowing their quirks helps the caregiver meet their needs.

What Should You Pack for Your Cat?

When sending your cat to a boarding facility, make sure to include:

• Food and treats: Discuss feeding arrangements beforehand. Some facilities provide food (you can ask about the brand and quality, such as whether it’s grain-free). If your cat has a prescribed diet or is picky about food, bring enough of their usual food for the whole stay. A boarding stay isn’t the best time to experiment with new foods unless you know your cat is adventurous with their meals. It’s also normal for some cats to eat less in the first few days—it usually improves as they settle in.

  
  

• Some places include both litter and litter box. If your cat prefers a particular setup, then you may want to bring your own litter and litter box.

  
  

• Comfort items: Familiar scents can be very soothing. A favorite bed, blanket, or soft item from home can help them adjust.

  
  

• Favorite toys: Play is a great icebreaker! Pack a few of their preferred toys—mice, balls, wand toys—to help them feel more at ease.

  
  

• Medications and clear instructions for administration.

  
  

• Up-to-date vaccination records: These are important specially in case of an emergency vet visit.

Popo and Simu 🐾

Preparing for Drop-Off

Plan ahead when taking your cat to the boarding facility. Cats often sense changes even before you bring out the carrier. Some may hide or resist being caught, so coaxing them into the carrier may take treats, toys, and time. Avoid last-minute rushes—calm departures create a better start for the stay. Many owners find it helpful to bring their cat the day before their own trip. This way, they can focus on their travel, and the cat avoids the extra stress of a hurried departure.

At the facility, take a few moments to let your cat settle in. It’s often easier for them to explore their new surroundings with you nearby. Don’t worry if your cat hides at first—that’s completely normal. Some cats relax immediately, while others need a day or two (or more) to feel at home. It's best to let the cat set the pace.

Picking Up Your Cat

When it’s time to collect your cat, allow plenty of time. Even though pickups are often less stressful than drop-offs, cats can still sense something is happening and might retreat for a moment. A calm approach helps.

The more familiar your cat becomes with the facility and caregivers, the smoother both drop-offs and pickups will be. Over time, a regular boarding place can feel like a second home for your cat.

The young ladies Nougat and Ada. Both had found a cozy nap spot – Ada managed to get inside a “mattress burrito” 🥙🙊

✅ Tips for a Smooth Boarding Experience

• Book early—as soon as you know your travel dates. Boarding spots are limited, and the best places fill up quickly.

  
  

• Get to know with the facility beforehand. Check if the place has a website or reviews on social media or Google. You should be able to meet the caregiver and/or visit the facility beforehand if you request it. Trust your instincts – if something about the caregiver or the place doesn’t feel right, don’t leave your cat there.

  
  

• Sign a care agreement that clearly outlines responsibilities, special needs, feeding routines, and medications. Include an emergency contact in case you’re unreachable.

  
  

• Update vaccinations and deworming in advance, ideally 7–14 days before the stay (depending on the vaccine).

  
  

• Monitor your cat’s health leading up to their stay. Only bring your cat if they are fully healthy. Even minor symptoms like a runny nose, diarrhea, or lethargy warrant a vet check and notifying the facility.

Peace of Mind for You and Your Cat

Your pet’s wellbeing is close to your heart, which is why arranging care for them can sometimes feel more stressful than planning your own holiday. As owners, we often worry about changes more than our cats do.

Yet many people are pleasantly surprised by how well their cat adapts and even thrives in their “vacation home.” When a cat spends time in a calm environment where their individual needs are understood and respected, they can settle in beautifully—and to the owner's surprise the cat may even enjoy the new routine.

Trust, consistency, and an understanding of your cat’s unique personality are the keys to a successful care experience — whether it’s their very first stay or they’re already a seasoned vacationer. You can also ask the caregiver if they’re able to send you photos and updates during your trip for extra peace of mind.

In the best-case scenario, both you and your cat will enjoy your holidays to the fullest — each in your own way. With the right boarding choice and careful preparation, you can head off on your travels feeling calm and confident.

Gentle Care in Lempäälä

Need help planning the perfect care for your cat while you’re away? We’re happy to help you find the best solution for your feline friend.

Located in Pirkanmaa, CatBnB offers home-like boarding in Lempäälä — just 20 minutes from Tampere city center. We also provide home visits in the Lempäälä area. You can reach us easily by public transport: Lempäälä train station is only 3 km away, and the nearest bus stop is just a 3-minute walk from our door. If needed, we’re happy to assist with route planning and getting here.

Learn more about us and our boarding options at www.catbnb.fi. We look forward to welcoming you and your pet!