top of page

Home for the Holidays: A Travel Checklist for Cat Owners

Writer: preciousfur
preciousfur
2 days ago
4 min read

At Precious Fur, our professional in-home cat sitters care for cats across the San Francisco Bay Area, Portland Metro area, and Silicon Valley, and November is when our calendar starts to fill up fast! A little planning now means a calm, happy cat while you’re away. Here’s our travel checklist for cat owners to check off before you go.


Three cats relaxing at home during the holidays, including a Himalayan by a Christmas gift and a tuxedo cat in autumn leaves

1. Book your sitter early

The holidays are our busiest time of year. Thanksgiving week and late December often book up weeks in advance, so requesting your sits as soon as you’ve made your travel plans gives you the best chance of having our sitters visit your furry family during the dates and time frames you need.


If you’re new to Precious Fur, plan time for an Initial Consultation. One of our team members will visit your home, meet your cats, and walk through your care routine before your trip.



2. Confirm your schedule

Before you leave, take a quick look at the scheduled sits in your account. Check that each day has the right number of visits in the time blocks you need. We’re happy to make adjustments and work with you to make sure your kitties are covered for your full trip.


Close-up of a gray and white cat with green eyes relaxing at home on a cozy chair

3. Stock up on supplies

Make sure you have more than enough of everything for the length of your trip, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays.

  • Food, both wet and dry

  • Treats

  • Litter and litter bags

  • Any medications

  • Cleaning supplies, like paper towels and an enzyme cleaner


Keep everything in one easy-to-find spot, and let us know where it is in your care notes.


4. Write clear medication notes

If your cat takes medication, add the details to your profile:

  • The name of the medication and the dose

  • How often and at what times to give it

  • How your cat takes it best, such as hidden in a treat or a pill pocket

  • Where it’s stored, especially if it needs to be refrigerated


If your cat has a health change before your trip, tell us right away so your sitter has the latest information.


Tabby cat licking a treat from a spoon, a simple way to give cat medication

5. Ensure access

If you use a lockbox, double-check the code and make sure to leave your key and/or fob in the box before you head out on your trip. Please let us know if any locks have changed, and review all entry instructions in your profile notes so your sitter arrives without any surprises. Most of our kitty friends will be watching the door, so we want to make sure we can get right in!


Tabby cat watching for its owner through a wooden window framed with red holiday berries

6. Update your emergency contacts

Before you go, make sure your profile includes:

  • Your regular vet: name, address, and phone number, double-checked to be sure they’re current

  • A local emergency vet: in case your regular vet is closed or unavailable

  • A backup decision-maker: someone who can make care decisions for your cat if we can’t reach you

  • An emergency access contact: someone local who can get into your home if needed, for example if a key or lockbox fails


For non-urgent concerns, we also partner with TeleVet so some questions can be handled remotely without a trip to the vet.


7. Keep holiday hazards out of reach

Holiday decorations and foods can be tempting for curious cats. We recommend tucking away tinsel, ribbon, and string, which can cause serious problems if swallowed, and hanging glass ornaments up high where they won’t get batted down.


Festive flowers and greenery bring their own risks, especially when curious paws are adventuring around the home. Lilies are one of the biggest dangers for cats, since even a small amount of pollen or vase water can harm their kidneys. Mistletoe, holly, and amaryllis are also toxic. Holiday arrangements are easy to overlook, so make sure any plants are safely out of reach.


Holiday treats bring their own temptations and when you're not home to keep them away, they can become dangerous. Onions, garlic, chocolate, and fatty meats are especially bad for them. Edible gifts are easy to forget, so be careful to make sure that all foods and treats are sealed away before you leave.


If you ever think your cat has eaten something harmful, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.


Fluffy Himalayan cat lying in front of a wrapped holiday gift under a lit Christmas tree

8. Comfort through routine

Cats find comfort in routine, and that’s one of the biggest advantages of in-home cat sitting. Your cats stay in the place they know best, surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and sounds. Our sitters follow your care notes closely, so meals, litter care, playtime, and medications happen just the way they are used to. With visits scheduled in set time blocks, your cats can count on care at the times they expect.


Because our team gets to know each cat’s personality and habits, sitters can also spot small changes in appetite, behavior, or litter habits early and let you know right away. You’ll receive a journal after every visit, so you’ll always know how your cats are settling in.


For a little extra comfort, leave out a favorite blanket, or a worn shirt that smells like you. We’ve found this little extra gets lots of love while their people are away.


Tabby cat with green eyes lounging beside a pair of silver high heels

Enjoy your trip with this travel checklist for cat owners

With a little prep, your furry family can stay happy and relaxed at home while you’re away.


Ready to plan your holiday care? Request your sits in your account today, and we’ll take it from there!

Orange tabby cat with eyes closed enjoying a chin scratch from its owner at home

Helpful Resources

Comments

bottom of page