If you one who is happily “owned” by cats, you are most likely concerned as to whether or not boarding your feline is safe. You already understand that cats are the animal you either love or hate. There isn’t much of an in-between with them. Because you are someone who loves your cat(s) like your own children, you only want what is best for them, especially while you are out of town.
Boarding your cat at a reputable facility is not harmful, provided your feline is healthy. However, the unfamiliar territory and caregivers can cause increased stress levels in your feline friend for the first few days. More so if your cat has never been away from you or his/her home.
If your cat is a social butterfly and enjoys adventures with new humans, boarding might be a great option for you! However, if your cat is antisocial, does not play well with other humans, does not adapt to change very easily, is sick with a disease, or is an insulin-dependent diabetic, boarding might not be the best option. We’ll talk about why this is true farther down in the article.
What to Do if Your Cat Has Medical Conditions
Stress can cause an increase in blood sugar in cats.
If your cat is diabetic, the last thing you want to do is cause a blood sugar spike while under someone else care.
Whether it be regular insulin or a different type of medicine, make sure the cattery will responsibly administer your cat’s medication according to the required schedule. Most facilities are prepared this, but if you have trouble finding one, two alternatives may be:
- Hire a house/cat sitter – Keeping your cat in its normal environment will lessen the stress while you’re away. This is particularly true if your cat is already familiar with the sitter.
- Contact your vet for their boarding policies – Most veterinarians also offer boarding care. You know that if your cat is staying with its doctor, it will get its medicine on schedule.
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Cats Acting Strangely After Vacation
As you well know, cats are very sensitive and emotional animals. Contrary to popular belief, cats are not:
- Independent,
- Cold, and
- Detached creatures without a care in the world.
Cats form deep connections to their caregivers and rely on them for comfort and security. So much so, that cats, just like dogs, can develop separation anxiety when their humans are away.
If your cat is acting strangely after you return from your getaway, be assured it is perfectly normal cat behavior. Most cats tend to become distant from their humans for a few days after they’ve been, what they perceive as, neglected.
You might even notice:
- Mood swings,
- Edginess, or
- Agitation.
Some cats may even become aggressive and begin biting, clawing, and or scratching, not just on you but the furniture as well.
If this abnormal behavior lasts more than a week after you return home, it would be best to consult with your veterinarian as to how you can help to regain your cat’s trust.
Things You Can Try to Regain Your Cat’s Trust
Here are some things you can do to try to help your furry friend reacclimate to its home environment.
- Try some calming spray or other calming remedies, such as treats, pheromone sprays, and diffusers.
- Show them some support by being there for them and reassuring them that you would never abandon them.
- Do not force yourself on them. Let them come to you, in their own time.
- When they do come to you, give them extra attention, and remind them how loved they are.
- For heaven’s sake, let them sleep on the bed, oh, wait, they probably already do.
How to Get Your Cat to Eating After Being Boarded
Sure, you know that the cattery is the equivalent to a spa or resort vacation, but your cat didn’t feel that way about it. Another issue you may experience is your beloved cats may choose not to eat after they return home from the said resort.
Some cats have even experienced lethargy and spiting up when they get home. This is most likely due to the amount of stress they felt during their stay at the cattery.
While you were away, the change in eating schedule, day to day routine, or just being away from home, in general, all have a great impact on your cat’s emotional wellbeing.
Here’s why! Believe it or not, cats are incredibly sensitive and emotional animals. They have big feelings that they do not care to show. Therefore, cats are more prone to stress than dogs.
There’s no beating around the bush about it. Bribery is probably one of the best things you can do to say you’re sorry while you slowly regain their trust at this point.
Here are some tips on how to get your stubborn, fierce cat to eat again:
- Pumpkin – Believe it or not, most cats love the winter squash. What makes this even better for the already stressed-out cat is that it can actually help lower and stabilize its blood sugars. Meaning this is a safe, all-natural way to help relax and bring some peace to your cat.
All you need to do is add about a tablespoon of plain organic canned pumpkin to the side of your cat’s dish. You can also mix a tablespoon of pumpkin with a little bit of dry food.
Another tip is to even freeze some pumpkin into bite-sized treats and give it to your cat that way.
It really comes down to whatever floats your cat’s boat.
- Canned fish or meat – You think some of those cat food commercials are over the top? You might want to think again. Serving up canned items such as tuna, chicken, or salmon on a pretty platter as a meal, a side, or a snack can work wonders for your finicky feline.
- Wet food – If you chose this route, be prepared to most likely make the transition from dry food to wet food. One successful go-to apology wet food is duck. Cats absolutely love it, especially if you garnish it with a side of the pumpkin. Ooh Lala, so fancy!
Your cat is sure to feel like the king or queen they truly think they are after that meal!
- Cat treats – A few extra of your cat’s favorite treats, maybe just what it needs to remember why it lets you love it.
If your cat is not eating, it is best to closely monitor your feline over the next couple of days. If there is no change, you will need to contact your veterinarian to ensure that your feline friend hasn’t contracted an illness.
When Your Cat Won’t Stop Meowing After Vacation
If your cat will not stop meowing after returning home from your holiday, it is a sure sign that he/she is not only unhappy about your departure, it is also incredibly put out at having been boarded.
Cats are not only sensitive and emotional animals, they dislike change. A lot.
Felines are very routine-oriented mammals. Therefore, anything that disrupts that routine often sends them into a frenzy.
If your cat will not stop crying after you return home, just think of it as their way of telling you all about their displeasure! They are not happy, and they are making sure you know!
Do not worry, you now have the bag of bribery treats.
Since your cat probably hasn’t eaten for a couple of days during its tantrum, pull out a couple of treats and make amends.
You could also consider buying your precious, angry baby, a new toy, and remind it who the loved one is in the household.
If the fit throwing doesn’t stop in a few days, once again, it might be best to contact your veterinarian to ensure that your not so happy camper will be happy once again.
You Can Go on Vacation
At times, it is so incredibly hard being owned by cats. It is even harder to know exactly what is right for them when you vacation.
As one of those people who is a complete and total lover of what is often called the most misunderstood domesticated animal, you already know that having a cat is no walk in the dog park. And even more so, that going on vacation as a person who is owned by said cats, well, that is even more difficult.
However, you are armed with information you need to make the best decision for you and your stubborn roommate.
Just remember… hold tight to knowing that whatever happens is a lesson learned. Be it a positive or difficult lesson, it’s still a learning. Be assured, your cat will bounce back with all of the extra love and patience, they will get back to being your normal, demanding owner.
