Trailblazing Unleashed

For many pet parents, travel comes with a familiar dilemma: what’s the best way to care for your cat while you’re away? Unlike dogs, most cats prefer staying in a familiar environment rather than traveling with you. When I can, I love to take Skully along, but sometimes, it’s more practical to leave him behind.

Whether you’re gone for a weekend or an extended trip, here’s how to ensure your feline is comfortable, safe, and well-cared for while you’re away.

1. Choose the Right Care Option

The best setup depends on your cat’s personality and needs. Consider:

🐾 Trusted Pet Sitter: Having a friend or professional drop in for feedings, playtime, and litter box maintenance ensures minimal disruption.

🐾 In-Home Caretaker: If you’ll be away for a longer period, a house sitter who stays overnight may be ideal for cats who crave companionship.

🐾 Boarding Facility: While most cats prefer home, some may do well in cat-friendly boarding centers—just ensure they offer a quiet, low-stress environment. Personally, my favorite method is dropping Skully off at my parents’ house for a grandparent’s weekend. He’s used to staying there with me and loves spending time in their house. Plus, then I can harass them for updates the entire time I’m gone!

2. Prep Your Home Before Leaving

If you choose to leave them at home, or in my case, at my parents’ home, here are a few steps I always consider before leaving.

Before you go, make sure:

✔ Food & Water Stations: Automatic feeders or plenty of fresh food and water ensure consistent meals. If you have someone to watch them, then you can set out their food in advance. I usually show them how much I feed him and give them a flexible schedule for when he eats.

✔ Clean Litter Box: A freshly cleaned litter box prevents odors and keeps your cat comfortable while you’re gone. I don’t want my parents to have to clean out his litter box too much while I’m away, so I just start with a fresh batch of litter in both litter boxes (Skully has access to two) and call it a day.

✔ Entertainment & Comfort: Leave out your cat’s favorite toys, scratching posts, and cozy bedding to reduce boredom. This will save your couches and any other furniture you’d like to stay intact.

✔ Safe Space: If your cat tends to hide when anxious, ensure their favorite quiet retreat is available. If they tend to miss you, you can leave out clothing, like a favorite sweatshirt or jacket, so they can feel close to you while you’re away.

✔ Talk to them: I am that person who tells my cat that I love him, and I’ll miss him while I’m gone. I don’t know for certain, but I think he catches my drift. Personally, I think that telling Skully I’m leaving and when I think I’ll be back can help him react better to the time alone.

3. Keep a Familiar Routine

Cats thrive on routine, so maintaining normal patterns helps reduce stress.

🐈 Stick to Feeding Times: If using an automatic feeder, set it to match their usual schedule. If not, ask the person cat sitting for you to feed them at similar times.

📅 Daily Check-Ins: If a sitter is stopping by, ask them to visit at roughly the same time each day. Make sure that someone has at least seen the cat every day you’re away.

💡 Leave Lights & Sound On: Soft lighting and calming music can create a soothing atmosphere when alone. If you have the space and technology to do so, this can help them feel less anxious while you’re gone.

4. Returning Home: Reconnecting with Your Cat

After your trip, give your cat time to adjust—some may be extra clingy, while others might keep their distance. Skully in particular can be a bit more violent during playtime right after I get home. Some say cats can hold grudges, and Skully has been known to do that for a day or two before he settles back into our regular routine.

✔ Let Them Come to You: Avoid overwhelming them with affection; allow them to approach in their own time. Sometimes, they may just need to readjust to regular routine.

✔ Resume Normal Activities: Play, feed, and interact as usual to ease them back into daily life. Try to keep it consistent and remind them that you are a reliable source of food, cuddles, and entertainment.

✔ Watch for Changes: If your cat seems overly stressed or withdrawn, consider extra bonding time or a calming supplement. This is pretty rare as far as I know, but they can get extra anxious while you’re away.

Final Thoughts

Leaving your cat at home while traveling doesn’t have to be stressful—with the right setup, they’ll remain happy, comfortable, and well-cared for in your absence. Whether it’s a trusted sitter, interactive toys, or a cozy environment, these steps will help ensure a smooth experience for both you and your feline companion.

Do you have a favorite trick for keeping your cat happy when you’re away? Drop your tips in the comments!

Trailblaze on!

–Kaya, Skully, and Trace