Cat sitter during the holidays - we go through what to think about

Cats may be wayward, but that does not mean they can manage on their own. There is a lot to think about as a cat owner during summer vacation. We go through everything from heat stroke to cat guard. Come along!

Bring a cat on vacation

Summer is a common time to go away. Of course it is wonderful with environmental change, new cities, beautiful beaches or lazy days at the family country house. Unfortunately, cats are not as keen on traveling as we humans are. In fact, cats, to a greater extent than other animals, are very attached to their environment and reluctant to move.If your family has a summer cottage where you spend every summer, your cat may already know the area. That's great. But if you go to a new place, and decide to bring the cat, there are some things to think about.Avoid feeding the cat before the trip. Cats are really shitty travelers, and easily get motion sickness. Bring a blanket and some toys from home. That way, the cat feels at home faster. Another tip is to fill the litter box with a little dirty sand from the home drawer, also there will be a familiar smell in an otherwise unknown place.Finally, you can give the cat something to eat, which you know it likes extra much. But do not get nervous if your animal does not touch the food for the first few days, it will get used to it soon.[caption id="attachment_1135" align="alignnone" width="1187"]

The cat sitter should also play and cuddle with your cat while you are away[/caption]

Cat sitter or guest house

If you decide not to bring your cat, there are other options. Getting a cat sitter may initially feel awkward and cumbersome. Via Yepstr, you get in touch with orderly young people who are happy to help you with your cat, happy animal lovers who are happy to earn extra pocket money on their interest.All users are verified with BankID, so that it feels safe for everyone involved. In addition, we have made it easy to book an interview directly in the app. This way you can feel confident that you are giving the assignment to the right person.Read more about how Yepstr works here

Cat sitter

Once you have found your cat sitter via Yepstr, you can do so in different ways. Either you let the cat stay at home with your cat sitter. Then you can use the same tips as when you travel away with your cat, see above.But to make your cat feel as safe and happy as possible, perhaps a better solution is to let it stay at home. So the cat sitter can come over twice a day to feed, clean and socialize with your cats.Regardless of which solution you decide on, it is important that the cat sitter is aware of what applies while you are away. Having a cat often means more than emptying the litter box and scooping up Whiskas. Make sure that the youth who will look after your cat understand the importance of play and cuddling.It can be good if your cat sitter has knowledge of your pet's personality. Is the cat shy and scared, social and mischievous? All cats are different, and you know your animal best. Inform about the peculiarities of your little tussle before you travel. Then your cat sitter will not have to worry about a behavior that may actually be completely normal for your animal.The cat should be examined twice a day. Instruct your cat sitter to review your cat's health, and to always contact you and your veterinarian if anything happens.If you still hire your cat sitter via Yepstr, you can ask the person to water flowers and guard the house when you are away. Adapt the assignment to suit you!Read more about choosing a cat sitter here.[caption id="attachment_1136" align="alignnone" width="1653"]

Do you take the cat on holiday, or can it stay at home with a cat sitter?[/caption]

Guest house

If you choose a boarding house, you can ask local cat clubs or Facebook groups which boarding house they recommend. Visit the places and ask for a tour. If the staff is reluctant to show up, maybe you should choose another place.Often the staff is happy to show around. Cats are like family members, and the boarding house knows about them. Make sure that the place is clean, well-kept, odorless and that the cats are kept apart.We recommend getting a cat sitter via Yepstr. Good much cheaper, and you have more control.

Summer tips for cat keepers and owners

In the summer you can offer the indoor cat some time outdoors. With nets and water bowls, the balcony becomes the cat's own little conservatory.If you do not have a balcony, you probably have a nice courtyard or other suitable lawn nearby where you can take your cat. But before that you must of course seal training. Put on the harness indoors and let the cat get used to it. Do not get nervous if the cat backs up or crawls around in the beginning, it gets used to it soon. Then practice with shorter walks. Soon you will have a full-fledged walking buddy by your side.

Bite and sting

Check your pet regularly for ticks. Remove as soon as you spot a small beast, preferably within the first 24 hours. Of course, there are preparations that protect. Be sure to choose tick repellent for just the cat. Namely, there are tick repellents for dogs that are directly harmful to cats.If it is a wasp or bee sting, you usually do not have to worry. Sticks are often completely harmless, and heal on their own - just like for us humans. It goes over, but they may complain loudly for a while. However, some animals are hypersensitive, and then get an allergic reaction. Keep the cat under surveillance and contact a veterinarian if it behaves strangely.Snake bites should, however, be taken a little more seriously. Not everyone is dangerous. Mild bites may only lead to swelling, but more serious incidents can lead to more serious injuries such as damaged organs or liver and kidney damage. Sometimes only recovery and light medication are required, but sometimes more intensive care is required. Contact any veterinarian to be on the safe side.

Your cat likes to laze in cool places when it is hot.

Heatstroke

Cats can also get heat stroke. So when you hire your cat sitter before the sun holiday, it is good to instruct about this. Agria's veterinarian Lotta Möller has lots of tips regarding cats and heat stroke.

Give shade

Cats often like heat, and adapt quickly to higher temperatures. During the day they laze in the shade, and in the evenings and nights they become more active. You do not have to worry about the cat lying still in the shade, let it decide for itself how active it wants to be.The outdoor cat will seek shade. But it can also be good to give them access to cool surfaces indoors. Indoor cats will hang in your more shady rooms, preferably where there are cool tiles and stone floors to rest on.

Symptoms of heat stroke

Animals with narrow airways, with disease, obesity, young or older cats or animals with black or long fur are more easily exposed to heat stroke. But it can really happen to any cat. Be sure to go through the symptoms with your cat sitter so it knows what to look for.If your cat starts to hoarse, that is, pant, and gets red dry mucous membranes, it is a sign of overheating. Anxiety, shakiness, vomiting and diarrhea can also be indications that the cat has had a heat stroke.Do you suspect heat stroke? Take the cat in and try to cool it with cold, wet towels. Focus on the armpits and groin, but do not immerse it in cold water![caption id="attachment_1138" align="alignnone" width="1650"]

Keep your cat sitter informed about your cat's habits and personality so you can vacation without a guilty conscience.[/caption]

Prevent heat stroke

You and your cat sitter can do this to prevent your cat from getting heat stroke:

• Water should always be available - preferably in several places in the home.
• Be careful with ventilation. Get AC or keep windows or balcony doors ajar. Here it is perfect with a cat sitter who can breathe through your home at some point in the day so your cat gets fresh air while you are away.
• In case of suspicion of heat stroke, you should contact a veterinarian.

That way, both you and your cat will have a really wonderful summer.Find a dog sitter or cat sitter via Yepstr