Leaving town when you have a cat isn’t just about logistics—it’s about trust. Trust that your cat will be safe, comfortable, and cared for. The question many pet parents face is whether to book a stay at a boarding facility or have someone come to care for their cat at home.
At first glance, boarding might seem like the safer, more professional option. But ask any feline behaviourist, and you’ll hear the same thing: most cats do not cope well with change, especially when it involves unfamiliar places and unfamiliar animals. For them, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where everything is.
Cats aren’t small dogs—they’re territorial creatures of habit
Unlike dogs, who often enjoy new environments and can adapt to different spaces with relative ease, cats are deeply bonded to their home territory. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), stress in cats is most commonly triggered by changes to their environment—including travel and relocation. Being taken out of their home, placed into a carrier, and introduced to a room that smells like other animals is, for many cats, an overwhelming experience.
“For cats, their territory is their security blanket. Removing them from it—especially to a place with new smells and other animals—can be extremely stressful.”
– Dr. Sarah Ellis, co-author of “The Trainable Cat”
Even in well-reviewed boarding facilities, cats may stop eating, overgroom, hide for days, or exhibit anxiety-driven behaviours that weren’t there before.
Boarding works in some cases—but it comes with trade-offs
There are situations where boarding might make sense. If your cat requires round-the-clock medical care, or if you're travelling to a location where communication may be difficult, boarding can offer a sense of backup and supervision. But these cases are the exception, not the rule.
Even in luxury cat hotels, the experience is still defined by unfamiliarity—new cages, new carers, and the lingering scent of animals that came before. For cats who are shy, senior, or simply set in their ways (which is most of them), boarding often means spending days in a heightened state of stress. It’s manageable—but it’s not ideal.
In-home sitting keeps their world intact
The alternative is in-home sitting, where your cat stays in the comfort of their own environment and is visited by a sitter who follows their routine. The litter box stays in the same corner. Their food and water bowls remain familiar. Their favourite hiding spots are always available, and their scent—the scent that reassures them everything is okay—remains untouched.
This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about wellbeing. Cats who stay at home while their owners are away tend to eat more consistently, use their litter box normally, and exhibit fewer behavioural changes. According to the AAFP, in-home care is the least disruptive option for most cats, particularly when delivered by someone who understands feline needs.
The sitter matters—and so does the relationship
Not all sitters are created equal. A great cat sitter isn’t just a feeder—they’re an observer, a quiet presence, and someone who knows how to read feline signals. They’ll respect boundaries, spot subtle changes in behaviour, and adapt their approach to suit your cat’s mood on any given day.
The best arrangements begin with a meet-and-greet, allowing your cat to observe their future sitter in their space. Cats may not immediately bond, and that’s okay. Familiarity is built slowly, and just knowing who’s coming through the door can make a big difference to how secure they feel while you’re gone.
Preparing for peace of mind
If you're considering an in-home sitter, there are a few ways to make the transition smoother. Leaving detailed care instructions is always helpful—feeding schedules, favourite toys, where they like to nap, and how they tend to behave when stressed. Your sitter should also have access to your vet's contact information and someone to call in an emergency.
And yes, you should absolutely ask for updates. Daily photos and short messages aren't just comforting—they create a bridge between you and your cat, even when you're far from home.
The bottom line
So, should you board your cat or book a sitter?
If your cat is healthy, independent, and happiest in their own space, in-home sitting is almost always the better, kinder choice. It keeps their world intact. It minimises stress. And it gives you peace of mind knowing your cat is being cared for by someone who understands their needs—not just as a pet, but as a creature of habit and emotion.
Travelling is easier when you know someone’s at home looking after the one who didn’t come with you. And when that someone is a sitter your cat trusts, it’s no longer just pet care—it’s continuity.