Tips for Traveling When You Have Cats!

In this video, I share some of my top tips for preparing to leave town when you have cats, and how to ensure your cats have a great experience while you're away! Thank you PETLIBRO for sending me a Space Automatic Pet Feeder. Get one here using my special link: petlibro.sjv.io/y2mbxV with the code Kittenlady15 for 15% OFF!

[@user-rc7rp7rl4p]

For multi-cat households, I find it's crucial to print out a cat "face book" with their names and photos for a cat-sitter to refer to. It doesn't really help if everything is labelled for the cats -- and then the cat-sitter can't remember who's who.

[@mysticfox9718]

That would be extremely helpful for the cat sitter because each cat might have different needs then the other cats. Like one eats a special kind of food, pills and etc.

[@Stirchley1951]

That is a good idea. Does Hannah not do this?

[@jjbee11]

@@Stirchley1951I don’t think she does at this point because her cat sitter knows her cat, but I’m sure she leaves at least a description of each cat

[@shannonsell6006]

I think this idea is great and more useful when some of the cats look similar. In Hannah’s case all four cats look very notably different, but I definitely understand using it in some households!

[@snittykitty1]

As a part time pet sitter I always appreciate an organized pet owner. Even when you know the routine it helps to have a reference document so glad you covered it.

[@kekp3791]

I am also a part - time cat sitter. And 70% of the families write the notes themselves, for some others I have asked them and they were happy with the request. But in one (only one) occasion the lady told me: write the notes yourself. 😂 I laughed so much inside and I was surprised as the notes are for the best of the cats, not of the sitter, in order to follow their routine, and not a general care for them. 😇 Anyway until now my experience with these families have been great as I see that they take seriously care for them and they genuinely love them like children. So I feel happy too when I see this. 😊

[@AnimeShinigami13]

yeah I love that. this is the level of organization my stepmother would have had. she's even more organized than my dad.

[@khtavana]

Our cat is a bit special. She is terrified of people she doesn't know but is fine with new places and traveling so we travel with her. Even if your first thought would be that traveling with your cat must be fun and sometimes it is, sometimes it's just much more tedious than what it would be to leave her at home with a sitter. We always need to travel by a car, we need to have a place to stay where she is welcomed and we always pack so much stuff (much more than for ourselves) for her so that she feels at home at the new place. I still prefer this because she has a very specific routine and I would feel bad asking so much from a sitter.

[@Winnie-hq5hs]

I think it's lovely that you bring her❤❤❤

[@Yeewen88]

KLM has cabin flights for cats and dogs Delta Southwest and Frontiet may be cheaper

[@roserobb]

Before I had a second & more socially needy cat, I learned that my 5yo cat much prefers to be left alone for short (1-2 day) trips than to have someone watch her. The litterbox doesn't get too bad during that time and she ate the same amount of food in either case (not as much as usual). She's an anxious girl and was much happier with this arrangement. I wouldn't say this works for everyone, but this worked well for us.

[@allthatglittersis]

Mine is the same way. When a petsitter looked in she would be very anxious once we returned, versus just being gone for 24-36 hours she barely seemed to notice haha

[@nevar23]

I've been a cat sitter for over 20 years, and your organized, plan for everything set up is a sitter's dream! I always tell clients that the more info I have about their cat(s), the better.

[@SamuelM.-iz1un]

what are your rates?

[@nevar23]

@@SamuelM.-iz1un I think the national average is around $26 per visit in the USA. It'll usually be a higher rate in major cities. My base rate is $21 since I live in a smaller town. It can vary depending on what kind and how many pets someone has, and what extra services the pet/home may need. Hope that helps. 😺

[@ginnyjollykidd]

I've not been away for more than 2 days, but I am extremely lucky to have a professional pet sitter living in the condo 2 doors down from me! She has taken care of me sweet Geroo and tended to his needs during that time. I know Geroo doesn't like me to be away even that short a time, but he does love my pet sitter and even gets in her lap! He won't do that for me! (but he does lie beside me and he grooms me. 😊)

[@ItsJustLisa]

I can’t be the only that laughed out loud that Hannah documented Haroun’s “habit” with his toys. Yes, that would have been rather disturbing to walk in him having his toy time if not previously noted. I’m sure your cat-sitter appreciates your thoroughness, Hannah.

[@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

That cracked me up too! When my kitty was younger he used to hump blankets multiple times a day! Ha! Luckily since he's gotten older he only kneads on them now! 😹

[@Xoxo_bambi]

My fixed female cat has always done this with blankets. Would have to warn the sitter to not put blankets over her legs less she tempt the feline 💀

[@WhoAmI2YouNow]

One of my cats actually LOVES to travel!! Explore new things, while staying by my side.. so funny

[@snowyalice]

Unfortunately a cat sitter is not a possibility where I am, but I have a brilliant cattery where I take my cat when I am away. The lady there is fantastic and knows the idiosyncrasies of my cat!

[@soytoast6404]

We found an amazing cat sitting service in our city and feel very lucky. She has a whole app and it makes it really easy to update everything. We get a report everytime they visit with who ate, play time, litter scooped, etc along eith a nice message and LOTS of photos. Its honestly one of our favorite things when we are away to get photos of our favorite ding dongs

[@anglerfish4161]

Hannah, you are so helpful and informative, but I was utterly distracted by Ferguson bathing Chouchou's face 😄 They are so sweet!

[@Winnie-hq5hs]

This is why we didn't travel at all when we had our cat! No regrets. I cherish the time we had with him❤❤❤ Have a nice trip to Tyrkey😊😊😊

[@kele1264]

Same here, basically. I rarely go anywhere - only if I have to and for the shortest time possible.

[@andydrewlinger9301]

The first thought I had after viewing this was about the phrase “leave nothing to chance”-especially important in terms of the continuous care of living beings.

[@jekalambert9412]

As a former cat sitter/house sitter, your points are right on. As a cat sitter, I had a 10 page questionnaire Word document that covered almost all the points you mentioned in addition to information about caring for the home. The most important parts for me were feeding, meds and schedules. One thing I did require from my clients was that they would leave their credit card info with their vet, because as a sitter, I did not want to delay needed care for an animal in distress due to a vet being unwilling to perform treatment due to lack of payment, or find myself financially responsible for an animal emergency. The only thing on your list that I hadn't included was authorization to retrieve an animal from a shelter. Great video!

[@deniseferron3397]

My cats would have shredded those food and treat bags!😊

[@soytoast6404]

That's what I was thinking. We can't leave anything out or they will rip it apart to get into it

[@inoel75]

I absolutely agree - it is best to have a cat sitter that stays at your place. We are lucky enough to have the same cat sitter for 25 years now. She is a fixed part in all our cats lives and knows them (almost) as well as we do. It works so well the cats hardly notice when we're gone 😂

[@elkeaytoun7279]

So wish all pet owners were as pedantic about what happens to their kids when they have to travel.❤

[@kimberlygarner2723]

Hannah's organization of meds supplies and information for the sitter is spot on! Great system! 💕🐈🐈‍⬛🐈💕

[@1940limited]

I'm so happy none of our cats have medical issues and don't require an medications at any time. Makes life much easier. With 5 to take care of, we're still very busy with just the routine stuff.

[@faithg9766]

What a lot of planning & preparation, but at least you can rest easy when you go away. How wonderful to see Chouchou looking so fit & happy.

[@shayni99]

Great idea for a video! To note: don't put medications that need to refrigerated on the bench or outside (obviously), some meds (like insulin or certain eyedrops) MUST be kept refrigerated to remain effective.

[@debbied9997]

We found a wonder house sitter/cat sitter. We feel great that he is here to take care of our cats and to be present in the house, so if anything should happen while we are away, he is there to take care of it. We used to only have a person come once a day, but our cats seemed very nervous when we got back, and I think they were much more anxious without any human in the house, no matter how much they think they don't need us. :)

[@thescarletflower]

when i travel I leave my cat with my sister (who's her favorite person in the world) and I know she's in good hands what's weird is that whenever I come home, my cat is very mad at me, she hisses and even attacks me, as if she's upset I left her behind, it's both endearing and heartbreaking

[@Sarah-qt3vi]

Thanks for posting this! I just took my first trip since lockdown started and was mortified at the level of anxiety I had. We all survived, and I've refined instructions for the sitter (and will have them printed out on the counter by the food for the next trip). Have a great trip!

[@jessicashaw2842]

Love Fergie washing Chou

[@asky314]

Thank goodness! I have always done the same thing! I've always felt so paranoid and "OCD" leaving such detailed plans/info for my cat sitter, but this makes me feel so much better. Thank you for sharing your routine for travel. 💯🐾🥰

[@epiccoolawesomehandle]

the ginger cat looks like such a sweetheart lol

[@SEMIRAM123]

Welcome to Turkey ❤ I hope you will come to İzmir, lot of us take care of the street cats here - I have 3 kittens at home at the moment 🌺 Hopefully you will do a meet up with your viewers ~

[@jjbee11]

It’s a work trip, so unfortunately they’re not doing any public meet and greets ❤

[@randquadrozzi1280]

I got 3 long time strays and while they don't like being in the car once we get to hotel they love looking around at their new surroundings

[@alisong2328]

I'm taking my two kitties with me on a 2-day car trip to see my sister. I did this last year, too, and it worked fine. I bought a double pet stroller with removable carriers that I can transfer directly from my apartment to the car and then to a hotel. This means I don't have to worry about cats escaping while I transfer them between carriers. They settle down after the first hour. They love looking out over the beach and ocean from her window. When I travel out of the country, I hire a cat sitter who sends me photos.

[@abeesley93]

I love Fergie and Chouchou's relationship!

[@drearoach]

awesome. an wow, I thought I had my travel away system dialed in with the lists an write ups about each cat...but I got a few new things I never even thought about such as the permission document.

[@eileenharding5603]

From what Ive seen and read Turkish people love cats and treat them very well

[@Winnie-hq5hs]

I think so too. But many stray cats and dogs. Very sad.

[@eileenharding5603]

@@Winnie-hq5hs that's true

[@janetcarroll8863]

Great advice! So nice to see Chou Chou!

[@cherylf.4616]

We went to Turkey (Istanbul) once for 6 weeks and had a friend who would come to our place a couple of times a day to feed and check up on our cat while we were away! I was glad we were able to keep our cat at our place where he felt the most comfortable! Good Luck travelling Turkey, Hannah!

[@dumi9978]

TURKEY!! YES!!!! I WANTED TO MEET YOU FOR 10 YEARSS AAHHHH IM SO EXCITED

[@Redwait]

Hannah, I always wondered how you got Haroun and I don’t see any videos on how you got him. Can you make a video on how you got him?

[@casebased8391]

Andrew already had him before they met.

[@thescarletflower]

He came with the Boyfriend/ husband 😄

[@hannahblurp9360]

I am not 100% positive but I believe they don't talk about it because Andrew bought him from a breeder before he knew better and they don't want to encourage that

[@Redwait]

Oh thanks!

[@bohemianwriter1]

My kittie is going to be my adventure kittie - coming with me on my travels when I'm well enough to start traveling again.

[@janetanderson1763]

I just ordered the Libro cordless water fountain. Gonna have to order the dry food dispenser. Love the fact that it vacuum packs the dry.

[@miali6603]

Nice choice!😍

[@huskiesgo5944]

Great to see all your special kitties are doing well. I have only one cat and he travels with us. Complains the first few miles then settles in and enjoys the view.

[@stephenburns3678]

You covered the bases. Thank you and have a good trip.

[@AlittleHamsterKM]

Glad to see them so happy 💖💖

[@theyxaj]

It never clicked for me until this video, but having cat carriers available by the door is so important for environmental emergencies, like mandatory evac for fires, floods, etc!

[@jjbee11]

I live in an apartment complex where our fire alarms frequently go off, and having our soft-sided, collapsible carriers in our main room where they’re easily accessible has saved us many times!

[@catherinea.cheledingaywa599]

Don't worry even I feel a little 😅jealous when I see my cat having a good time with the car sitter but I am thankful she's there to fill the space for me and they enjoy 🎉🎉😊❤

[@hannahlamagna]

On my vacation has been going good our cat he and the cat sitter our having a great time my family we only have one cat he's super sweet he's a black cat

[@picksleydust4985]

00:47 OMG COUCOU'S FACE LMAO

[@mr.e1026]

OMG!! Chou Chou is even cuter now than as a kitten, and there was a really high bar there!! And he looks perma-bonded to Ferguson!!!

[@jjbee11]

They’re just good friends 😊 Chou loves everyone, but he doesn’t become distressed when they’re apart, which means they’re not bonded

[@iiluvvee_0]

Thank you so much for the advice!!! ❤❤❤

[@kg_equestrian_official]

This video couldn’t have come at a better time, me and my family are travelling next week! Thanks for the great tips and tricks, definitely used some of them when making the information packages.

[@Logiefab.musicalcorner]

We actually just took our mom cat and kittens on vacation! Thank you Hanna for teaching us how to foster mother and kittens. Now they are going to be adopted this week.

[@draig2614]

I have a fabulous next door neighbour who comes over daily to look after my cats when I travel. Back in May, I had to go away for a weekend for work at a time when my 16-year-old cat had been very sick a few days earlier and was on 2x a day meds and being kept separate from my other cat to make sure she was eating. That time, a retired nurse friend came over twice a day to do the meds and sent me pics all weekend both of the cat and her food bowl 💕 (Cat recovered, and 2 months later is happy and hungry at every meal time.)

[@raester55]

Such great information! Thx 🙏🏼

[@thelittlebrownranch9105]

I had a list but I just made updates because of this video. Thanks!!

[@jeima1588]

Super useful! Thank you!

[@Duskblossom94]

this is a life saver thank you!!🤩

[@debradejong4937]

Fantastic advice! It reminds me to have these documents and prep work even when I am not traveling - for an emergency I might be called away.

[@paola2144]

Chouchou is too cute ❤❤

[@ladyorange9915]

Such a great video ! I am truly someone who prepares for when we are going away even overnight. I definitely got some extra inspiration from this video, so thank you for giving your tips. Honestly, so worth it to ensure everyone has a good time and even if I am an anxious traveller and will miss my babies, I know they are in good hands and that helps me enjoy myself while away. Hoping you both enjoy your travels !

[@sandiotoole4295]

This video has perfect timing as I am traveling soon. You touched on some things that will help me like Vet's numbers and emergency hospitals. Thanks!

[@AbagailGrayce]

I already do a lot of the same things you do when we are away, but I hadn’t thought about an authorization for medical treatment/reclaiming at a shelter! Smart idea, thank you!

[@jessicamessicak]

Thank you Hannah for the information!

[@SleeperInTravel]

I love you and the work you do! I just lost my kitty of 15 years a couple months back and your videos still bring me such good vibes and joy. Bless you for the work you do and for loving our feline friends! :)

[@vezhopkins714]

I dont go on holiday very often and when i do its usually only a week at most but my cats go to a cattery as they are indoor cats normaly and I dont have a catio so at the cattery they get a little heated cabin and an outdoor part so they get to go out a bit, the cattery is a off-shoot of a vet clinic so its in the same place so if they get ill its easy to get them to a vet, they also have a kennels for dogs and they look after other animals to (rabbits, guinnypigs ETC)

[@MousesOnMainStreet]

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your videos. We have four abandoned kittens that about two weeks ago and we got them were two weeks old. If it wasn’t for your videos I wouldn’t of had a clue what to do I can honestly say it has been a wonderful and very easy for me experience we are keeping all four of them. We live on 2 acres, you are amazing and thank you so much it’s because of you that they lived

[@patriciaorlando2380]

Love your video. You are so organised a Your cats are well cared for .

[@noneofyourbusiness7094]

Excellent tips! Nice background music too.

[@hedgerhome]

Great video ❤ and well thought out

[@bizsaasE]

I just want to note that it’s just SO wonderful to see that there are people who are cat owners and lovers who know how special kitties are and appreciate their little personalities because my heart just aches so bad to know that so many cruel people treat cats like trash they take out! Every time I see a stray I cry~seriously I do bc I want to scoop them up & take em home but can’t have that many cats 😢for every single excuse for a human being who treats a cat badly.. may you be treated a million times worse in return! Cats are such beautiful smart creatures that are misunderstood a lot!! They have personalities and preferences just like all creatures human and animal alike ❤ much love and respect to all cat parents thank you for all you do for these babies 😻

[@user-zv7yy8me3p]

Thanks for your video

[@lisadieter-burns]

Thank You! You actually made me feel like I am a responsible pet owner and want to give my pet sitter everything I can to be successful. I portion out the bunny food in baggies in advance. I have rotating schedules for certain chores so I make a calendar that she can check off by day. I leave authorization for vet medical treatment . I like your 'by cat' information document. I think I also need to leave documentation in case they are at a shelter like you did. I LOVE your pill caddy organizer. It takes a lot for us to go on vacation, but I believe that we do not have to feel sequestered to our house 24/7 and can have a trusted person step in at times.

[@beachbunny7256]

You are a Godsend!!! I have to leave my home for 1 or possibly 2 months😢My adult son will take care of them for me (at our house) but I need them!!! I have 2 males, both rescues, William Wallace and Ace. My 2 cats and I suffered extreme trama together March 2022 and we've been attached at the "whisker" ever since. We read each other's emotions, we are truly a pride. So, the thought of not having then with me is more than discomfort... They're part of my soul. But, moving them into a foreign environment to be with me for the month or 2, I know will tramatizrd them as well.!! Help, I want to do what's best??!! I TRUST your judgement. Would you recommend I leave them home with my son or take them? My son has told me they miss me so much when I have left previously. I have to make the decision in 2 days, been putting it off too long. Thanks!! You're an 😇 ❤

[@darlouthia5153]

Great job 👏

[@raelakoira]

These are some great ideas.. I haven't traveled in awhile and I've adopted an additional cat since the last time I've been out, plus now there are additional medications to be given. I used to be good with just a hand written note to give feeding/med information for two cats, plus a list of bullet points on general care info. Also, I am so impressed that you can just leave bags of food/treats out! I have some very food motivated monsters that will chew through packaging in search of goodies. They've even torn open bags of litter in case it was food! All my cat supplies have to stay locked up in a closet, haha.

[@oliviafo5224]

i haven't seen haroun in a while! glad to see him!!

[@IHeartAfrica22]

Going away soon - Africa! - and had most of this on my list.... but this gives me some ideas of more things I should do. Thanks KL :)

[@Heymrk]

I call my mom and fill the fridge with her favorite food. My three (soon to be four) and dog know her well and love her. She's over a lot.

[@roulatsoka6802]

Your cats are very lucky 😍💕

[@thedude4762]

I think for finding the best pet sitter is definitely word of mouth its how i would stay booked the whole summer just doing it as a side hustle

[@KasatkaTilikum]

Thank you I’m leaving my three baby’s on Thursday and will be gone for a week

[@lauraeaton5414]

I love seeing Choucjou. He is so cute.

[@eloisadegreiff3380]

“My husband” 😍😍

[@sarahj87]

I have a cat sitter but I never thought about making documents in case of emergency. Great tips!

[@debramcroberts6848]

Realizing how lucky I am with one healthy cat that doesn't need meds and saves his food throughout the day. He's a lazy cat that hates being picked up, but enjoys listening to music and vibes. Apparently while I was gone for study abroad, he'll come out at random times looking for me, but he didn't like when my parents tried to pet or comfort him. He's normally okay with them petting him unless he has a skittish day. He's a rescue, I don't know anything about his past, but he shown signs of mistreatment. Luckily he's out of his shell for me and my parents, though he hides when strangers to him visits.

[@khiarapollock8227]

My mom and I have a dog right now and when my mom travels she’ll let Luna know that she’ll be away but will be back and it helps

[@genthe1st]

hey kitten lady!!, I just wanted to say you really remind me of my disability learning teacher :)), she was the sweetest ever. she made my disability in reading arabic okay, and didn't make me feel ashamed, well she used to teach be arabic but now she teaches me math.. but she doesn't really teach me anymore, sadly I moved schools and i miss her dearly she was honestly the best

[@AmandaLori]

Could you possibly share a template of your care plan/emergency plan in like a PDF? I would love to have such a detailed, organized list for future cat sitters and your documents look so helpful and easy to read!

[@Skyflakesforever]

Happy birthday, Hannah!

[@AnimeShinigami13]

OMG Haroun looooooooool my cat does that too with the toy humping!!!! His favorites are his stuffed pink elephant, his stuffed toy walrus with a santa hat (It squeaks) and his stuffingless squeaky phrog that he kicked the arms off of. he's a derp and I LOVE him. but he tends to be a very vocal and insistant boi.

[@_ruthjt_]

Thanx for the tips! I have everything pretty automated and have cameras on both floors of my house 😅. I still have someone come over and check them and feed them their wet food

[@Solo_Traveling]

If you're going to Turkey, perhaps you're going to visit Walter Santi? The guy does an amazing job with all his cats!

[@Celeste-.-marie]

Im a new follower, so maybe you have this already, but your home is beautiful and id love to see how you catify your space but still have it look nice :) This gave me so many ideas for how to set up my pets for vacations- thank you!

[@jjbee11]

She has several cat trees and two catios for them 😊

[@walterdavies6434]

good topic

[@JenPolishAholic]

I don't really ever travel but I have things like this for both of my cats in case something happens to me

[@pesa9518]

Same!

[@marywenrich8050]

Watching this with my 2 cats. They are both giving me the "don't you dare leave" look 😅

[@danbev8542]

Great video and advice as usual, Hannah! In the old days, we were told that cats are ‘independent’ and ‘don’t really need us’ - which is NOT true! My cats are clearly upset when we arrive home from a trip. Our current neighbor is wonderful & has many animals, but my cats are so skittish, she can’t get near them. If she had the time to sit down & read the paper….but I can’t blame her for that! I do leave a note with instructions, info, etc….I like the photo idea!

[@mspears_bobobuddytheseniorcat]

I literally haven't gone anywhere over night in years because of my Buddy! Ha! He eats 6 times a day and takes medicine twice a day. These are great tips! 😻❤️

[@albertborgman859]

Cool Cat: Sir Romeo has his own personal Mini Air Conditioner $30, inverter, $12, and deep cell RV battery. He has air conditioning while camping or when the car is off. He's one hot cat who must be cooooool.

[@PinkFlowers365]

awesome tysm

[@6565hopepy]

She is a different level cat lover👍

[@Ecovaluations]

TY for helping cat guardians, as well as non-guardians, realize that the feline species is not a monolith. Each cat has likes, dislikes, behaviors and needs that can be polar opposites from their house mates. My three littermates had personalities that couldn't have been more different! 🐾🐾