When planning a holiday or time away from home, one of the biggest decisions cat owners face is how to care for their cat while they’re gone. The two most common options are in-home cat sitting or booking a place at a cattery.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - every cat is different. In this blog, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of both, so you can decide what’s best for your cat, your home, and your peace of mind.

*Many cats feel much more relaxed at home in their own environment*

In-Home Cat Sitting

Cat sitting involves a professional sitter visiting your home (usually once or twice a day) to feed your cat, clean litter trays, provide company, and make sure everything is running smoothly.

At The Stamford Catsitter and The Cambridge Catsitter, we offer flexible options including once-daily visits, twice-daily visits, extended visits, and even overnight or all-day sitting for cats who need more company or supervision.

Why many cats thrive with cat sitting:

Cats are creatures of habit.

Most cats are deeply attached to their environment - familiar smells, routines, food bowls, and favourite sleeping spots. Staying at home allows them to keep all of that.

Less stress, no travelling.

There’s no car journey, no new smells, and no unfamiliar animals nearby. For nervous, elderly, or shy cats, this can make a huge difference.

Personalised, one-to-one care.

Your sitter follows your instructions - feeding routines, medication, play preferences, and even which blanket your cat insists on sleeping on.

Ideal for multi-cat households.

Cats can stay together in their usual dynamic, rather than being separated into unfamiliar spaces.

Home checks included.

Our sitters also carry out small practical tasks like bringing in post, rotating lights, or checking windows - added peace of mind while you’re away.

*Keeping feeding routines the same is one of the biggest comforts for cats and their owners when they are away*

Things to consider

Cat sitting usually works best for cats who:

• Are happy being alone between visits

• Don’t need constant supervision

• Are comfortable with someone visiting their home

For most cats, one or two visits per day is plenty. For cats who need more company, reassurance, or monitoring, extended visits, overnight stays, or live-in care can often be arranged instead.

*One to one care means attention, treats and familiar routines stay just the same.*

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Catteries

Catteries provide dedicated accommodation for cats, with staff on site caring for multiple animals at once. They’re a long-established and regulated option, and many are run with great care and professionalism.

When a cattery can be a good fit

Cats who need regular monitoring.

Some cats benefit from staff being on site throughout the day, especially if they need frequent checks.

It’s worth noting that in-home services can sometimes meet this need too. Many professional sitters, including our team, offer extended visits, all-day sitting, overnight stays, or full live-in care for cats who need more consistent supervision.

Very social or confident cats.

Some cats cope well with new environments and don’t mind the change of scenery.

Owners who prefer an “all-in-one” setup.

For some people, dropping their cat off and collecting them later feels simpler.

Owners who are used to a particular cattery.

Some people have taken their cat to the same cattery for years and feel more comfortable with that familiar arrangement. Others may feel nervous about having someone in their home while they’re away, which is completely understandable.

Budget considerations.

Catteries can sometimes be a more budget-friendly option, particularly for longer trips or single-cat households, as the cost is shared across multiple animals in one facility.

Things to be aware of

• Cats must adjust to a new environment, sounds, and smells

• Travel to and from the cattery can be stressful

• Interaction time is often shared across many cats

• Some cats may eat less or hide while settling in

Even excellent catteries can’t replicate the comfort of home - but for certain cats, they’re absolutely the right choice.

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*The right choice depends on your individual cat*

So… Which Is Best?

There’s no universal “better” option - it depends entirely on your cat.

Cat sitting may suit cats who:

• Are nervous, elderly, or shy

• Are strongly attached to their home

• Live in multi-cat households

• Find change stressful

Catteries may suit cats who:

• Are confident and adaptable

• Need frequent monitoring (unless this can be provided at home)

• Are comfortable with travel and new spaces

The most important thing is choosing professional, experienced care, whichever route you take.

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*Keeping your home safe and cats happy while you are away*

A Final Thought 💛

As cat lovers ourselves, we always encourage owners to think from their cat’s point of view. Many cats are happiest staying exactly where they are - in their own home, on their own sofa, with their routines unchanged.

At The Stamford Catsitter and The Cambridge Catsitter, we offer a range of in-home options, from once-daily visits to overnight and live-in care, so we can tailor the service to suit each individual cat.

If you’re unsure what would suit your cat best, we’re always happy to talk it through and help you decide.

Because at the end of the day, the best choice is the one that keeps your cat calm, comfortable, and well cared for while you’re away.

Cat Sitting vs. Catteries: Which Is Best for Your Cat?

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