How to Support Anxious Cats When You Go on Holiday

Cats love their routines. Same snoozing spot, same food bowl, same old chair ripped to shreds next to the untouched scratch post.
So when their humans decide to pack a suitcase and disappear for a week, it can feel like their whole world’s been turned upside down. For some cats (especially the timid or anxious ones), that’s genuinely stressful.
But with a bit of planning and the right kind of care, you can make life much easier for them, and stop yourself from feeling wracked with guilt while you’re sipping sangria in Spain. 🍷

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Spotting Anxiety in Cats

Not all cats show stress in the same way.

• Some vanish under the bed and refuse to come out.
  
  
• Some over-groom until they look like they’ve got bald chicken legs.
  
  
• Others go off their food, or suddenly “forget” how to use their litter tray.
  
  

Knowing what’s “normal sulking” versus genuine anxiety is key. If your usually confident cat suddenly starts acting out of character, it might not be attitude — it might be holiday nerves.

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Why Staying at Home Helps

Cats are very territorial animals. Their home is their kingdom, their safe zone, their comfort blanket.
And while catteries work for some, many cats come home unsettled, stressed, or just plain furious at you for daring to leave them there.
That’s why in-home cat care can be a game-changer, especially for anxious cats. Keeping them in familiar surroundings removes a massive chunk of the stress.
It’s also exactly why we launched our Cats Deserve More campaign. Because cats aren’t second-class pets. They deserve proper species-specific care and services designed just for them.
(If you’d like to join the movement, come and say hello in our Cats Deserve More Facebook group 🐾).

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Before You Leave

A few simple steps can make the whole trip smoother:
✔️ Stick to routines - keep feeding and play times the same. ✔️ Set the scene - leave familiar bedding, toys, scratching posts, hiding places. ✔️ Soothe the senses - Feliway diffusers, cat-safe sprays, calming aids. ✔️ Background noise - a low radio, classical music, or “cat calming” playlists.
Basically, keep life as “normal” as possible, even when you’re not there.

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Choosing the Right Care

Here’s where things get interesting.
Not all sitters are created equal. A dog walker who tops up a cat’s food bowl and gives them a pat on the head is not the same as a cat-specific sitter who gets it.
A good cat sitter will: 🐾 Respect your cat’s space (no forced cuddles). 🐾 Stick to your cat’s routine. 🐾 Recognise the subtle signs of feline stress.
This is where feline-first care really makes a difference.

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Stress-Busters

Alongside the basics, a few add-ons can help too:

• Enrichment: puzzle feeders, window perches, or “cat TV” videos.
  
  
• Gentle touch: if your cat likes brushing or massage, this can be a lovely bonding activity between cat and sitter.
  
  
• Scent comfort: leave a t-shirt that smells like you.
  
  

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Keep Goodbyes Calm

We’re all tempted to scoop our cats up for dramatic farewell cuddles when we go on holiday.
It might make you feel better, but it can crank up your cat’s stress. A calm, low-key departure is much kinder.
And if your cat’s super-anxious, practice with a short weekend away first. Like building their resilience in little steps.

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Final Thoughts

Cats don’t have to suffer when their humans go on holiday.
By combining routine, gentle support, and the right sitter, you can keep them safe, calm and happy and actually enjoy your break without the guilt.
That’s exactly what we do at My Three Cats, and why we’re so passionate about our Cats Deserve More campaign.
And now in 2025, we’re taking it even further by giving other cat lovers the chance to Be Their Own Cat Boss with our new franchise opportunity. 🐾
Because when your cat’s relaxed, you’re relaxed too. 😺

About the Author

Wendy Thomson Melling is owner of My Three Cats Ltd. Visit Wendy's website at https://www.mythreecats.co.uk