We all love our fur babies 🐱, but sometimes we have commitments that require us to leave them behind. Whether it’s a business trip, a vacation, a day trip, or an emergency, there are plenty of reasons we can’t bring our furry children along with us. If you feed wet food to your cat, leaving them alone for any length of time can present a challenge. So, unless you can teach your fur baby to open a can of wet food, you’ll need to explore other options to ensure their routine isn’t disrupted and their tummies stay happy.
Freeze Wet Food to Thaw During the Day
If you’re only going to be away for a day and will miss one regularly scheduled feeding, you can try freezing wet food and setting it out for your cat to enjoy throughout the day. Cats generally prefer their food to be at room temperature, so there’s little risk of them trying to eat frozen food. Here’s how you can do it:
- Plan ahead to ensure the wet food is easy to extract from whatever container you use.
- Determine how long it takes for the frozen food to thaw to room temperature.
- When you leave your cat at home, place the frozen wet food in a bowl. Your cat may investigate it, but the temperature will discourage them from eating it immediately.
- Throughout the day, the wet food will thaw and return to room temperature, ready for your cat to enjoy at dinner time.
While this method can work well for non-picky eaters, there are a few potential issues to consider. It can be tricky to time the thawing process, and if your cat expects regular meal times but the food is still chilled, they may refuse to eat. Additionally, if your cat tends to bat things around, they may move the frozen food to a less-than-ideal place. Lastly, if the food remains uneaten, it can create an unpleasant odor in your home. It’s worth noting that freezing food is only a short-term solution since it can only be used for one day.
Use an Automatic Feeder
There are various machines available on the market that allow you to schedule feedings for your cat without being physically present. While most of these feeders are designed for dry food, some can accommodate a combination of dry and wet food or exclusively wet food. The best ones will have mechanisms to keep the wet food cool, reducing the risk of spoilage. Automatic feeders offer convenience and reliability, but they also have some drawbacks:
- They can be expensive, ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the features and build quality.
- If the feeder fails due to a dead battery, power outage, or programming issue, your cat might not receive their food.
- Most feeders can only hold enough food for a day or two, making them unsuitable for longer trips.
While more advanced automatic wet food feeders are currently in development, the options currently available are limited. It’s crucial to ensure that your cat cannot break into the feeder and consume all the food in one sitting, leaving them hungry for the remainder of your time away. If you choose to use an automatic feeder, be sure to put fresh batteries in it before you leave and consider leaving a spare key with a neighbor or friend, just in case.
Ask Friends or Family
One of the best ways to ensure your cat receives their wet food when you’re not home is to ask friends or family for help. Trusted individuals can do more than just feed your cat; they can also play with them, clean the litter box, and monitor their well-being. They can send you photos or videos as a report on your cat’s situation, providing peace of mind. However, relying on friends or family may have some downsides:
- Asking someone to come over twice a day can be inconvenient and inconsistent visit times might result in irregular meal intervals.
- The person caring for your cat needs to handle them properly, and your cat must be comfortable with them.
- It’s essential that they are familiar with your cat’s food routine and can maintain it.
To overcome these potential issues, consider asking a neighbor who lives nearby to help. Someone who lives across the street might find it easier to stop by a couple of times a day. While most friends, family, or neighbors will care for your cat for free out of love, it’s always thoughtful to show your appreciation with a small gift or gesture.
Hire a Cat Sitter
Another option is to hire a professional cat sitter. A reliable cat sitter should have experience in caring for cats of all ages, be licensed and insured, and have positive testimonials to vouch for their abilities. A professional cat sitter can offer comprehensive care, including cleaning the litter box, administering medication, and providing daily enrichment. They can also send you daily updates on your cat’s well-being, ensuring peace of mind. While professional cat sitters can be pricey, the quality of service they provide can make it worthwhile.
Visit a Boarding Facility
A boarding facility is a comprehensive care home for your cat while you’re away. These facilities provide a pampered and monitored environment for your pet. To ensure the facility is reputable, licensed, insured, and has great testimonials from satisfied customers. A good boarding facility will keep you updated on your cat’s well-being, either through direct messages or by posting photos on a website. Some facilities even have webcams, allowing you to check on your cat whenever you miss them. It’s important to note that boarding facilities can be costly, so it may not be a viable option for shorter trips.
Transition to Dry Food
While many experts advise against feeding wet food when you’re not home, there are alternatives such as transitioning your cat to dry food. Dry food is more reliable if you leave a large bowl of it or use an automatic feeder that doesn’t require refrigeration. If your cat doesn’t initially like dry food, you can gradually introduce it by adding a little tuna water or liquid from their wet food to soften it and infuse it with familiar scents. Over time, reduce the amount of liquid until your cat is accustomed to eating dry food. However, this option is not suitable for cats that tend to overeat or have special dietary needs.
Conclusion
While leaving your cat with food and water may seem tempting, it’s important to have someone check on them at least once a day to ensure their well-being. Unexpected emergencies can arise, and having someone care for your cat provides peace of mind. Whether you ask a friend, hire a professional cat sitter, or opt for a boarding facility, each option has its pros and cons. Consider your cat’s specific needs and your budget to determine the best solution. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your fur baby’s care.