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What Should I Buy Before Leaving My Cat for a Trip? (A Cat Sitter’s Checklist)

Leaving your cat while you travel is never easy — even when you’ve hired a sitter you trust completely. Over the years, I’ve learned that the smoothest trips happen when homes are set up for success before the suitcase is zipped.


These are the items I consistently recommend clients have on hand before they leave. They reduce stress for your cat, make visits run smoothly, and help small hiccups stay small.


1. Indoor Pet Cameras (For Peace of Mind, Not Policing)

A camera won’t replace a sitter — but it will give you peace of mind between visits.

What I recommend cameras for:

  • Checking that your cat came out to eat

  • Seeing where they nap during the day

  • Reassuring yourself they’re acting normally

Features I look for:

  • Wide-angle lens

  • Night vision

  • Cloud recording and storage

  • Reliable app

  • Optional two-way audio

🔗 Amazon picks I trust:

Tip: Place cameras where cats already spend time — near food bowls, favorite windows, or sleeping spots. Avoid constantly moving them once you leave.


2. A Dedicated Handheld Vacuum (Your Sitter’s Secret Weapon)

This is one of the most underrated vacation prep items — and one I always notice when it’s available.

Why a handheld vacuum matters:

  • Quick litter cleanups

  • Hair control on feeding mats

🔗 Amazon picks:

Having one easily accessible allows sitters to leave your home looking the way you left it — without eating into time meant for your cat.


3. A Few Favorite Toys (Nothing New, Nothing Fancy)

Travel is not the time to introduce brand-new toys. Cats are creatures of habit, and familiar things are comforting.

Best toy choices before a trip:

  • Wand toys your cat already loves

  • A favorite kicker or soft toy

🔗 Amazon staples:

Cats tend to play less when their owners are away, which is why familiar toys are important for supporting mental health and reducing boredom-related mischief.


4. Extra Litter (More Than You Think You’ll Need)

Running out of litter mid-trip is one of the most common avoidable issues I see.

Why extra litter matters:

  • Stress can increase litter box use

  • Illness happens unexpectedly

  • Delays and schedule changes happen

🔗 Amazon favorites:

I recommend having at least one full, unopened container of your usual litter visible and easy to access.


5. Extra Food (Both Wet and Dry)

Even predictable cats can change their eating habits when their humans leave.

Always leave:

  • Extra wet food

  • Extra dry food (if used)

  • Clear feeding instructions

  • Feeding tools in one place

🔗 Amazon essentials:

Having backup options prevents unnecessary stress for both your cat and your sitter.


Final Thought: Preparation Is an Act of Love

Having these items ready doesn’t mean something will go wrong — it means if something small happens, it stays small.


A prepared home allows your sitter to focus on what really matters:

  • Your cat’s comfort

  • Your cat’s health

  • Your peace of mind


Safe travels,

Jess 🐾

 
 
 
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