Going Away for Christmas? How to Keep Your Cat Fed, Watered and Happy at Home

For many Aussie families, the Christmas break means a few days at the beach, a trip interstate to see relatives or a quick getaway between Christmas and New Year. Plenty of cats, though, are happiest staying put. Unlike dogs, most cats are strongly attached to their territory, and a quiet home with their own smells, sleeping spots and routines is often far less stressful for them than a long car trip or an unfamiliar house.

If your cat is staying home while you head off, a bit of planning now (before the December rush) makes all the difference. Here's how to keep your cat fed, watered and content while you're away.

1. Book Your Cat Sitter Early

Good pet sitters and trusted neighbours get booked out fast over the summer holidays. Line someone up now to drop in at least once a day, or more often for longer trips. Even with handy gadgets at home, a person checking in matters: they can top up supplies, scoop the litter tray, spot anything unusual and give your cat a bit of company. Leave them clear written notes, your vet's phone number and a way to reach you.

2. Keep Mealtimes on Schedule

Cats tend to love routine, and that includes when dinner arrives. Leaving a big pile of food out for a few days can mean your cat eats too much at once, or food sits out going stale in the summer heat. Sticking to regular, measured meals helps keep things feeling normal while you're gone. If your sitter can't visit at exactly the same times each day, an automatic feeder can help keep mealtimes consistent.

3. Make Fresh Water Easy to Find

Australian summer days are hot, and your cat needs plenty of fresh, clean water while you're away, especially if the house warms up with the air-con off. Put water out in more than one spot around the home, away from food bowls and the litter tray, and in a shaded area out of direct sun. A larger-capacity water dispenser means there's less chance of a bowl running dry between sitter visits.

4. Keep the House Cool and Cat-Friendly

Before you leave, think about how warm your home gets on a 35-degree day. Draw the blinds on sun-facing windows, leave internal doors open so your cat can find the coolest room, and make sure their favourite resting spots aren't in the full afternoon sun. Put away Christmas decorations, tinsel and ribbon that a bored cat might decide to chew while you're out.

5. Do a Trial Run Before You Go

Set up any new feeder or water dispenser a week or two before your trip so your cat gets used to it while you're still home to keep an eye on things. Check that your cat is happily eating and drinking from it, and walk your sitter through how everything works. If your cat has a health condition, needs medication or you're unsure how long they can safely be left between visits, have a chat with your vet.

Our Holiday Home-Alone Picks

Two handy helpers from the 3Doz range to support your cat's routine while you're away.

Smart Control Automatic Pet Feeder for Cats and Dogs

This automatic feeder lets you schedule feeding times and program set amounts of dry food to be dispensed at designated times, so your cat is fed consistently even when you're not home. Its 2L capacity can hold enough food for several days, depending on your pet's feeding needs, and the stainless steel bowl is easy to clean and hygienic. It's a great match for a sitter who pops in once a day.

Shop the Automatic Pet Feeder →

2.8L Cat Water Fountain, No Electricity

This gravity-style water dispenser needs no electricity, so there are no cords or power points to worry about while you're away. It holds a generous 2.8L, and the transparent container lets you (or your sitter) see the water level at a glance. To refill, simply twist the top half to open and close the container. It measures 29 x 18 x 23cm and comes in grey, blue or pink.

Shop the 2.8L Cat Water Fountain →

Enjoy Your Break With Peace of Mind

A reliable sitter, regular meals, plenty of fresh water and a cool, cat-safe home all help your cat stay settled while you enjoy the holidays. Get your home-alone essentials from 3Doz today and set them up early, so you and your cat are both ready well before Christmas.