Preparing for travel is easier when everything is organized in one place.
This checklist can help ensure your cat, your home, and your professional pet care team have everything needed for a smooth, stress-free experience while you are away.
Use this list during the week before your trip and review it again the day before departure.
☐ Confirm departure date
☐ Confirm return date
☐ Confirm cat sitting schedule
☐ Notify your sitter of any itinerary changes
☐ Provide emergency contact information
☐ Verify best phone number for reaching you while traveling
☐ Leave enough food for the entire trip
☐ Leave several extra days of food for unexpected delays
☐ Label food containers if necessary
☐ Review feeding instructions
☐ Confirm portion sizes
☐ Confirm feeding schedule
☐ Stock treats if desired
☐ Wash and prepare food bowls
☐ Clean water bowls and fountains
☐ Verify fountains are functioning properly
☐ Leave extra filters or supplies if needed
☐ Review hydration-related concerns with your sitter
☐ Verify medication quantities
☐ Refill prescriptions if needed
☐ Organize medications in a central location
☐ Label medications clearly
☐ Provide written medication instructions
☐ Include dosage information
☐ Include administration schedules
☐ Leave syringes, pill pockets, or administration tools
☐ Notify your sitter of recent medication changes
☐ Scoop all litter boxes
☐ Refill litter supplies
☐ Leave extra litter
☐ Review any special litter box instructions
☐ Clean surrounding litter areas
☐ Provide primary veterinarian contact information
☐ Provide emergency hospital information
☐ Provide specialty veterinarian information (if applicable)
☐ Update medical condition summaries
☐ Review emergency treatment preferences
☐ Confirm emergency contact availability
☐ Provide emergency contact phone numbers
☐ Provide backup emergency contact information
☐ Review decision-making authority if needed
☐ Test keys
☐ Test lockboxes
☐ Verify access codes
☐ Verify building access procedures
☐ Verify alarm codes
☐ Provide parking instructions
☐ Confirm backup access plan
☐ Bring in or secure deliveries if needed
☐ Organize care supplies
☐ Label important items
☐ Set out cleaning supplies if desired
☐ Leave instructions for plant care (if requested)
☐ Check heating and cooling systems
☐ Ensure all essential areas are accessible
☐ Leave favorite beds available
☐ Leave favorite toys accessible
☐ Leave scratching posts available
☐ Ensure window perches are accessible
☐ Prepare enrichment activities if desired
☐ Maintain normal household setup
☐ Update hiding spot information
☐ Share personality notes
☐ Update routine changes
☐ Discuss recent behavioral changes
☐ Inform sitter of any health concerns
☐ Notify sitter of any recent veterinary visits
☐ Confirm all supplies are stocked
☐ Organize instructions in one location
☐ Refresh food and water stations
☐ Scoop litter boxes
☐ Double-check medications
☐ Verify home access procedures
☐ Spend quality time with your cat
☐ Get a good night's sleep
☐ Verify sitter has access information
☐ Verify emergency contacts are current
☐ Verify veterinary information is available
☐ Confirm travel phone number
☐ Leave home calmly and confidently
☐ Have a wonderful trip
At Cats in the City, we believe preparation is one of the most important forms of care.
A well-prepared trip creates continuity for your cat, clarity for your sitter, and peace of mind for you.
The goal isn't perfection.
The goal is making sure everyone has what they need so your cat can remain safe, comfortable, and supported while you're away.