Are you leaving town for a few days or making plans for a long-awaited vacation?  Relaxing on the beach or seeing a new city sounds great, but every cat owner has this thought in the back of their mind: How will my cat eat while I'm gone?

There are, thankfully, safe and easy ways to make sure your cat is fed while you're not there.  This guide will help you leave the house without stress. Let's talk about everything you need to know to make sure your cat is always happy, healthy, and full, even when you're not there.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Cats are very set in their ways.  People who skip meals or have problems with their schedules may feel stressed, act differently, or even have health issues.  If you plan, you can make sure that your cat is comfy, well-fed, and mentally stable while you're away.

Leaving Your Cat Alone? Here’s What to Consider

Think about what your cat needs before you lock your bag.  Here are some things to think about:

Age: Kittens and older cats usually need more care more often.

Medical needs: It's important to be consistent if your cat is on medicine or a special food.

Personality: Independent cats may do better being alone than social cats.

Duration: Having a reliable way to feed them is more important the longer you'll be gone.

How Cats React to Being Alone

Many cats get anxious when they are left alone for too long, even if they don't seem to mind.  You could find scratched furniture, unfinished food, or litter boxes that haven't been used when you get back.  You can avoid these problems by feeding your cat regularly and interacting with it, even if it's just from a distance.

The Risk of Skipped Meals and How to Prevent It

Skipping food might not seem like a big deal, but it can be very bad for cats' health, especially if they are overweight. Poor liver health can happen as a result.  Whether you're gone for a weekend or a whole week, it's important to make sure they always have food.

5 Easy and Reliable Ways to Feed Your Cat While You’re Away

It doesn't have to be hard to feed your cat while you're away. There are five tried-and-true ways to make sure your cat stays fed while you're away.

1. Hire a Professional Pet Sitter

Do you want individual care? A professional pet sitter can come by once or twice a day to feed your cat, give it fresh water, clean the litter box, and hang out with it. This is a great choice for long trips or cats that need a lot of care.

Choose someone with experience, preferably someone who is bonded and protected, and have them come by once to get your cat used to them.

2. Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Help

Sometimes, all your cat needs to feel calm is a friendly face. Ask a friend or neighbor you trust to feed your cat once or twice a day. Make sure to give clear directions, meals that are the right size, and emergency contact information.

It's easy and cheap to use this service for short trips, but be sure to pick someone who will not forget or miss a call.

3. Use an Automatic Feeder

Automatic feeds are great for situations where you don't want to do anything. One great example is the Oneisall automatic cat feeder. This smart feeder has Wi-Fi and is portable, so you can control it from your phone, even if you are hundreds of miles away.

The Oneisall cat dish has many benefits, such as:

• Set times and amounts for meals
• Long-lasting batteries let you move without stress
• It has a voice recording feature that lets you tell your cat to eat
• It can hold 3L of food for several days.

With a Oneisall cat feeder, you can go on trips without worrying about your pet's food schedule.

4. Try Puzzle Feeders for Mental Stimulation

Cats don't just need to eat to stay alive; they also like to hunt. Fun and interesting puzzle feeders make feeding time more fun for cats who are easily bored or interested in new things.

Puzzle feeders aren't a perfect replacement for a daily routine, but they're great for adding to your pet's food or keeping them busy while you're not there.

5. Pre-Portion Meals and Leave Detailed Instructions

It will be easier for someone else to feed your cat if you put meals into separate dishes or zip-lock bags ahead of time. Write the dates and times on them clearly.

Leave a full plan that has the following:

• Schedule for feeding
• How much and what kind of food
• Any food or allergy restrictions
• Contacting the vet and what to do in an emergency

This way, you won't have to guess what your cat needs, and they'll get it.

Essential Prep Before You Leave

Giving your cat food is only one part of the issue. If you do your research before your trip, you can avoid shocks and make sure your cat is safe and comfy.

Stock Up on Supplies

Make a list of everything your cat needs and get it all before you leave. Add these:

• There is enough food and sweets for the whole time you are away.
• Brand new litter and bags
• Clean plates or bowls
• medicines, if any

Not having enough food or water while you're not there could cause your cat and the person taking care of them extra stress.

Do a Trial Run with Your Chosen Feeding Method

Always test the Oneisall automatic cat feeder before you leave, whether you're hiring a sitter or giving food to a friend to serve. This will help figure out what might be wrong, like broken tools or confusion.

Set up the automatic feeder and watch your cat use it. Make sure they come when the feeder sounds and that the food comes out the way you want it to.

Leave Clear Instructions

The more information you give, the better things will go. Print out a food plan, write down any allergies or strange habits your cat has, and give everyone in the family the emergency phone numbers, including your vet's.

Add a picture of your cat in case it gets lost, and someone needs help finding it.

Bonus Tip – Thinking of Bringing Your Cat Along?

Most cats would rather stay at home, but some do well on trips, especially if they are introduced to them early on. If you want to take your cat on a getaway or car trip, make sure you have everything you need.

Consider a Travel-Friendly Cat Carrier

For stress-free travel, you need a strong, safe backpack. When going on short trips or vacations with your pet, soft-sided cases, cat backpacks, or car booster seats are all great choices.

Don't forget:

• Use soft blankets to line the carrier.
• Bring toys or things from home that you know.
• Take enough food and a litter box with you.

FAQs About Feeding Cats While on Vacation

Q: Can I leave my cat alone for 3 days with an automatic feeder?

A: Yes, especially if you use a device that you know you can trust, like the Oneisall robotic cat food. Just make sure it's fully charged, has enough food, and has a backup power source.

Q: Will my cat be okay alone for a week?

A: It's possible with an automatic feeder and water sink, but it's not the best idea. At least once every two days, someone should check-in.

Q: How much food should I leave in the feeder?

A: Divide it up so that your cat can eat it every day. The Oneisall cat food lets you set exact amounts for several meals a day.

Q: What’s the best automatic cat feeder for travel?

A: The Oneisall automatic cat food stands out because it is smart, doesn't have a cord, and can be controlled by voice commands.

Q: Do cats get lonely when left alone?

A: A lot of cats do. If you'll be gone for more than a day or two, hire a cat sitter or ask a friend of your cat to come over.

Conclusion

Taking care of your cat's food while you're away doesn't have to be stressful. Planning is important whether you use a Oneisall cat feeder for ease of use, hire a trusted pet sitter, or make meals ahead of time. Even if you're far away, give your cat the best care possible. Your cat will be happy, safe, and well-fed while you're away if you plan and bring the right supplies.

Are you ready to relax on your next trip? Take the Oneisall 3L Cordless Smart Pet Feeder with you when you travel.