Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year in Louisville. If you share your home with a cat, you have probably wondered what is best for them while you are away. Many cat parents assume they need to find a place for their cat to stay. For most cats, though, the most comfortable place to spend the holiday is right at home.
At Raven's K9 to 5, cats are cared for in their own homes through Drop-In Pet Visits and Overnight House Sitting. This article explains why staying home tends to suit cats, how to choose the right level of care and how to get ready before you leave.
Why Many Cats Do Better at Home
Cats are creatures of territory and routine. Their sense of security comes from familiar smells, favorite sleeping spots, their own litter box and the predictable rhythm of the household. Moving a cat to a new environment, even for a few days, can mean a stressful car ride, unfamiliar sounds and the effort of adjusting to a new space.
When a cat stays home, the environment stays the same. The caregiver comes to them. That usually means:
No carrier or car ride
Their own litter box, food station and hiding spots
Fewer new sounds and smells
A routine that stays as close to normal as possible
Some cats seem independent, but they still need daily attention while you are away. My article on why cats need daily visits explains what can go wrong when cats are left alone too long, from empty water bowls to unnoticed health changes.
Drop-In Pet Visits or Overnight House Sitting?
Both services keep your cat at home. The right choice depends on your cat's needs and how long you will be gone.
Drop-In Pet Visits
Drop-ins are scheduled visits built around your cat's routine. Visit lengths range from 15 to 60 minutes, and the current rates are listed on the drop-in service page. Visits can include feeding and fresh water, litter box cleaning, medication administration when needed, playtime and companionship, along with home tasks like mail and package retrieval, plant watering and light and blind rotation. Every visit is GPS-tracked, and you receive photos and a detailed visit report.
Drop-ins are often a good fit for healthy adult cats who are comfortable with some quiet time between visits.
Overnight House Sitting
House sitting provides dedicated overnight care and companionship in your home. Overnight lengths range from 8 to 18 hours, and rates include one dog or cat, with additional pets at +$5 each. Midday drop-in visits are not included in an overnight stay, so if your cat needs daytime care too, a drop-in can be booked separately.
Overnight care may be the better choice for cats who are seniors, who take medication on a tight schedule, who become anxious when alone or who live with other pets that need more attention. Read my comparison of house sitting versus drop-in visits for more help deciding.
Thanksgiving-Specific Risks for Cats
The days around Thanksgiving bring a few extra risks worth planning for, even if you are not home:
Leftover food. Turkey bones, fatty skin, onions and garlic are not safe for cats. Make sure trash cans are secured and counters are cleared before you leave.
Decorations and plants. Holiday arrangements, ribbons and string can be tempting to chew. Some seasonal plants can also be harmful. Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure about a particular plant.
Weather changes. Late November in Kentuckiana can swing from mild to freezing. Let your sitter know your preferred thermostat settings so your home stays comfortable.
Door dashing. If your cat tends to slip out, note that clearly in your care instructions.
How to Prepare Your Home Before You Travel
Good preparation makes in-home care smooth and reliable:
Set up dependable home access. A lockbox is strongly recommended for drop-ins. Garage or electronic keypad access can also be used, but all codes and instructions must be current in Time To Pet. A visit missed because the sitter cannot access the home is not refundable. The home access guide explains the options.
Stock supplies. Leave enough food, litter and any medications for the full trip, plus a few extra days in case your plans change.
Write down the routine. Include feeding amounts and times, favorite hiding spots, play preferences and anything unusual to watch for.
Share veterinary details. Add your veterinarian and an emergency contact to your profile. Clients remain responsible for veterinary expenses.
New to pet sitting? My first-time pet sitter checklist walks through everything step by step.
Common Questions About Thanksgiving Cat Sitting
How many visits does my cat need each day?
It depends on your cat. Many healthy adult cats do well with daily drop-ins, while kittens, seniors and cats on medication may need more frequent visits or overnight care. We can talk through your cat's needs when you request care.
Can one visit cover more than one cat?
Yes. Multi-pet pricing for drop-ins is the selected visit rate plus $5 for each additional pet, so multi-cat households can see the cost before requesting care.
Will I get updates while I am away?
Yes. Drop-ins are GPS-tracked and include photos and detailed visit reports, and overnight stays include photos and detailed overnight reports.
What if my cat hides the whole time?
Many cats hide from new people at first. Let me know your cat's favorite hiding places so I can confirm they are safe, eating and using the litter box without forcing interaction.
Booking Thanksgiving Cat Sitting
A 50% deposit holds future dates, and full payment is due before care begins. Cancellations do not automatically create a refund, so it helps to confirm your travel plans before booking. If you have questions about availability for specific holiday dates, reach out early.
For in-home care, I travel to clients in many Louisville, Oldham County and Southern Indiana communities, from St. Matthews, the Highlands and Middletown to Anchorage, New Albany and Jeffersonville. Please contact us to confirm availability and travel for your address.
Every service is provided by a Fear Free Certified, Pet First Aid and CPR trained and insured caregiver, with GPS-tracked visits and photo report cards through Time To Pet.
To get started, register in Time To Pet. Registration is required before requesting services. Existing clients can log in to request Thanksgiving visits. Questions first? Visit the contact page.
