When you’re planning a trip, one of the biggest decisions as a cat owner is where your feline friend will stay. Many people search for a cat hotel as a safe, comfortable option. But, did you know there’s an even better choice?
With Mad Paws, you can book a trusted cat sitter who will either host your cat in their home or come to yours to care for them. It’s all the comfort of a cat hotel, but even more personalised and stress-free.
In this guide, we’ll compare the two options and show why a Mad Paws pet sitter might be the best solution for you and your cat.
What to expect from a standard cat hotel
A cat hotel is designed to make cats feel secure and cared for while their owners are away. Most facilities provide:
Secure rooms or suites
Cozy bedding
Feeding and litter cleaning routines
Toys, scratching posts, and climbing areas
Staff who spend time playing with and caring for cats
It sounds like a luxury stay, and for some cats, it can be. But if your cat doesn’t adjust easily to new places, the experience may not be as stress-free as it seems…
The drawbacks of a cat hotel
Cats are creatures of habit and highly territorial. While a cat hotel may look appealing, some cats struggle with:
New environments: unfamiliar smells and noises can trigger stress
Other animals: being near strange cats can make them anxious
Routine disruption: even the best cat hotel or cattery can’t emulate your cat’s daily schedule perfectly
Limited one-on-one time: staff attention is shared among many cats
If your cat tends to hide, stop eating, or act differently in new places, a cat hotel might not be the best fit for their wellbeing.
Why a pet sitter is an even better option
A Mad Paws pet sitter gives your cat all the benefits of a cat hotel, and then some…
Familiar surroundings: your cat can stay at home in their safe, stress-free environment
Personalised care: a sitter follows your exact instructions for feeding, litter, and play
One-on-one attention: no competing with other cats — your sitter’s focus is just on your pet
Creature comforts: the comfiest suite is your cat’s own bed, couch, and favourite sunny spot
Constant updates for you: daily photo and video check-ins so you know your cat is happy and healthy
Flexibility: choose whether your cat stays in your home with a visiting sitter, or enjoys a homely stay at your sitter’s place
With Mad Paws, you can find trusted, reviewed sitters across Australia who treat your cat like family.
Weighing up a cat hotel vs. cat sitter
| What cats need | cat hotel | Mad Paws pet sitter |
|---|---|---|
| safe environment | ✔️ facility-based | ✔️ familiar home (or sitter’s home) |
| comfort and coziness | ✔️ bedding provided | ⭐ their own bed and favourite spots |
| routine care | ✔️ basic schedule | ⭐ exact same routine as home |
| play and enrichment | ✔️ shared play areas | ⭐ personalised playtime |
| human affection | ✔️ staff across multiple cats | ⭐ dedicated 1-on-1 attention |
| mental health | ❌ stress from change | ⭐ calm, relaxed in their own territory |
Instead of adjusting to a new environment, why not keep your cat in the familiar surroundings of home? And instead of you worrying while you’re away, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing a trusted sitter is giving them one-on-one love and attention.
So, the next time you search for a cat hotel, remember: the most luxurious suite for your cat is their own home. With a Mad Paws pet sitter, they’ll get all the creature comforts, personalised care, and love they deserve. And you’ll get to travel guilt-free!
Find a trusted Mad Paws cat sitter today and give your feline friend the 5-star treatment they deserve.
