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.
1 comment
This article really helped me understand the pros and cons! I appreciate how it highlights the stress cats can face in hotels and how Mad Paws offers such personalized care at home. It gives me peace of mind knowing my cat would be so loved and comfortable.