Leave the cat at home when you go on holiday

De-stressing for you, stressing for cats: A holiday getaway can be a nightmare for a cat if you insist on dragging the poor creature along. — Karolin Krämer/dpa-tmn/dpa

What for most of us sounds like the ultimate in relaxation – sun, beach and ocean – is hell for many cats. They prefer their favourite spot under the sofa or on a cushion on a chair in the kitchen rather than a hotel room or holiday home.

Cats love routine and their usual environment, explains animal welfare organisation Four Paws. Which is why owners are better off leaving their cats at home if they're planning to go away for a few days.