Your Christmas Cat Care Options in Christchurch
Finding reliable cat care in Christchurch during Christmas requires early planning, as most catteries are fully booked by October for the December-January holiday period. Here are your main options for ensuring your feline friend is well-cared for during the festive season.
Professional In-Home Cat Sitting Services
VIPets Christmas Cat Care – Available Throughout the Holiday Period
What it includes:
- Daily visits in your cat’s familiar home environment
- 15-minute visits: $20 per visit (feeding, litter maintenance, wellness check)
- 30-minute visits: $30 per visit (includes playtime and extended companionship)
- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day availability
- Professional, insured service with 10+ years experience
- Photo updates so you can see your cat is comfortable and happy
Why choose in-home care:
- No stress of unfamiliar environments during holiday disruptions
- Maintains familiar routines in comfortable surroundings
- Individual attention without competition from other cats
- Eliminates travel trauma for cats who dislike car journeys
- Flexible scheduling accommodating your specific travel dates
Platform Services (Pawshake, etc.)
Availability: Variable individual sitters Cost: $15-40 per visit depending on sitter and duration Benefits: Online booking convenience and platform insurance Considerations: Quality varies by individual sitter, higher demand during holidays
Christchurch Cattery Options
Current Christmas 2025 Availability Status:
Most Christchurch catteries are fully booked for Christmas/New Year 2025-2026, including:
- 4 Paws Cat Motel: Fully reserved until January 5, 2026
- Northlands Animal Care: Requires $100 deposit, 7-day minimum Christmas stay
- Riverside Cattery: Typically books out months in advance
If cattery space becomes available:
- Cost: $35-50 per day for standard accommodation
- Christmas surcharges: Additional $5-10 per day during public holidays
- Minimum stays: Most require 7-day minimum over Christmas period
- Deposits required: $100 non-refundable deposits standard
Friend and Family Options
Trusted Personal Networks
Advantages:
- Often less expensive or done as favours
- Familiar faces your cat may already know
- Flexible arrangements for gift exchanges or meal sharing
Important considerations:
- Availability during their own holiday plans
- Experience level with cat care and emergency situations
- Insurance coverage – personal arrangements typically have none
- Reliability factors during busy holiday schedules
How Much Does Christmas Cat Care Cost in Christchurch?
2025 Christmas Pricing Guide:
Professional In-Home Services:
- VIPets: $20-30 per visit (available throughout Christmas)
- Platform services: $15-40 per visit (limited holiday availability)
Cattery Accommodation:
- Standard rooms: $35-45 per day + holiday surcharges
- Premium suites: $45-70 per day + holiday surcharges
- Christmas period surcharges: $5-10 additional per day
Additional costs to consider:
- Deposits: $100 non-refundable for cattery bookings
- Minimum stay requirements: 7 days over Christmas period
- Special dietary needs: Additional charges for prescription foods
- Medication administration: May incur extra daily fees
When Should You Book Christmas Cat Care?
Critical Booking Timeline:
August-September (NOW): Best availability and rates
- Catteries accepting Christmas bookings with deposits
- Professional services available at standard rates
- Widest choice of care options
October-November: Limited availability
- Most catteries fully booked or waitlist only
- Professional in-home services still available
- Higher demand may affect pricing
December: Emergency booking only
- Catteries typically fully booked
- Professional services may have limited availability
- Expect premium holiday rates
What to Look for in Christmas Cat Care
Essential Questions to Ask Any Provider:
For Professional Services:
- “Are you available Christmas Day and New Year’s Day?”
- “What are your holiday rates and policies?”
- “Do you have backup coverage if you become unavailable?”
- “Are you insured for pet care during the holiday period?”
For Catteries:
- “What’s your Christmas booking timeline and deposit requirements?”
- “Do you have emergency protocols during holiday closures?”
- “What’s included in your holiday care package?”
- “Can you accommodate special dietary or medical needs?”
For Friends/Family:
- “Are you definitely available during our travel dates?”
- “Are you comfortable with our cat’s specific needs?”
- “What’s our backup plan if your holiday plans change?”
Christmas Cat Care Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs:
- No insurance coverage or professional credentials
- Unrealistic availability when others are fully booked
- Unclear pricing or hidden holiday surcharges
- No emergency protocols for holiday veterinary needs
- Poor communication about availability or care standards
- No meet-and-greet process before Christmas booking
Why VIPets is Christchurch’s Reliable Christmas Cat Care Choice
Unlike Many Services, VIPets Provides:
Guaranteed Holiday Availability: Christmas doesn’t stop your cat’s need for reliable care, and it doesn’t stop our commitment to providing it. While others close or become unavailable, VIPets maintains consistent service throughout the holiday period.
Professional Standards During Peak Times:
- 10+ years experience with holiday pet care challenges
- Fully insured services providing protection during travel periods
- Emergency protocols with veterinary contacts during holiday closures
- Consistent care provider eliminating confusion during busy times
Stress-Free Holiday Experience:
- No cattery booking stress or waitlists to navigate
- Familiar environment maintaining your cat’s comfort during disrupted routines
- Individual attention ensuring your cat’s specific needs are met
- Regular communication with photo updates during your travels
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cat Care
What if all the catteries are booked for Christmas?
Professional in-home cat sitting often provides better availability during peak periods. Services like VIPets maintain holiday schedules specifically to serve families when traditional options are unavailable.
Is it more expensive to book cat care at Christmas?
Yes, most services charge holiday premiums. Catteries typically add $5-10 per day, while professional services may charge 10-20% more during peak periods. However, in-home care often provides better value when you factor in the individual attention and stress reduction.
Can someone visit my cat on Christmas Day itself?
VIPets provides Christmas Day visits as part of our holiday care service. Many catteries are closed for collections/drop-offs on Christmas Day, making in-home care the more flexible option for holiday schedules.
How far in advance should I book Christmas cat care?
Book by September for best availability and rates. Popular services fill up 3-4 months in advance. Last-minute bookings (November-December) typically face limited options and premium pricing.
What if my travel plans change after booking?
Check cancellation policies carefully. Catteries often require non-refundable deposits, while professional services may offer more flexible terms. VIPets works with clients when holiday plans shift unexpectedly.
Can cat sitters handle medication during Christmas?
Yes, professional cat sitters are trained in medication administration. This includes insulin injections, daily pills, and special dietary requirements that need to continue during your absence.
What areas of Christchurch offer Christmas cat care?
VIPets serves all Christchurch areas during Christmas including central city, eastern suburbs, western areas, and southern suburbs. Many catteries have limited geographic coverage, while professional in-home services offer wider area access.
How to Secure Christmas Cat Care for 2025
Your Christmas Planning Checklist:
Step 1: Book Immediately (September 2025) Don’t waitβChristmas pet care books up faster every year. Contact your preferred provider now to secure availability.
Step 2: Confirm Holiday Specifics Clarify exact dates, Christmas Day availability, emergency protocols, and any holiday surcharges before committing.
Step 3: Arrange Meet and Greet Professional services should meet you and your cat well before Christmas to ensure compatibility and discuss specific holiday needs.
Step 4: Prepare Emergency Information Provide detailed care instructions, emergency vet contacts, and travel itinerary for peace of mind communication.
Don’t Let Christmas Planning Stress Your Cat
The best Christmas gift you can give your cat is maintaining their comfort and routine while you enjoy your holiday celebrations. Whether that’s in their familiar home environment or quality cattery accommodation, the key is booking early with trusted, professional providers.
VIPets Christmas cat care ensures your feline friend receives first-class attention in their comfortable home environment while you create holiday memories with family.
Book your Christmas cat care today:
π Call or Text Lesley: 021 134 8094
π§ Email: lesley@vipets.co.nz
π Visit: vipets.co.nz
