A Krakow sightseeing route with MOCAK as a highlight is a great idea — the Museum of Contemporary Art in the Zabłocie district pairs easily with nearby attractions, so you can build a comfortable half-day or full-day plan. Start at MOCAK (allow 1.5–2 hours for permanent and temporary exhibitions), then walk to the nearby Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum, and continue to Kazimierz to explore Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy. If you have more time, head back toward Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square. The walk between these spots is pleasant and shows Krakow’s variety: from post-industrial Zabłocie through atmospheric Kazimierz to historic Wawel and the Market Square.
Suggested timing (example): - MOCAK: 1.5–2 h - Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum: 1–1.5 h - Kazimierz (coffee/lunch break): 1.5–2 h - Wawel + walk along the Vistula: 1–1.5 h. This order gives natural breaks for coffee and meals and lets you explore without rushing.
How to get around: Zabłocie is very close to the center — you can walk from the Market Square in about 20–30 minutes or take a tram. Check MOCAK’s opening hours in advance and buy tickets online if available to avoid queues.
Places to rest and eat nearby: after visiting MOCAK it’s nice to relax in one of the cafes on Zabłocie or in Kazimierz. The Vistula boulevards and the cafés in Kazimierz are great for coffee and local bites. For specific options try spots like Massolit Bookstore & Cafe or Cafe Camelot in Kazimierz, and don’t miss the zapiekanki stands around Plac Nowy for a classic local snack. Pick places with good reviews and near your walking route — it’s easier to stay on schedule.
If you’re planning a trip to Krakow and wondering "what to do with the cat?", you have several safe options. The choice depends on your cat’s personality, trip length and your preferences. Popular solutions include:
- A catsitter visiting your home: a person comes once or several times a day to feed, clean the litter, play and check on your cat. This is great for cats who don’t handle changes well — they stay in a familiar environment and routine. - A catsitter staying at your home (overnight): if your cat needs constant presence, you can hire a sitter to stay overnight or for the whole trip. It’s pricier but minimizes the pet’s stress. - A home-style cat hotel: facilities dedicated to cats or general pet hotels. Choose a trusted, well-reviewed place, visit it beforehand and ensure the conditions and care meet your expectations. - Leaving the cat with family or friends: if your cat gets along well with them, this is cheap and convenient, though the change of surroundings can be stressful. - Taking the cat with you: useful for very short trips and for cats accustomed to travel; requires pet-friendly accommodation and a comfortable carrier.
Quick assessment: - Least stressful for most cats: a catsitter in your home or a sitter staying with the cat. - Most reliable for medical control and supervision: reputable pet hotels with trained staff. - Cheapest (but not always best for the cat): friends or family. Always check provider reviews in advance and discuss your cat’s routine, feeding and any medications.
Krakow offers many options: platforms connecting you with pet sitters, local cat hotels and independent catsitters. Consider: - Platforms and apps linking to petsitters — they make it easier to find a vetted person or a home hotel, often with reviews and service insurance. - Home-style cat hotels and specialized catteries — check standards, whether separate kennels are provided, cleaning routines and how staff interact with the animals. - Local recommendations and your veterinarian — vets often know trusted places and sitters. - Behavioural specialists and catsitters offering tailored care (medication administration, support for anxious cats, etc.).
Practical tip: book care in advance, especially during tourist season and holidays. Before leaving your cat in a hotel or with a sitter, visit the place or arrange a short meet-and-greet so your cat can get used to the person and environment.
Examples of services to check (types): - home cat hotel (private room, monitoring, daily cleaning) - home petsitter (visits 1–3 times a day) - petsitter with pick-up and drop-off option - 24/7 emergency care or on-call support.
Good preparation reduces stress and improves care. Here’s what to prepare before your trip: - Documentation: vaccination records, health card, veterinarian contact number. - A supply of food for an extra 2–3 days and a feeding plan: brands, amounts and times. - Extra litter and the preferred litter box (if the cat is picky). - Medications and clear instructions (exact doses and times). - Favourite toys, a blanket with home scent — familiar items calm the cat. - Emergency contacts: your number and the local sitter/vet contact. - Notes on behaviour: likes, dislikes and warning signs. - Secure the apartment: check windows and balconies (install a net if the cat had access), hide toxic plants and hazardous items. - Instructions for the sitter: where bowls, litter, spare food are, cleaning rules and house rules (e.g., visitors, balcony access).
Additionally: make a short video showing how the cat reacts, where it sleeps and favourite play routines — this helps the new caregiver connect more quickly.
If your cat has chronic illness or daily medication, discuss procedures with your vet and sitter in advance and give the sitter written authorization for veterinary decisions in emergencies.
1) Plan visits with buffer time: book museum tickets with margin so you don’t have to rush back. 2) Agree a clear plan with the sitter: visit times, contact method (SMS/phone), and ask for short photos or videos of the cat. 3) Leave a visible info sheet with key points: allergies, feeding times, and your vet’s number. 4) If you use a cat hotel — confirm check-in/out rules and required documents. 5) Secure the home: turn off appliances, check locks and make sure windows are safe. 6) Remember not every venue accepts animals — plan care during museum visits and indoor stops. 7) For short trips (1–2 days) a daily visit from a sitter is often enough; for longer stays consider overnight care or a hotel. 8) Consider insurance or a written agreement with the sitter — it protects both parties.
A note on transporting a cat: always use a secure, sturdy carrier, keep the vehicle or transport area cool and quiet, and consult your vet in advance about calming measures — never give medication without professional advice.
For the sightseeing itself: wear comfortable shoes and clothing — Krakow involves a lot of walking. Bring a water bottle and a map, so after a full day you can return home and quickly settle your cat back into routine.
- Before you leave, check vaccinations are up to date and take the cat’s health documentation. - Agree with the sitter on emergency procedures: give the contact of a trusted clinic and written consent for necessary treatment. - If the cat needs medication, prepare it in labeled containers with a dosing schedule. - Don’t leave the cat with sitters who refuse to contact a vet if needed. - Consider pet insurance or travel-related coverage, especially for long trips or if the cat has chronic conditions.
In case of sudden health deterioration: contact the veterinarian immediately. Make sure the sitter knows the location of the nearest 24/7 clinic and how to reach you quickly. If the cat needs a special diet, leave clear instructions and extra food.
Tip: for anxious or difficult cats, consult a behaviourist before the trip — professional advice can greatly improve the cat’s comfort during separation.
Q: Is it better to leave the cat in a hotel or hire a catsitter? - A: For most cats, staying at home with a catsitter is best. A hotel can work if the cat tolerates new environments well or if you need professional care for an extended period.
Q: How far in advance should I book a sitter or hotel? - A: Ideally a couple of weeks in advance; during peak tourist times and holidays book earlier, sometimes several weeks ahead.
Q: Can a cat be left alone for 24 hours? - A: It depends on the cat. Some cope for 24 hours with enough food and a clean litter, but it’s generally safer to arrange at least one visit per day.
Q: What if my cat is ill or needs medication? - A: Ensure the sitter can give medications, prepare written instructions and provide your vet’s contact. For complex cases consider a hotel with medical supervision or a trusted caregiver experienced with medical needs.
- Keep your cat calm before departure — the less stress in the days leading up to the trip, the easier the separation. - Give the sitter a clear schedule so both of you feel secure. - In Krakow, combine museum visits with café breaks and walks along the Vistula — it adds space and relaxation before returning to your cat. - If it’s your first time at MOCAK, spend time with the permanent exhibitions and enjoy a break in the museum café — contemporary art pairs well with a slow, unhurried day and reduces stress for your pet. - Leave your home as you’d like to find it: secure windows, hide valuables and leave the sitter a short to-do list.
Good luck and enjoy Krakow — with well-organized cat care your trip can be a pleasant break for both you and your furry companion! If you like, I can prepare a 1- or 2-day timed itinerary that includes recommended breaks and places to visit around MOCAK, or a one-page printable checklist with the most important cat-care points for your trip.
