I am a new cat owner (3-4 months), and I am going to be gone for 7 days. The last time I did this, I brought my cat to live with my parents. She was freaked out in a new environment (and took 2-3 days to come out from under the couch), and then freaked out shifting BACK to my apartment when I came back.
My question is really this-- Is it better to leave her at home alone, with my parents visiting daily, or is it better to have her in an environment where she will have constant human companionship? She is a single cat, and would be home all alone... would i do less damage leaving her alone more, or moving her?
thanks.
2006-06-14 04:42:29 · 25 answers · asked by Matt S. 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I understand your dilemma - we've not had a holiday in years because of feeling guilty about leaving the cats alone [- in case you're wondering I can assure you that I am otherwise a normal, fully functioning member of the community].
One thing we have thought about is having someone to cat-sit ie. someone stays in the house whilst you're away in return for free board or some fee (it's easier if you live somewhere people want to go to).
There's always catteries as well but there's still the probability they'll be freaked by that too - and of course there's the accusatory 'how could you do that to me' stare you'll get when you come back.
2006-06-14 04:52:39 · answer #1 · answered by beb 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Animals always do best in their own environment if the are not big babies (like some dogs I know).
Cats usually do very well alone, make sure your parents come in daily, calmly and move in a non-threatening way around her. They can just sit down for a while and let the cat come to them, pet her, make her feel loved. Cats don't usually need constant human companionship, they are much more independent that a dog.
2006-06-14 04:49:57 · answer #2 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are generally very independent. If she is already used to being alone then she would be okay for the week as long as someone comes over regularly and spends some time with her. Just make sure that you leave your cat with toys so she can be entertained. Since her last reaction to your parents house, it seems that she would be better off staying in her own environment.
2006-06-14 05:02:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are very self-sufficient. As long as you have a reliable person checking on her daily, the best thing for her would be to stay at home. Many cats do not deal with changes in their environment very well, and that's probably why they freaked out last time.
2006-06-14 05:27:30 · answer #4 · answered by autumnfaerie8 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi - i bypass on vacation for a week in the summer and my pal assessments on the cat two times an afternoon. She feeds him and sees to his clutter tray - he's a housecat so he received't run off at the same time as we are no longer the following. the first three hundred and sixty 5 days he were given depressed and lost his voice from mewing, yet he's been superb when you consider that then and the subsequent summer we went away he looked as if it would keep in suggestions and under no circumstances get so dissatisfied. i imagine the domicile is lots more desirable secure then a kennels as there aren't the different cats to get an ailment from. Its as a lot as you yet so long because the cat is fed and clutter replaced they'll very last the week even with in the adventure that they don't look at liberty about it.
2016-10-30 21:22:57 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You certainly don't want to leave her unattended to for 7 days, but as I read through the details, I see that you could have your parents come to your home to visit with her. I definitely recommend the cat-sitting. Cats can become very stressed out moving from one environment to another. They are territorial creatures. Granted, if you were to travel very frequently, my answer would be different. I'd suggest you get your cat accustomed to the dual households. But it seems that your cat would much prefer to be home in its usual environment. Your cat will be completely fine with a daily visit from your parents. Just make sure they come daily to clean her litter and ensure she has fresh food and water. She will miss you, but she will be much happier at home.
2006-06-14 06:00:26 · answer #6 · answered by Alleycat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats (and dogs as well) do better in an environment that they are used to. Leave the cat home and have your parents come in to clean the kitty litter and freshen the food and water. If the cat is lonely she will come out while your parents are there.
2006-06-14 04:47:37 · answer #7 · answered by smgray99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parents
2006-06-14 04:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by michigansponge1993 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat hates to move. He prefers to be at home with my parents coming over to feed him. If they could stay for a couple of hours to keep him company, like watching TV or resting in your house it is better. But it is true that he feels lonely and wants to play and stuff. So if he can get along with the parents, you can try it. JUST MAKE SURE WHEREVER HE IS HE CANNOT GET AWAY, HE COULD DO THAT IF HE FREAKS.
2006-06-14 05:13:49 · answer #9 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have hosted my brother's cat before, she hid the entire time she was at my house, and I was really worried. So, instead, when he had to go out of town, I visited his house. This worked much better for his cat. She was really happy to have company, and she was more secure because she was at home. I would suggest asking your parents to go visit her at your home, especially to check food and water. You could also leave a radio on low so she won't feel abandoned.
Either way, make sure enough food and fresh water are available for access.
2006-06-14 04:52:58 · answer #10 · answered by ajgeiger38 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋