they will be checked on every other day, but they are used to me and my boyfriend here everyday and they love us. I will miss them terribly. Any suggestions to keep them from missing me? Or at least to help them have fun and enjoy there time even though I am not there to entertain them? I hate leaving them. Makes me feel so bad.
2006-07-06 14:23:51 · 31 answers · asked by Steffy 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
Even though I look forward to our vacation every year, I still feel so sad leaving my kitties. I leave a little battery operated radio going on low, playing easy listening, so they have something going, and not have to be in complete silence the whole time we are gone. Then my sister, who is a cat lover, and they are familiar with her, she comes every evening, and spends time with them, for a few hours, feeds them, plays with them, brushes them, scoops the litter box, etc.... They are fine! And never seem mad at us when we get home. We always feel like we worried for nothing.....
2006-07-06 15:56:56 · answer #1 · answered by Humor me.. 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hey Steffy,
Are you able to ask the carer to check on your kitties EVERY day? I reckon this is essential. 48 hours is a very, very long time and anything can happen in that time.
You might like to try leaving a radio on so the cats have aural stimulation.
Set up a box of toys and treats and familiar items, but shut them away in a room that your cats can;t get to. The idea behind this, is that the carer can then get out a few new items each day. You see if you put all the items out at once, they'll quickly tire of them. But having a fresh supply of new stuff, each day will keep them interested.
When I am away I sometimes even just call home. I know the cats can't answer, but at least I know the phone is ringing and has given the cats something to be distracted by. A point of interest in their day.
Make sure they have a water bowl that is not easily tipped over, maybe ceramic? This is especially important if you live in a hot climate and someone will only be checking their water ever 48 hours.
Best of luck,
redcattledogblue
2006-07-06 21:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by Blahdeblah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you are leaving them dry food. Check their teeth to make sure that they are in good shape ( my older cat lost her two top chompers and so I couldn't leave her with dry food).
I left fresh wet food and a frozen dish of food so that I could leave her overnight.
Prop doors open so they can't get closed in anywhere. Also multiple containers of water. In an emergency, they can survive without much food...not water.
Be prepared for some rejection when you return. Some cats are not very welcoming at all. They don't know that the alternative is a rented kennel. They are much happier at home.
An edit: IMPORTANT. If you love your cat, don't ever leave for more than a couple of days without someone coming in. Leaving it for weeks at a time just means there is no one home if it gets sick (which cats do at the most inconvenient times), or get into some kind of problem.
2006-07-07 00:14:18 · answer #3 · answered by grapeshenry 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every time I leave town, I turn on the TV on and a t-shirt i haven't laundered on the bed. I also leave the shade up in his window seat,and a light on in the hallway, along with a nite lite in the bathroom.
I fill up the self feeder with food and put a large, plastic mixing bowl of water in the kitchen sink and in the bathtub.
If possible, I try to get someone to check up on him every few days.
I chose not to take him to a kennel b/c I couldn't bear the thought of my cat being holed up in a small cage for a week. He would hate it.
Finally, I try not to worry and enjoy the vacation.
2006-07-07 00:14:11 · answer #4 · answered by PD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leaving a radio on is one way. Here is another way you may think is "odd." You can make a recording of your voices talking to them (or just you 2 talking to each other) and put it on continuous play OR have whomever is checking on them play it for them several hours a day. It MAY help. Also, maybe leaving out a T-shirt with your smell on it for them to cuddle (one you don't mind getting clawed up)? Sounds strange but I have the same problem with my dog and have experimented. I know how you feel. Good Luck
2006-07-06 21:35:45 · answer #5 · answered by blue_id_baby05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take one of your shirts out of the laundry (one with your smell on it) and wrap a watch in it (not a digital it's for the ticking sound).
Place a few toys around the home for them to play with if they get bored, and you can leave a small radio on if you'd like. (Not loud, not to disturb neighbors + cats have better hearing than you do.)
Cats are very independent, They will miss you but not to the point where they are traumatized. plus they will have each other to play with. (one thing my cat did not have when I took my last trip)
2006-07-06 21:30:03 · answer #6 · answered by lovpayne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's some suggestions:
-Leave toys out.
-Leave lights on, but not in all spots. Too many lights can make it harder to see out windows at night.
-Leave some windows open enough for them to see outside.
-Have them checked on at minimum -once every day-.
-Make sure they have fresh water every day.
-Leave out treats in their favorite spots.
-Have whoever checks on them play their favorite game--whether it be chasing a long toy or brushing.
-Make sure whoever checks on them checks when they come in, and right before they leave, to make sure the cats are safe and not getting into things they shouldn't!
-Absolutely do NOT leave TV/Radio on. Too much constant exposure to these elements can make your cat neurotic!
-Do not spray anything down with your usual perfumes or light a bunch of candles or anything. Cats really don't like that stuff. They prefer natural smells.
2006-07-06 21:29:52 · answer #7 · answered by TheAllKnowingFizz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you leave LOTS of toys and ask whoever checks in on them to spend a little time playing with them they will be okay for the time being. When you and your boyfriend get back come bearing gifts and lots of love...good luck
2006-07-06 21:27:46 · answer #8 · answered by lily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will be very happy if they have good meal everyday. They will for sure miss you. But it is the good way to make them happy. If you have friends to let your kitties do things they enjoy, they will be more than happy
2006-07-06 21:38:55 · answer #9 · answered by Ling 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the perosn that is checking in on ur cats to play with them whenever they come in to check on them. They probably wont get as much attention from them as they do from you and your boyfriend but thats okay becasue if they did they might forget you when you coem back dso just ask the person to paly wiht them while ur gonge.
2006-07-07 11:29:55 · answer #10 · answered by Babydoll M Foster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋