is it cruel to leave my cat on her own when i go on holiday (the person coming in to feed her will probably?

Question

only have time to come in, clean the bowl and refill it.)

do you think a cattery is worse or better? i have heard horror stories of cats being picked up from the cattery on their owner's return, with psychological issues, and bald patches from fretting, etc.

haha just thought i would add, when we go out for the evening, my boyfriend always leaves a light on for her in case 'she gets scared in the dark'! lol, bless him, he doesn't listen when i assure him cats don't mind the dark!

Answer 1

No it is not cruel, as long as your cat has sufficient food, water, and a clean place to go to the bathroom. It is much easier on the cat to be in familiar surroundings and they are much less likely to become ill or catch infectious diseases. The best situation is exactly what you have described-leave the animal home and have someone check on it.

Answer 2

I think it's best to leave your cat at home and have someone come in to check on her and feed her. It would be best if your cat was familiar with the person who will be coming in. Cats do quite well on their own and generally don't like to travel so I don't think a cattery is a good idea - too much stress.

If you have concerns about leaving your cat alone in the future, you might want to get another cat for her so she has one of her own kind and isn't alone when you go out or away.

Answer 3

Your cat will be fine. Cats are independant and only want attention when they want it so chances are when your friend comes in to feed it it will not be interested. As long as it has shelter food and water it will be ok. Dont worry about it. It is not cruel.

A cattery will be distressing for it. It will have all the smells of the other animals, it will be locked in a cage and not be able to stretch much. I wouldnt put my cat in a cattery.

Besides it will probably have a ball and have som emice round to play catch.

Answer 4

I think it all depends what she is used to. If she is used to fuss from yourself then she will miss it definitely and may even punish you for going away if she doesn't get it from someone else. She may go away for a while or some are said to even sulk ie: not eat or come to you for fuss when you return. Does she have access to outside? If not then you may find lost of "presents" when you return if your neighbour hasn't cleared up. Is there no-one else you can ask to do it instead? There are some good catteries (well there are in uk). Take time to go to visit and get a feel for the place and ask to see the cats they have staying with them. That's the best way to judge. Go with your gut instinct.

Hope you find this helpful. Happy holidays.

Btw no its not cruel to leave her.

:-)

Answer 5

If your cat is a typical feline, it probably will be ok after all we know that cats own us and not the other way round ! Don't expect it to forgive on your immediate return tho ! Your cat will choose your time in exile ! In my experience this normally lasts till about dinner time ! I would rather have someone come feed mine than use a cattery.

Answer 6

It would be better for the cat to be in a cattery, try & find one from recommendation. How would you feel if you returned from holiday & something had happened to the cat?, God forbid. At least in a cattery, they'd have access to a vet etc. (you'd have to sign a consent form but well worth it for a loved pet?)

Answer 7

No it is not cruel, as long as the cat has regular food and water and the person looking after them is prepared to visit a vet if necessary. Often cats prefer this as they stay in their own surroundings, rather than being sent away. The only problem that I have found in the past is if the cat goes missing for any reason, which can cause distress to the person looking after them!

Answer 8

Cats can sometimes be quite solitary animals, so I don't think it'll be that traumatised by you going on holiday, especially is you have someone to come and feed, water and clean out litter box of said cat. It would be better he/she was in a familiar environment than in a strange cattery.

It's better to go by word of mouth for things like kennels and catteries. It's the best way to determine which ones are suitable for your pet's needs and which one's should be avoided.

Answer 9

Cats are usually fine on their own. Having said that I always leave my cat at my mums house, the cat is kept in one room with a litter tray and is always quite happy, I can then call and check the cats fine whilst pretending to check on my mum.
I have left my cat in a cattery before and I'm sure she was fine but it looked to much like a cat concentration camp to me.
The truth is we worry about cats too much, their much more independent than we want to believe.

Answer 10

No. It will be fine. My mum and I used to feed neighbour's cats when they went on holiday, we didn't linger long and the cats seemed perfectly fine, I don't think you need to worry about disruption to the cat, cat litter tray not being changed etc. It would probably stress out your cat more to go to a cattery.