Should we board our attention loving cat for vacation?

Question

We have a cat that craves attention. (I think he is part Siamese for any that are familiar with the personality.) He loves to be held and wants attention ALL of the time. He meows if he feels ignored at all. We are going on vacation for ten days and my husband thinks we should board him so he doesn't get lonely but I think this would be traumatic. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

Generally, your cat will be happier at home, dispite the fact that he's a little lonely.

Cats become very stressed and unhappy in a place where the feel unsafe, confused, and without those they love- their family. As long as you can have someone come and check on him every so often, he will be fine.

Cats can do very well on their own, in their own territory. But don't be suprised if he's a little grumpy with you when you return. That's just their way of letting you know that they are displeased. It will pass soon enough, but it's better than having him feel that way + the other things.

I would NEVER board my 'kids'.
It's too much of a stressfull and impersonal enviorment for them, they would be basket cases when I came back. So many other strang animals, smells, people, and wort of all- the restricted movement.

Would you want to be in a metal box with only one panel as a barred door while there were other people in the same fashion screaming with fear? For 10 days, let alone 10 seconds?

Answer 2

I agree with the post re: a cat-only kennel if you must board your furbaby. I take mine to a cat-only vet and it is so wonderful. It's much less stressful without dogs barking and birds chirping.

My fufbaby is a huge attention hog. She's a rescue kitty and I am over protective because it is such a miracle she survived being hit by a car.

Exterminators were coming to my apartment one time and I brought her to my friend's house while I was at work. Furbaby wouldn't eat or use the litterbox on day one. Day two I brought her own food and her own litter, and she still wouldn't use it until I came to pick her up.

Because of that, when I went out of town, I opted for a cat-sitter. Ask your vet to make a recommendation and any legitimate sitter will come over to get acquainted with furbaby before you leave.

My sitter is absolutely wonderful and my furbaby loves her. She charges $15 a visit, but stays and plays with her for about 30 minutes. She sends me email updates every day if I am gone for more than 2....describing the whole visit and what silly things the baby did while I was gone.

Good luck.

Answer 3

We board our kitty. However, I suggest a kennel that only accepts cats, is extremely clean and the cage is very roomy. Many good kennels offer a play time, or socialization with other kitties if kitty is interested enough. The one I use also provides an outdoor run. Many will give kitties cuddles as well. Inspect the kennel first.

You will enjoy your vacation knowing kitty is safe, well fed, and cared for.

Kitty will be very angry or display loneliness when you first bring him home. Ours went into various rooms and howled for a day or so. They will forgive you and forget about it. Depending on where you are travelling to, kitty may get lost, forget where litter box is, etc.

Our kitty is a little more problematic. He hates people other than us. Kennel people are terrified when we call - much the way I feel when mother-in-law calls me.

Answer 4

Don't board him! He will be locked in a two-foot kennel for ten days straight, with barking dogs all around. He will be freaked out and miserable. Leave him at home, and have a trusted friend or family member whom he likes visit every other day. Think about what the cat would choose.

Answer 5

She probable is really happy you got here decrease back and would not opt for to work out you bypass lower back, yet she'll be fantastic for yet another short time. once you come back decrease back lower back next time she would act otherwise. Cats are very emotional. She is following you because she neglected you and needs to ascertain she sees you for all time. once you bypass lower back she would do an same when you come back decrease back or be the option, like "you abandoned me!" yet both way she might want to go back to standard habit in a week or 2. i imagine you'd be more desirable off having someone look after your cat interior the area she is now as a change of shifting her round.

Answer 6

If you can get a cat sitter that would be good and when you get home you might want to consider getting another cat because cats that have another cat with them don't need as much attention but make sure your cat likes him first.

Answer 7

You will probably have a much more enjoyable trip if you knew your kitty was at his house. You & your kitty would be less stressed if he stayed in his own environment. Since he does crave attention, I would hire a pet sitter to stay with him. I struggled with the same decision last summer with my dog. Thank goodness my sister-in-law kept my dog at her house while I was gone, sure made my trip more enjoyable.

Answer 8

I think taking cats out of their comfort zone is a big mistake. Could you maybe have a friend stay at the house while your gone?

Answer 9

If he craves attention,yes. I once left an attention loving cat at home. It got out somehow and was ran over. I was depressed for a whole year...... If you love him then yes.

Answer 10

Cats do much better in their own environment. I would have a pet sitter come into the house and take care of kitty.