We go to paris for 4days in march then florida for 2weeks in sept! i think im turning into "crazy cat lady" as i dont even want to go and leave my wee kitty hes only 6mth old and ive never left him before! Everyone keeps telling me what a good cattery it is hes going to! But its the fact thet he cant understand why im leaving him and he doesnt no that im coming back! Do other cat owners feel the same??
2007-01-17 04:14:53 · 22 answers · asked by LEE F 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes I feel that way but to be honestyou don't want to ruin your holidays either so put him somewhere safe (cattery)and you know he will be there when you return. The first time I did it I felt sick and worried all the time but I do believe that once you have left him once (and though he might not be deliriously happy) he will know after the first time that you will return
2007-01-17 05:39:10 · answer #1 · answered by traceylill 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with most of the people who have already answered in that it's probably better to get a friend in to either stay or pop in a couple of times a day to feed your cat.
I always do this and my cat is fine. He sulks a bit when we come back but I really think he prefers to stay in his own territory rather than a cattery. My mum sent her cat to a cattery which was very highly recommended he came back riddled and I mean riddled with fleas and ticks. I can only assume the previous cat had them and the kennel wasn't properly cleaned. Mum said she would never ever send him away again. There are people who look after pets in their own homes professionally make sure you get good references though
hope this rambling helps
have a great holiday and don't worry too much.
The cat has to let his staff have a break occasionally and as long as good temporary help is on hand he won't mind too much.
2007-01-17 04:34:05 · answer #2 · answered by mummylove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concerns completely. Here's what happened to me when I had to transport my cat separately from me. She arrived at a very good vet clinic three days before I arrived. The doctor called me with an emergency because my cat would not eat or drink and they had to put intravenious fluids into her. When I got to her I have never seen an animal's so happy in my life. She put her arms around me and would not let go of me for two days. She didn't understand why I shipped her off and she felt I was never coming back. Animals have feelings and are very sensitive. I don't know what to tell you to do. All I can do is relate what happened to me. Your cat may do well without you. I think it has a lot to do with the personality of the cat. Being that the kitty is so young it's possible she will adjust very quickly. I hope I have helped in some way. If you have any questions please e-mail me.
2007-01-17 04:22:00 · answer #3 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are very independant animals, and extremely self-sufficient... I have left my 2 cat's at home by themselves for up to 3 weeks at a time. I simply leave them with a good supply of food located in several different spots in the house, a good supply of water... and add an extra litter box or two in the garage. I also always clean the toilet extra well before we leave and keep the lid up (they always get a drink from there anyway!)
While I am gone my neighbors come over every other day to play with the cats for a few minutes to keep them from getting too bored. Don't worry, they won't hold it against you, and when you come home, you will have an extra loving cat for several days.
They really do just fine... After my hubby and I have our baby this summer we will be gone for 4 weeks. I have no reservations whatsoever about leaving them for that time.
2007-01-18 04:43:32 · answer #4 · answered by amsmithatc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats are indepandent! I have had my cat for 7 years and before that I have had several cats before him. Leaving is ok, but your cat maybe upset with you when you return. When I leave, my Harley always gets upset and won't talk to me for a week or so but he comes around!
A good rule of thumb when looking at a board and care facility is too show up unexpected an ask to see the cat facility where your kitty will be. And go several times at different times of the day so that you will know that the place is well kept and the animals are well cared for!
Have a wonderful vacation, and good luck to you
2007-01-17 05:13:18 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Sparkling♥Jules♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had lots of cats over the years, and have left them at home with someone to come by to check on them before--but now I have one. She didn't know the sitter (hadn't really met him before we left), and was so freaked out the whole time we were gone that she never came out while the sitter was here. She was a mess when we came home from our last vacation (18 days).
My best recommendation is have whoever is going to do your kitten sitting come over frequently enough for the kitty to get to know him/her and feel comfy around him/her. He should be alright with food and water for four days, but you'll definitely want the sitter to come by for the two week vacation. Just make sure the sitter plays with the kitty while you're there so that he knows that the sitter isn't an intruder, but a trusted friend of yours, and he'll trust too.
2007-01-17 04:26:49 · answer #6 · answered by Woz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep - I totally empathize. But unlike you, I travel usually alone and I can take my cat with me. When I cannot, I just don't go. But I understand that your situation is different. I guess you'll simply have to bite the bullet as they say and board your kitty in a reputable cattery or with a freind you can completely trust to look after her properly.
If you must leave him in a cattery, leave him with a T-shirt you've worn and ask the cattery to keep that article of clothing in his kennel so he does not forget your scent.
2007-01-17 05:51:48 · answer #7 · answered by Phoebhart 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't be tempted to take your cat with you-generally it is a bad idea. They hate travelling and new environments! It is far better to leave them at home and have a catsitter, (ask at your vets,) or friend who can come in daily.
Cat are always, always happier in their own home with their familiar things around them. Some cats might sulk with you a bit when you come home but this is all an act really!
I work in animal rescue and know of many, many people who have lost their cat when taking them on holiday, either on the journey or at the destination where they have stupidly let them out. You just can't do that, the cat does not know where on earth it is!
Many of these cats have never been found again which is heartbreaking.
All in all, leaving them at home doesn't seem at all bad in comparison-it is to my mind, the most responsible and caring thing to do.
Your beloved kitty will be fine and most of all, SAFE!!
Good luck.
2007-01-17 05:17:29 · answer #8 · answered by spanishkitties 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! You are NOT alone!
When we're on vacation, we have someone stay at our house (when the cats were younger) or now that they're older, they at least go to our house once a day to change the water, feed them, and play with them. We make arrangements for what time they should be there, and we CALL ON THE PHONE TO TALK WITH OUR CATS WHILE WE'RE AWAY!
I know we're not the only people who do this. After all, the cats are part of our family!
.
2007-01-17 04:20:46 · answer #9 · answered by OhWhatCanIDo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never take my cat to someone I didn't know personally. When I go out of town, I either have someone drop by at my house, like a friend or relative, to feed and clean the litter tray and play a bit. Cats always know when you're leaving. When I was younger I had a cat that had been around since I was about 2 and every time I pulled out a suitcase to go camping she would start meeowing at us. They know, but over time they will gain alot of trust once you retrun and don't abandon them.
2007-01-17 04:29:38 · answer #10 · answered by monkeysgirl04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋