Once when i got back from a vacation and walked in the door, my cat jumped on me and the rest of the day wouldnt let me out of her sight. I will be leaving for austria soon, and i really dont want her to be sad and lonely. she is my only cat so she doesnt have other cats to keep her company. What should i do????
2007-06-16 15:52:55 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Your cat will miss you when you're gone. That's normal. But there are things you can do to make sure she's safe, comfortable, and as happy as possible while you're gone.
First, if you can get someone to stay at your house and cat-sit, that's the best thing you can do. Preferably a trusted friend that she knows and likes, but some professional cat sitters will stay in your house too, for a set fee. If you have to hire in, look for a petsitter who is bonded, insured, who has been in business a long while, who is a member of the Better Business Bureau or similar organization, and who has recommendations. That's a way to be sure you're dealing with someone trustworthy. Many petsitters are vet techs, so you can be sure the person looking after your kitty will take good care of her.
Staying in the home is the first best option, because cats are very territorial, and being away from her home will add to her stress. BUT if you can't find a reliable in-home sitter, your next best option would be to board her with a trusted friend. Ask the friend to keep her in a quiet, out-of-the-way room, with her bed, toys, and litter box, but no access to an outside door. That way she can't make a run for it when someone opens the door - she might try to go home. Have your friend visit her a lot and pet and play with her, and make sure she eats and uses the litter box regularly. But try to keep her someplace quiet, so she can "cave", which is what cats like to do when stressed. No noisy kids climbing all over her, or strange pets putting strange scents on her stuff.
Leave the friend with a letter for your vet, giving consent for treatment if needed.
Finally, if neither of these options will work, place her in a cat-friendly kennel, preferably one with a quiet room. It's a last resort because the strange scents and noise will stress her, but it's much better than having her alone with no supervision.
One last thing - I know cats don't really understand everything you say to them, but they can understand SOME. Tell your kitty what's going to happen. She may understand enough to be reassured that you will come home, and that she'll be safe while you're gone. And even if she doesn't understand, what harm can it do?
I have to travel occasionally for my job. My cats do OK with twice-daily visits from my pet-sitter, but they're even better if my mom can come stay with them. Plus I feel more peace of mind when I know someone is with them.
Enjoy your trip!
2007-06-16 16:51:38 · answer #1 · answered by L H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahh I know that is sad bc I used to have just one cat for the first 6 months of her life. I remember the longest we left her was the whole day and when we came home she acted that way. I love her so much that I did decide to get her a play mate another girl which was her sister from the next liter and now they are so happy together. She is so much easier to care for to bc they entertain one another and you don't have to feel guilty. I did leave for a weekend which was the longest they have been left when I came home they were so excited to see me. They cried a lot while I was gone my neighbors said :(. I feel guilty even when I spend the whole day out so I know what you must feel like. Why dont you introduce her to a new cat if you can get one before leave but make sure its a few weeks bc they take time to adjust and usually hate one another the first few days.
2007-06-16 16:22:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a good friend that your pet knows or an outstanding pet sitter come in. I leave my guys at home with the pet sitter who comes in and feeds them. I get a written log as to how everyone has eaten and behaved, there are cat toys all over the place, the Animal Planet is on, the mail is brought in, the cats are groomed, the litter boxes fresh.....when I come home, the guys just look around, yawn, and go...OH ...you're back. I pay her $20 a day and she checks in on them twice a day.
She's a vet tech at my vet's office. So, in case there should be a crisis, or medication needed...she knows exactly where to take them and what to do...ask your vet staff if anyone can help...starving college students are great!
2007-06-16 16:15:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely have someone come in once a day and refresh her litter, check on food levels and play with her a bit.
Maybe they would even be willing to stay and watch a movie with your kitty.
Cats are very sociable animals and love companionship. If you are away from home often you may want to consider adopting a second cat so they can keep each other company.
2007-06-16 16:25:55 · answer #4 · answered by PetWoman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Leave Her with a close friend or Maybe the local veterinarian centre will look after her while you are gone. here in Australia many veterinarian centres have cats that they a) own
or b) are looking after
I'm sure that your kitty will be fine at the vet centre and you can't be worried about it getting sick while your away either!
2007-06-16 16:02:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long will you be gone? Definitely have someone check on her every day. Or if it has to be, every other day. Have them stay at least a half hour or so and play. Maybe even a couple times a day? Or have him live at a friend's house while you're gone?
2007-06-16 15:57:39 · answer #6 · answered by Malia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you could leave her with one of your friends. Maybe even leave her some toys out to occupy her time!! If your not going to be gone to long--leave the television on for her. My animals love that!!!!
2007-06-16 16:01:07 · answer #7 · answered by Raven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-25 02:03:53 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you leave her with someone so she will have some company?
2007-06-16 15:58:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her with you in cat carrier. (Or hang pictures of yourself on the walls) :)
2007-06-16 15:58:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋