Is it okay to leave our cat at home alone for 2 nights? We are traveling three hours away & will be very busy.

Question

My husband and I are in the process of relocating to another state, three hours away. I want to take her, but my husband thinks she will be happier at home, as she meows a lot and is frustrated when riding in the car. Also, we will be in and out of our hotel room, and there basically at night only. We will be busy looking at houses and traveling around. She's our baby, and I am so worried. We plan to leave a fresh litter box, plenty of food and water, but she is such a people kitty, and follows us everywhere. She has her moments alone, but basically will follow us from room to room. She especially follows me around. She sleeps in the same room with us, and when I get up to use the bathroom, despite how tired she might be, she will get up and follow me. I am very upset about leaving her, but my husband says I am overreacting. Will it cause emotional damage to her? A lady at an animal kennel said that cats are okay to be left alone 2-3 days? I'm not a nut. I just love my cat very much.

Answer 1

Yes it is ok. just expect to clean the box out as soon as you return.
I would leave a shirt, throw,etc....on the couch or chair- in case of separation anxiety.
It should have your scent on it [to"comfort" her]
close your bedroom door, to prevent her from urinating on your things.
*Separation Anxiety can produce unwanted behavior while your away- usually does not continue when you return*
My friend's cat would poop on the floor -right next to the litter box!
And ONLY when he went away, for a few days.
She was also not eating all of her food like she would when he's home.
If you have a relative in the area ask them to just check in or your cat.
If they can.
(if not, a cat can survive alone a few days, look at all the strays that survive the worst conditions)
Kennels can be more stressful for a pet, then leaving them at home, in their own environment, and having someone come to your home & take care of the pet.

Lucky for me, I have family nearby.
When we travel, our dog gets to stay home with a large bone, radio on, (for some noise)
This should be a person who is trustworthy not to steal from you, harm your pet, or let it loose etc..... Kennels are loud,& scary. especially for an adopted pet.
They may feel like they are being abandoned again.
I brought my dog to a kennel once [also the groomers]...he was terrified.....he is large 102 lb Doberman (stands 30" )
rescued from a NYC shelter [very noisy;lots of barking dogs]
That was it for me!! he never went back.
I leave him home, if its a weekend.
(if longer, we take him with us, to a pet friendly hotel)
Plus, I got a shower attachment to bathe him at home now, to aviod unnecessary stress on him.

Don't worry, once you see she made it through ok,
you will be less hard on yourself the next time.
Lots of people do this, some with outdoor cats leave the garage open a little.
(with food, water & litterbox in the garage)

It is ok. She is in her environment.

You may want to see about finding her a playmate, after your move.
This will give her a playmate & she may be less "clingy" to you.
Just an idea.
Good luck!!! Don't be to hard on yourself!

Answer 2

Your cat will miss you, of course, but she would probably have more emotional stress from being in a hotel room with all it's strange smells and sounds. Your home is what smells and sounds right and good to her. And as others have pointed out cats hate change.

By all means leave her plenty of food and water and a clean litter box, of course you'll do that, but don't be surprised if when you come home she hasn't eaten much, this is normal, especially with "people" cats. It is no real cause for concern though because she will probably be sleeping most of the time anyway.

Leave a radio or TV on and tune it to a "talk" station, which will make her feel people are nearby. Studies have shown that cats are soothed by soft classical music so you could also try that.

I'm sure you have an answering machine, so you can also call her during the day and she'll hear your message and the sound of your voice will be reassuring to her.

Sounds like a sweet cat and you're a very conscientious mother to her. You're not overreacting, just trying to do what you think is best for her. And by all means have someone she knows check in on her and spend some time with her if possible, but even if you can't get someone she will still be fine. Remember, cats do not have the same concept of time as we do.

Answer 3

She will be fine. Like you said, fresh litter, big bowl of food and water and your good to go. If it's usually noisy in your house, leave the TV and a radio on. Keep it low, but not to much. Also, get those timers that turn on the lights at night in your house. One-or two, lights should do it. It will feel like someone is home then. Also, if you have a window that no one can break into, leave that open a little bit for fresh air.

Once you found a new home, make sure her food/bedding/toys are set up right away. And get her a cardboard box so she can go into it, or a cat carrier if you have one, so she can seek shelter and be comfy. Watch her afterwords. They don't like change. If she is freaking, find a good vet and get some anxiety pills for her to help cope with the new home.

I had to have some for my cat. They weren't expensive and only on them for 3 months...

Good luck.

Answer 4

Yes, she'll be fine. Give her a couple of clean litter boxes, a couple of bowls of dry food and a couple big bowls of water. Leave a T.V. or radio on. Cats hate change, so she'll be happier at home than traveling or in a kennel. A petsitter can come over once a day to check on her--most vets have staff that pet sit on the side. Call around.

Answer 5

I'm leaving for two days . I'm going out today and getting a feeder for the dry food. I'm leaving the TV on, changing all the litter boxes, Your cat will be fine, they prefer to stay at home instead of traveling. I understand you love your cat, don't worry.

Answer 6

Aww she sounds like my cat. I don't know. I wouldn't want to ever leave my cat alone- if I have to go somewhere I will have my sister watch him. Do you have anyone that can watch her? I know how you feel though because my cat is my baby also- my son!- but, sometimes you have to do things- like relocate, so I think as long as your cat has food and all that (but, judging from how much you love your cat I know you have all that for her!) she'll be fine- lonely and missing you- but fine. Just be sure (again, I know you will haha =) ) to give her lots of attention when you get back. This also sounds a little dumb, but whatever, if you have an answering machiene you can talk to your cat through that! Haha I have before and I even recorded his voice as a greeting so I can hear him when I miss him! Lol Ok good luck on your trip =)

Answer 7

I can truly understand how you're feeling about leaving you cat at home for several nights, since you seem to be very attached to your cat & vice versa. Your cat will be just fine. Leave a light on inside when you go away. It will let someone think you're home, but your cat will be comfy with it on too. Make sure the litter box is super clean before you leave & also make sure you leave your cat plenty of water & food. (dry) When I had my cat, I would leave the radio on softly when I went away. They said it helps keep cats/dogs company. Try not to worry too much.

Answer 8

Will be fine and better for her to stay at home with what she knows. With you in and out in a strange place will only stress her out.
Use the automatic feeders - specially with the water.
An extra litter tray is a good idea as well.
Leave the radio on as well, Cats hate silence
If you are thinking of getting someone to visit her or cat sit, make sure there is no way she can shoot out between their legs.
We get so many people reporting lost cats they are looking after because of that.

You will get massive hugs from her when you get back.

Answer 9

As long as you leave 2 days worth of food and water out. Cats will try to eat all of the food in one day so try to get somebody to swap it out for you or get an automatic feeder. (this can get expensive though) If possible, get somebody you trust to go over to your house and "cat sit". No emotional damage, she will probably miss you but forget all about it when you get back, she'll just be happy to see you.
*leave a radio on, preferably a talk show, so she doesn't hear any change, a T.V. is good too.*

Answer 10

I don't believe in taking chances while I am away, so I either kennell my cat (and she's fine) or I have someone come over daily to give fresh food and water and check on her - what if a fire were to break out?