My neighbor is going to feed him, and my friend will come over one day to be with him for a few hours. The problem is that he is an only "child" and he doesn't seem to like me being gone too long. I usually have a pet sitter, but she can't do it this time and I can't afford boarding him. I don't want to leave him alone, but I really have no choice. Do you think he will be ok?
2007-07-09 13:11:43 · 18 answers · asked by thekosh 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Thanks to those of you that leave actual advice and thoughts. It is very appreciated.
To the couple of people acting like I am a neglectful pet owner, you know where you can go. Take your head out of your butt, and realize that you don't know me or the circumstance for which I have to leave. I seriously doubt many animals have ever had a better life than my cat. If passing judgment on innocent people that you don't even know is the only thrill you have... well, I am sorry someone left you behind in life and you are so jaded that you believe you have the answers to the world's problems by thinking you know why I am leaving or how my cat is treated on a daily basis. My cat is treated like royalty.
2007-07-09 15:08:37 · update #1
He will be fine. Cats have a great way of being able to take care of themselves. Especially because you have people to come over and feed him and spend time with him. (I left my kitty for 3 weeks to go to Hawaii once!) He may be angry with you when you come home... or he may be so excited to see you that he forgets his anger. Either way, bring him some of his favorite treats and a new mouse or foil ball to play with when you get back. Play with him and cuddle with him lots as soon as you return, before you unpack. Oh, and even though you have people coming, leave an extra bowl or 2 of water in the living room and/or bedroom. Have fun on your trip.
2007-07-09 13:22:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Don't listen to those people who are so critical. If a neighbor is coming in and feeding your cat and someone will come to sit with him for a few hours every day, I see no reason why this cat cannot be left for the 9 days. I know sometimes circumstances demand that we leave our pets, but as long as you made sure that your pet is not neglected and taken care of every day, I think he will be O.K. He will miss you, but he will have the company of humans and he will not be totally alone. Best of Luck
2007-07-10 16:01:20 · answer #2 · answered by cardgirl2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physically he'll be fine - emotionally you may have some problems. I had an adolescent cat once that I left for 8 days in the care of a neighbor who was supposed to come in daily & really spend some time with him. I suspect she didn't and may have even skipped a few days. My cat's personality was permanently altered, altho I did have him for years and he was fine. He let me know upon my return home - in no uncertain terms - how angry he was.
It's a good idea to leave on a television or radio. Perhaps you could find someone via Craigslist to spend a few hours a day with your cat. A middle school or high school student would be happy for the extra $. I'd prefer that to boarding.
GOOD LUCK!
2007-07-09 13:23:20 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Think of it this way: would you like to be left alone for nine days with the arrangements you've made? I doubt it. I think you'd go a little squirrly. Let's see ... you can afford to go away for nine days, but you can't afford to arrange care for a "family" member. Hmmmm. There's something wrong with this picture. As pet owners, we must recognize that, once we have a pet we must make sacrifices in other areas of our lives in order to take the responsibility on. Two days? Sure, he wouldn't be too upset. But nine days could get him into a lot of trouble. When cats are anxious or upset, they tend to behave in very strange ways. I know of a cat that was left overnight ... tried to climb the drapes and hung himself on the drapery cord. 'Nuff said.
Sorry I was so rough on you. If there was more space to explain it all more gently, I would do so. Good luck finding a sitter.
2007-07-09 13:32:52 · answer #4 · answered by Mindlink 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey you always have a choice! Owning an animal is a responsibility and not one that can be ditched just because you want to do something else. You say he doesn't like you being gone too long..how do you know that and what does he do if you are gone too long? Only you can decide if he is going to be OK or not but think carefully and way up the risks and possible outcomes.
2007-07-09 13:24:18 · answer #5 · answered by munchkinchira 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
9 days is an awfully long time but if you have someone come in everyday for at least 2 hours to be with kitty and clean the litter box and get more water and food for kitty.Leave the radio on low all day and night ; get mouse toys and other toys ,.,, Cats that are used to having their owner around a lot; will stress badly and might even start peeing on floor' but if kitty does' don;t punish 'as kitty thinks you don;t love him any more..If possible if your friend will come and sit for 2 hours every other day ; but kitty might have a slight breakdown if someone is not around everyday. lots of luck
2007-07-09 13:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main concern with leaving a pet for a long time is if they turn over their water bowl. If you have someone feeding your cat it will be fine.
Just make sure you have all your valuables in a cupboard - your cat might get bored and tear the place apart!
2007-07-09 13:24:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, he will see two people each day. Just make sure the friend stays for a few hours. leave the radio on and a couple of lites, and toys. Have your neighbor and freind give you daily updates, so you don't worry. I can tell you love your cat.
2007-07-09 13:21:20 · answer #8 · answered by BELINDA B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I left my dog alone for 4 days. With people checking in on him of course. He did fine but he was happy to see me when I got home. I'll bet your cat will be the same way.
2007-07-09 13:17:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you trust this person do you have an extra person to come by if something happens to your first choice do you have a feeder? cant you take him with you? and i have found cats sleep all day I read once 18 hours maybe get kitty a freind or make a tape of your voice
2007-07-09 13:33:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋