The age old question...My wife and I need a vacation. Caring for our cat while were away.

[fazmaster1]

Hello all,

I did a forum search on the subject but I would like some fresh insight if possible. My wife and I badly need a vacation. We're planning to go away for a week. We feel stressed and guilty to leave our cat alone although we will have friends and relative dropping in every day to make sure the litter boxes are clean, supplied with fresh water and he is fed.

Would this be adequate care? We always feel that people should stick around and spend some time with him but that may not be possible.

Thank you in advance for your insight and advice.

Cheers,

 

[tdonline]

Daily visits should work for most cats.  How needy is your cat?

 

[zoneout]

Our cats got stressed when we were gone even though somebody fed them every day they didn't clean the litter box so cats pooped all over the house.

If your friends don't mind cleaning the litter then it will definitely help. Otherwise a stay cation is in order.

 

[jcat]

That should be fine as long as your cat sitters are reliable. We've been going away a week at a time for the past 16 years and haven't had a problem. Just be sure to give the sitters any info that might be needed, e.g., your vet's name and number, any symptoms (like not urinating) that necessitate an emergency vet visit, detailed feeding instructions, locations of water bowls and the cat carrier, etc.. I usually also make up a "lost cat" handout with a photo as well as family members' and friends' phone numbers and provide a copy and the file name on my computer to the sitter, just in case our cat manages to slip out.

 

[fazmaster1]

Thanks!

He's a great cat. Very low maintenance we give him love, love, love. I guess the owners are needier than the cat itself! It's really a question of enjoying our vacation and not worrying about our cat being miserable.

Cheers,

Federico

 

[fazmaster1]

Thanks to all that responded!

Cheers,

 

[jcat]

Thanks!

He's a great cat. Very low maintenance we give him love, love, love. I guess the owners are needier than the cat itself! It's really a question of enjoying our vacation and not worrying about our cat being miserable.

Cheers,

Federico

You'll probably be like me and call the sitters a few times that week. :lol3:

 

[MoochNNoodles]

You'll probably be like me and call the sitters a few times that week.

I do that too.  I've had the same girl house sitting for years and I still check on them. 

I think your kitty will be ok with that many visits.  My house sitter says that my 2 generally keep to themselves still; after all these years!  

 

[luv2cats]

My Cat Nanny visits twice a day to feed, play and clean litter boxes - she also brings in the mail.  I've used her for years, she is reliable, the cost if reasonable and I have peace of mind while away.

 

[mnm]

We've always felt bad too, leaving them, but having 2 cats made me always feel better like they weren't alone...but they were always totally fine...we hire a neighborhood girl to stop in (3x a day due to their feeding schedule). Now with Min gone, we are thinking of flying my mom out to our home in June, as we are going to Alaska (hubby's choice not mine ha) as we will be gone 10 days. Vacations are important Go and enjoy!