Temporary move - will it affect the cat too much?

Since we got our cat in February, we've all of us got into a comfy routine. Yesterday my father-in-law rang us, sounding very upset. He has to travel to another state to see his brother, who is seriously ill. At the same time, his beloved black lab is getting on in years, and suffering from problems with his back legs. He asked us if we would stay at his house for a week to keep an eye on his dog, and we could hardly refuse.

I don't like the idea of leaving our cat on his own for a week, even if we get our neighbour to come in once a day to check his food and water and make sure everything is alright. The cat likes to go out at night. We're thinking of taking him with us to my father-in-law's house for the week.

Do you have any advice or observations about this situation? I know whatever we do will stress the cat, but which would stress him less? Any advice very welcome.

IMO, it would be less stressful to leave your cat home than have him deal with another new place plus a dog. Too bad just your husband couldn't go. Cats can acclimate fine. If he can't go out at night then he will have to adjust for a few days. I am sure he will be fine with your neighbor looking in and playing with him for this time. It's not like it's a month or two. Good luck.

Agree completely. Just keep him in while you`re away . I`m sure he`ll be upset, but he`ll forgive you eventually.

for you FIL & his family.

back when i was a kid we'd leave our cat for 3 weeks every summer. she'd go out at some point when our neighbor came to feed her and would disappear. she always came backthe day we got home like nothing ever happened
1 of my cats now will freak out and search for me all night if i don't come home. i'm told he calls for me
it depends on the cat. is he very clingy and attached to you? then he might be very upset by being alone. or is he independent? in that case he'll be fine

Is the intent to let the cat out at your father in laws?

Leslie

Originally Posted by Jack31

Is the intent to let the cat out at your father in laws?

Leslie

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No, we would keep him in.

How far does he live from you? It would be best to leave the cats in your current place; a week isn't enough for them to adjust to a new place, a dog, etc.

Could you just bring the dog into your house for the week? For me IMO that would be easier than transporting all your stuff youll need for a week and then setting up someone to watch your cat? If there are no dogs allowed at your house than could you explain to your landlord that its a family emergency and that its only for a week and not permanent?

On an older dog I don't think I'd stress them with a move for a week either.

Leslie