How do you guys handle vacationing when you have a pet?

terestrife · Dec 8, 2012

My sister wants me to go with her to disney world next summer. it will be her two daughters, me and our mom. The thing is I dont know what to do with my kitty. My brother is staying behind, and his wife (we live together). But i am terrified that they will not be careful and she will get out (shes an indoor only cat) plus my sister in law sleeps until very late, so my cat will be unsupervised half the day.

My other sister in law, is a cat lover, and has a cat of her own. but they have parties every weekend. my niece told me their cat got out to the yard once. what if my cat gets out? One time i was over there and this kid of a friends, was trying to kick their cat

.

i could never let her in a animal care center, as i cant bear the thought of strangers caring for her. what if she gets hurt? or they dont care for her like i do? the only people i trust with my cat are going on the trip. lol my mom and my sister. i actually plan on leaving my kitty with them in a couple of months when i go on a 4 day trip (my first time away from my kitty). i probably sound crazy to be so worried for a cat. but shes my baby and i think id just rather stay home and just take trips separately from now on.

am i completely insane???

txcatmom · Dec 8, 2012

am i completely insane???

If you are, then I am too...lol. We have agonized over the decision of what to do with our cats when we travel. Luckily we had researched pet hotels when a family emergency hit. The cats stayed there for 3 days and did okay, but we have not elected to travel together since. Yes, my husband and I have been taking separate vacations so one of us can care for the cats....crazy I know.

I know it is hard to imagine strangers caring for your cat, but a well researched pet hotel would probably be staffed by cat lovers and kitty would at least be safe and secure. It's a hard decision, I know. We had so many factors to consider and those vary from case to case. Good luck with the decision.

whammytap · Dec 10, 2012

There are pet care services that specialize in that type of care--yes, it's a stranger, but a pet care company relies upon the trustworthiness of its workers. They usually have the person come out and meet you first, meet your pets, etc. If the company didn't do a good job, they wouldn't be around long. (I am a housekeeper and some of my clients use these type of services. It really is amazing, the pet care workers write down notes on every little thing, like how long they play with the animals and if they played with their toys, etc.)

On the flip side, these services are beaucoup expensive. I, like my mom always did, usually have a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor come check on my place morning and evening. (I've never had a dog, so this is possible.) A lot of times, we'll do it for each other for free, knowing that we'll have someone to return the favor when it's our turn to go on vacation. I like the setup better than boarding because there is someone to physically check on the house, take in the mail, and open/shut the blinds, etc.

orientalslave · Dec 11, 2012

In the UK the advice would be to look for an FAB boarding cattery, which operate to very high standards in every way. I wonder if there is a similar scheme (or schemes) in the US for boarding catteries?

catlover73 · Dec 11, 2012

Do you have any friends in the area who could check on your cats. When we go out of town one of our friends comes over twice a day to feed my cats and check on them. One of my cats only eats wet food so he has to be fed 2x daily.

My friend will also scoop out the litter boxes if needed.

My friend is a cat person so she enjoys helping us out. One of my cats is one of her former fosters. She loves hanging out with him when she comes to visit. She does not want to paid for helping us so we just take her out to eat.

angels mommy · Dec 11, 2012

No, your not insane. I'm the same way! I have only left my baby once a couple of years ago for a long weekend. (I even cried when I said good-by)

I had a client/friend of mine (who has cats) come & stay the weekend.

I couldn't afford to pay her money, but paid her w/ a massage & facial gift certificate w/ me. (she usually only gets waxing from me, so this was a treat for her).

I haven't really been able to afford to take a trip, so I just take my vacation days as a "Stay-cation." I will be doing that Christmas week. I just plan on relaxing w/ a book & maybe doing a massage trade, so I can get one!

I would maybe ask the girls at your vet's office. Maybe one of them would sit, or stop by a couple of times a day. They may also know another person who can do it.

Good luck!

krysta · Dec 11, 2012

You are definitely not "completely insane"! I have been worrying myself to death about leaving my kitties for 6 days at Christmas, for the first time. They have a programmable automatic feeder for their dry, and one of my friends who LOVES them is coming over everyday to scoop their box, feed their wet, and check on them in general. So I know they are going to be taken care of, but it won't be like *I* would do it, you know? And I worry about stuff like --what if one of them got sick and she doesn't know them like I do, to recognize if they're acting differently until it's really bad? What if they think I've abandoned them? I actually have thought in the back of my mind maybe I should stay behind, but then that makes me feel crazy. Mostly it's just that I'm gonna miss them SO much, they are my only babies!!!

And as far as the friend/pet sitter suggestions, I think this situation is a little different in the fact that someone WILL be home. Would they would be offended if you have someone else come into their home to look after her, when they are there? That could be awkward. That said, the same friend who is looking after my kitties has me come over to look after her animals when she is out of town, because she does not trust her roommate to do it. Usually I go at times when she tells me the roommate will definitely not be there, cause I would feel weird!

missymotus · Dec 11, 2012

terestrife said:
My brother is staying behind, and his wife (we live together). But i am terrified that they will not be careful and she will get out (shes an indoor only cat) plus my sister in law sleeps until very late, so my cat will be unsupervised half the day.

Is there any reason to believe they won't be careful? since they obviously live with her now, is there a habit of letting her get out? Also most cats are alone half to a whole day while their owners are working, that shouldn't really be a concern.

Can you shut her into a few rooms if escaping is a true concern?

I'd have no issue putting cats into a cattery, many are very good and the cats are treated exceptionally well. Or using a pet sitter, though with someone else already living in your home that seems unnecessary.

If you really can't bear to leave or put her in a cattery, then you're better off staying home rather than having a miserable time on vacation.

yayi · Dec 12, 2012

missymotus said:
If you really can't bear to leave or put her in a cattery, then you're better off staying home rather than having a miserable time on vacation.

Totally agree!

I have skipped vacations because I can't bear leaving my babies. I have no regrets.

redvelvetone · Dec 12, 2012

There are pet sitting services where people can actually do overnights and stay with your pets. They are vetted and you meet them beforehand.

My husband does this sometimes - he's currently watching someone's three dogs, three miniature horses and one cat while they are away.

Rates very depending on whether you need someone to say overnight or just check in on the pets a couple of times a day for feeding.

Most animals I would say, particularly cats, would do better staying in their own space rather than boarding, so having someone to come in and check in on them, play with them, and feed them is more ideal than having them go to a boarding facility.

duckdodgers · Dec 12, 2012

When we just had Alafair (and she was still living with my parents) we would just leave her with lots of food and water for several days, and she was fine. Never had an issue. We would board the dogs if it wasn't for too long, but would have someone come and stay at the house if it was for longer than five days or so. Since Jason entered the picture we started having someone come and throw food at him if it was longer than a couple of days.

Since Alafair has been living with me I was never gone for an occasion longer than a weekend that she wasn't taken with me, so I'd just leave her with food. Since the kitten Stella got here I've had friends come and feed them once a day. Everyone seems eager to watch the kitties for the weekend- Alafair is a jerk, but people love coming to play with the kitten. In her old age Alafair hasn't been much of a door dasher, but it could be an issue with Stella. The cats are never left with each other unattended though (the people who have come by know that very well), so Alafair stays in the front of the apartment with Stella locked in the bedroom. Thus, no door issue. By the time the door to the bedroom has been opened the front door has long been closed.

I understand peoples' concerns with leaving animals, but they are much more adaptable than people give them credit for.

terestrife · Dec 12, 2012

Krysta said:
And as far as the friend/pet sitter suggestions, I think this situation is a little different in the fact that someone WILL be home. Would they would be offended if you have someone else come into their home to look after her, when they are there? That could be awkward. That said, the same friend who is looking after my kitties has me come over to look after her animals when she is out of town, because she does not trust her roommate to do it. Usually I go at times when she tells me the roommate will definitely not be there, cause I would feel weird!

i was talking to my sister in law (that lives here) my fears about traveling and leaving my baby (my cat) behind, and didnt know what id do about her getting cared for... and she said nothing. so i really dont care if they are offended. maybe ill ask my other sister in law that is a cat owner to come by. the bad thing is she lives 30-40 minutes away.

i feel awful at the thought of leaving my baby. i might just take separate vacations from my family.

angels mommy · Dec 12, 2012

I would still call & ask at your vet's office. Maybe one of the staff lives close enough by, or someone they know that does that. At least then it would be a like minded person.

You never know until you ask.

catwithmycoffee · Dec 13, 2012

terestrife said:
My sister wants me to go with her to disney world next summer. it will be her two daughters, me and our mom. The thing is I dont know what to do with my kitty. My brother is staying behind, and his wife (we live together). But i am terrified that they will not be careful and she will get out (shes an indoor only cat) plus my sister in law sleeps until very late, so my cat will be unsupervised half the day.

My other sister in law, is a cat lover, and has a cat of her own. but they have parties every weekend. my niece told me their cat got out to the yard once. what if my cat gets out? One time i was over there and this kid of a friends, was trying to kick their cat

.

i could never let her in a animal care center, as i cant bear the thought of strangers caring for her. what if she gets hurt? or they dont care for her like i do? the only people i trust with my cat are going on the trip. lol my mom and my sister. i actually plan on leaving my kitty with them in a couple of months when i go on a 4 day trip (my first time away from my kitty). i probably sound crazy to be so worried for a cat. but shes my baby and i think id just rather stay home and just take trips separately from now on.

am i completely insane???

No, you are not insane - we ALL want the best for our pets :-)

In my honest opinion, if you are that concerned about having your family members looking after your cat while on vacation then it would probably be best if you had her in the care of a boarding facility.

Check around. Talk to your vet and the vet's staff (do they offer boarding services?). Research boarding facilities in your area on-line: what do the reviews about them say? Go in and visit some of them; ask to see the facilities, where the cats are boarded, see how the staff interacts with the animals. [and if they refuse to give you a tour, that is a good sign to avoid them!]

The boarding kennels I have dealt with in the past, the staff at every one of them go through a rigorous process of training and 'vetting' (no pun intended) before being allowed to care for client's pets. It is very rare for an animal to be injured while boarding; in the event of an emergency, the staff can (and you would have to authorize it, of course) take your pet to the vet for you.

And just because staff members at a boarding facility are complete strangers does not mean they would care for your cat any less than you would or they would their own!!!!!

Last spring, Husband and I took a road trip out west. We didn't have anyone nearby that we trusted enough to come to our house daily to care for Bazinga (Sam and Lizzie weren't here at that time). And my in-laws have a dog, and Bazinga is terrified of canines. So we opted to have her boarded. The place we picked couldn't have done a better job. Gave us a tour, interaction with the staff - it was very obvious that these people love animals :-) They even went so far as to invite us to have someone stop by while Bazinga was there to check on her if we wished - no appointment necessary!

When we returned from our trip and went to pick up Bazinga, she was content yet happy to see her Mommy and Daddy :-) I would certainly use them again in the future.

terestrife · Dec 13, 2012

CatWithMyCoffee said:
No, you are not insane - we ALL want the best for our pets :-)

In my honest opinion, if you are that concerned about having your family members looking after your cat while on vacation then it would probably be best if you had her in the care of a boarding facility.

Check around. Talk to your vet and the vet's staff (do they offer boarding services?). Research boarding facilities in your area on-line: what do the reviews about them say? Go in and visit some of them; ask to see the facilities, where the cats are boarded, see how the staff interacts with the animals. [and if they refuse to give you a tour, that is a good sign to avoid them!]

The boarding kennels I have dealt with in the past, the staff at every one of them go through a rigorous process of training and 'vetting' (no pun intended) before being allowed to care for client's pets. It is very rare for an animal to be injured while boarding; in the event of an emergency, the staff can (and you would have to authorize it, of course) take your pet to the vet for you.

And just because staff members at a boarding facility are complete strangers does not mean they would care for your cat any less than you would or they would their own!!!!!

Last spring, Husband and I took a road trip out west. We didn't have anyone nearby that we trusted enough to come to our house daily to care for Bazinga (Sam and Lizzie weren't here at that time). And my in-laws have a dog, and Bazinga is terrified of canines. So we opted to have her boarded. The place we picked couldn't have done a better job. Gave us a tour, interaction with the staff - it was very obvious that these people love animals :-) They even went so far as to invite us to have someone stop by while Bazinga was there to check on her if we wished - no appointment necessary!

When we returned from our trip and went to pick up Bazinga, she was content yet happy to see her Mommy and Daddy :-) I would certainly use them again in the future.

its not that i doubt that they have been trained or that they dont love animals. i just hate the thought of my cat being with strangers, wondering if ive left her. what if she ends up bonding with someone there and is sad when i pick her up. what if she gets hurt and im not hurt. so many worries.

at least with family i have the comfort of knowing they love her as much as i do. and always try their best to take care of her. we'll see im still not sure what im going to do. but i appreciate you giving me your point of view.

orientalslave · Dec 14, 2012

Hmmm.... What would you say to a parent expressing the same concerns about their child going away for a few days? Cats are nearly all fine in a good boarding cattery. They quickly learn who is feeding them, the affectionate ones will enjoy being made a fuss of (which a good BC will do), but I haven't heard of one that doesn't remember it's owner when they collect. What matters is that it's a GOOD BC. This page has some advice for choosing a BC:

http://www.fabcats.org/catteries/in...arding_cattery/choosing_boarding_cattery.html

terestrife · Dec 14, 2012

OrientalSlave said:
Hmmm.... What would you say to a parent expressing the same concerns about their child going away for a few days? Cats are nearly all fine in a good boarding cattery. They quickly learn who is feeding them, the affectionate ones will enjoy being made a fuss of (which a good BC will do), but I haven't heard of one that doesn't remember it's owner when they collect. What matters is that it's a GOOD BC. This page has some advice for choosing a BC:

http://www.fabcats.org/catteries/in...arding_cattery/choosing_boarding_cattery.html

a child is different, they can call you up if they need help.... i dont think a cat can do that? lol but besides that i wouldnt let a very young child sleep over somewhere until they are older anyway.. when i was a kid i only ever slept ovet at my brothers house, never to a friends. i would visit but never stay over. i dont blame my mom there are a lot of sick people in this world it is not smart to just trust anyone with your kid.

as for my cat, i would feel like i was taking her from her home that she knows and shes comfortable to a strange place with a lot of strange people. a place that might even remind her of when she was at the humane society stuck in a cage.

orientalslave · Dec 14, 2012

Children can call now most of them seem to have mobile phones, but that was not the case until fairly recently - the last 10 years and especially the last 5 years.

BTW I see you posted somewhere else that she has turned 1. That makes her a cat, not a kitten, not a baby. She's the equivalent of an older teenager which is a perfect age for both humans and cats to experience new things. She's certainly not the equivalent of a very young child - unspayed she would have kittens by now.

However since you cannot see a positive spin your only solution is to stay home with her. You won't enjoy your holiday if you are worrying about her.

terestrife · Dec 14, 2012

OrientalSlave said:
Children can call now most of them seem to have mobile phones, but that was not the case until fairly recently - the last 10 years and especially the last 5 years.

BTW I see you posted somewhere else that she has turned 1. That makes her a cat, not a kitten, not a baby. She's the equivalent of an older teenager which is a perfect age for both humans and cats to experience new things. She's certainly not the equivalent of a very young child - unspayed she would have kittens by now.

However since you cannot see a positive spin your only solution is to stay home with her. You won't enjoy your holiday if you are worrying about her.

wow, you seem very passionate about taking a cat to a cattery. its not a big deal. i'll just take a separate vacation. i trust my mom, and my sister to watch her.... its better this way, ill get a break form family lol

orientalslave · Dec 14, 2012

I'm not passionate about it, but a 1yo cat is not (in cat terms) a baby and I can't see any benefit in treating it as one. I've always found that if I know I can trust the cattery I can enjoy my holiday and me and my cats love seeing each other again when I get them home.

How do you guys handle vacationing when you have a pet?

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