Best option for a cat if owner is travelling

Hi all, this is my first time on this forum but I have an important decision to make so trying to get more info.

I have had Sonic for 8 1/2 years and it has always just been the two of us. She is a great cat and I enjoy having her around. Very soon, I will have to temporarily move from Phoenix to Denver for work. This move should last 3-4 months and I have to figure out what is best for Sonic during that time. There is nobody close by that can take care of her at my house so I have 2 choices:

1. Leave her with a friend and his wife and two dogs and a cat. As far as I can tell from past experiences, the biggest problem here is that Sonic gets very defensive around most other animals until she feels safe enough to relax. During this time, which takes at least 3 days, she growls and hisses at anybody that gets close to her, but slowly loosens up. She has never stayed with this couple and their pets so no guarantee if she will get comfortable there.

2. Take her with me to Denver. There are 3 problems here. First, she hates to travel and would have to endure the 13+ hour drive to Denver, then 3-4 months later, the 13+ hour drive back to Phoenix. Second, I will be staying in a hotel, or possible short-term lease apartment, so she would be confined to a small area for that time but she loves to run around and needs space. Third, I will be working 12+ hours a day so she would be alone in that small, possibly noisy area for over half the time there. To me, it seems like a depressing and lonely ordeal for her that is not necessary.

I was going to go with option 1 but have heard from 3 friends now that say that seems like a bad idea, and that a cat just wants to be with its owner. Am I over estimating my cat or is it best to put her in a situation where, if she can get comfortable, she would have people and other animals around and room to run and play???

Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I lived in a small studio apartment with a cat and she had plenty of room, as far as traveling will it be harder on her with or without you? We drove two dogs and our cat from Kansas to Utah last year and stayed in a hotel over night because of a storm the driving part took 13 hours and everyone did okay.

What if your cat gets let out on accident or something else happens? Will you be able to forgive them if something happens or yourself? It's your decision but I think she will be happier with you even if it's only a couple hours a day. I could see the drive being an issue if it was all of the time but twice in 3 or 4 months is nothing.

You could make a pros and cons list. But if you are questioning leaving her with someone else then you might already have your answer! Good luck with your decision.

I would for sure not leave him in a house with other animals if he is not used to it. Cats do not like to be without their people and he would adjust to the smaller place and he may not ever adjust to being in a strange home with strange people and pets. Something that may be a good option for the car ride you can get a crate with room for a litter box and food/water and you can just transport him into a hotel or apartment in this. If he hates car rides some people use rescue remedy very successfully. My sister's cat used to get car sick and would yell the whole time so the vet recommended gravol which worked well and he just slept the whole way for  8 hours. If you use gravol make sure to check with your vet about the dosage for your cat

I-agree-with-the-others,I-can-see-about-a-zillion-things-that-could-go-wrong,with-putting-her-with-your-friend-and-his-wife.

How-well-do-you-really-know-this-man,how-well-do-you-know-his-wife,how-well-do-you-know-how-they-feel-about-their-animals-and-care-for-them,how-are-the-animals-treated,how-do-they-respond,when-the-dog-or-cat-needs-a-vet.

Who-would-be-paying-for-Sonic's-food-and-cat-litter?Who-would-be-paying-for-a-vet-if-needed,if-Sonic-needed-to-go-to-the-ER,would-they-take-her,and-who-would-pay-for-it?

If-you-made-up-a-list-of-requirements,do-you-know-for-a-fact,that-they-would-follow-them?

*If*-you-decide-to-go-this-route,it-is-imperative,you-draw-up-a-written-contract,with-a-lawyer,out-lineing,exactly,what-care-you-expect,who-exactly-will-pay-for-the-food-and-litter,exactly-what-is-expected-for-an-emergency,and-most-importantly,that-Sonic-is-YOUR-cat,and-exactly-who-is-responsible,should-she-get-out,should-they-have-an-emergency,should-they-have-to-evacuate,and-a-back-up-plan,should-they-be-no-longer-able-to-care-for-her.

See-what-is-involved,that-most-people-don't-even-think-of?

Its-not-as-simple-as-will-you-take-care-of-her-for-3-4-months.

I-grew-up-with-show-horses,and-leasing-out-a-show-horse-for-6-months,for-a-year,is-common-practice.Those-that-didn't-do-an-ironclad-written-contract,spelling-out-exactly,what-care-was-required-and-expected........well.......I-could-tell-you-horror-stories.

I-was-the-victim-of-one,leased-out-my-horse,had-a-contract,then-the-girl-disappeared-with-my-horse,he-turned-into-a-stolen-horse.Luckily,the-girl-abandoned-him,and-the-owner-of-the-stable-recognized-him,and-called-me.I-got-him-back,most-aren't-so-lucky.

Just-read-in-the-paper-the-other-day,man-asked-a-lady-to-care-for-his-dog,for-6-months,something-about-it-being-a-service-dog,and-had-to-be-qualified,or-something,the-man-was-a-military-veteran.When-he-came-to-get-his-dog,the-lady-wouldn't-give-him-up,said-the-dog-was-abandoned.He-had-nothing-in-writing.Now-it-has-to-go-to-court.

I-highly-recommend,you-take-Sonic-with-you.

Mine-are-show-cats,we-travel-to-shows-all-over,up-to-8-9-hrs-one-way,show-the-weekend,then-8-9-hrs-back-home.Yes,mine-are-used-to-it,but-13-hrs-is-not-that-big-a-deal,and-I-can-tell-you-exactly,what-to-do,to-get-her-safely-where-you-are-going.

Your-going-to-need-to-get-her-chipped,which,even-if-you-leave-her-with-your-friend,you-should-do,it-proves-she-is-your-cat.You-will-need-a-collor-or-harness,with-her-chip-tag,her-rabies-tag,and-a-tag-with-her-vets-name-and-number-on-it-from-Phoenix,a-tag-with-your-name-and-number.

This-increases-the-chance-of-you-getting-her-back,if-she-should-get-loose.

You-want-a-hard-sided-carrier,a-large-one,mine-is-rated-for-a-30-lb-dog.My-cats-are-large,Maine-Coon,and-they-travel-alot-of-hours.You-want-them-comfortable.You-put-2-soft-clean-towels,some-of-her-toys,and-something-that-has-your-scent-on-it.

Mine-are-taught-to-pee-before-they-load,but-Sonic-isn't-a-show-kitty,so-you-put-in-a-small-cat-box,kitten-size,you-can-find-them-at-Petsmart-or-Petco,they-are-about-the-size-of-a-baking-pan,so-they-fit-in-the-back-of-the-carrier.

Do-not-feed-her-in-route,she-will-only-get-sick,if-she-is-not-used-to-traveling,you-can-give-her-a-few-snackies,her-hard-crunchie-food,to-tide-her-over.Mine-are-fed-a-small-meal,an-hour-before-we-load,and-they-get-fed,another-small-meal,when-we-get-to-the-show.I-do-not-feed-in-route.

They-make-cup-holders-that-attach-to-the-front-of-the-carrier,inside,that-you-can-put-water-in,or-what-most-show-people-do-is-use-the-water-bottle,similiar-to-what-a-rabbit-would-use,they-suck-out-the-water.

DO-NOT-take-her-out-of-the-carrier,until-you-get-where-you-are-going,and-have-a-litter-box-set-up-for-her.Then-show-her-where-it-is.

You-will-also-need-all-her-health-records,and-check-if-CO-or-any-of-the-states-in-between,require-rabies,and-make-sure-she-has-the-shot,and-her-rabies-certificate.If-something-should-happen,and-no-proof,they-will-seize-her.

Line-up-a-vet-ahead-of-time-in-Denver,in-case-you-should-need-a-vet,that-way-you-are-not-scrambling-to-find-one,and-line-up-a-ER-in-the-area.Ask-your-vet,he/she-should-be-able-to-help-you-with-this,and-your-vet-can-even-call,and-talk-to-the-new-vet.

If-I-need-a-vet,which-happened-at-a-show,I-go-to-the-show-manager,and-they-will-take-me-to-a-vet.

Do-not-leave-her-unattended-in-the-car,only-for-a-few-min,to-run-into-the-bathroom,or-grab-food,and-go-thru-the-drive-thru.

If-you-get-tired,only-pull-into-the-big-truck-stops,park-up-front,and-doze.Make-sure-the-doors-are-locked-at-all-times.

When-you-get-out,keep-your-head-up,look-around-be-aware-of-your-surrounding,and-look/act....like-you-will-kill-someone,if-they-approach-you.

If-you-stay-in-a-hotel,MAKE-SURE-its-pet-friendly,ask-if-there-is-a-pet-fee,and-advise-them-you-will-be-staying-for-months.I-am-assuming,the-company-is-paying-for-this.

***ADVISE*****them,the-housekeeper-is-NOT-to-go-in-the-room,you-don't-want-to-risk-Sonic-getting-out,when-she-comes-in.Get-the-towels-and-sheets-yourself.

Was-at-one-show,the-front-desk-was-advised,the-lady-went-in-there-anyhow,$5,000-show-kitty-now-loose-in-the-hotel.Not-mine,I-crate-mine-when-I-leave-the-room,but-a-friend,she-about-owned-that-hotel,when-she-got-done-with-them.

If-you-have-the-option,take-the-apt.

Sounds-like-alot,it-really-isn't,been-traveling-to-shows-for-10-years,now,its-a-normal-routine.

Let-us-know-what-you-decide.

Thanks for all the advice. 

The friends are animal lovers and took care of Sonic twice about 7 years ago, but they live in a new house and have different dogs now. If it becomes necessary, I trust them to take care of her. I have other friends that offered but do not trust them enough. I would be leaving money for food and cat litter and pay for anything else that would come up.

With taking her with, I will look into the options to help her travel. We have traveled a few times over the years. I have read that some cats react badly to sleep aids. Last time we traveled, I put her in her travel carrier on top of a large pillow and she calmed down a lot sooner. She was either getting used to travelling or she was getting scared by all the bumps and movement from a vehicle. She used to yell the whole time and have what I guess were panic attacks (mouth open, breathing quickly) but last time just yelled for about an hour. With the place to stay, I am completely responsible for setting that up. My job is paying enough to cover where ever I go, but the extra $25-50 per day that hotels charge for pets would hurt financially.

The big issue is leaving her in a new place with unfamiliar dogs vs. leaving her in a new, small area alone for most of the day.

I saw my elder kitty go through both of these things. Your cat may vary, but this is my experience.

I got her as a kid, and she'd always been "my cat." When I moved into adulthood, as you might imagine, my living situation wasn't terribly stable, and I moved quite a lot from 18 until about 21.

When I first moved out, I decided to leave her with my father temporarily until I was more stable and better-employed so I could afford her care. Now, keep in mind, this was an apartment she'd lived in most of her life, with a human she'd lived with (and liked) since kittenhood. It was considerably less stressful than what you're considering, which is putting her in an unfamiliar house with unfamiliar animals and semi-familiar people.

She still became depressed. Her energy went down, and her fur even thinned. And more tellingly, she STAYED depressed until I took her back. She didn't ever feel better, no matter how much time passed. Even visiting her when I could, it didn't make her feel better.
 

I took her back with me for good when I was 20, and the change in her was dramatic.

At thas point, I was still kind of unstable. I did my best for her, and fortunately I was making enough money to meet her needs as a senior cat, but I still wound up having to move her more than I would have liked. At times, she was in a pretty small studio. She was a Cornish Rex, so she wasn't exactly a "lazy" cat.

Even being moved semi-frequently in old age, she was CONSIDERABLY happier with me than she was without me. She got better about traveling too, as long as I was there.

As much as I wish I had been able to provide her more stability in her old age, when presented with the option between stability or being with me, she was indisputably happier with me.

MnSonic said:

Thanks for all the advice. 

The friends are animal lovers and took care of Sonic twice about 7 years ago, but they live in a new house and have different dogs now. If it becomes necessary, I trust them to take care of her. I have other friends that offered but do not trust them enough. I would be leaving money for food and cat litter and pay for anything else that would come up.

With taking her with, I will look into the options to help her travel. We have traveled a few times over the years. I have read that some cats react badly to sleep aids. Last time we traveled, I put her in her travel carrier on top of a large pillow and she calmed down a lot sooner. She was either getting used to travelling or she was getting scared by all the bumps and movement from a vehicle. She used to yell the whole time and have what I guess were panic attacks (mouth open, breathing quickly) but last time just yelled for about an hour. With the place to stay, I am completely responsible for setting that up. My job is paying enough to cover where ever I go, but the extra $25-50 per day that hotels charge for pets would hurt financially.

The big issue is leaving her in a new place with unfamiliar dogs vs. leaving her in a new, small area alone for most of the day.

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There are hotels in Denver that allow pets to stay for free, Motel 6 being one of them along with Red Roof Inn, La Quinta and Kimpton Hotel. I got this information from tripswithpets.com

Even hotels that charge may work out a deal with you as you will be staying a while.

MnSonic said:

Thanks for all the advice. 

The friends are animal lovers and took care of Sonic twice about 7 years ago, but they live in a new house and have different dogs now. If it becomes necessary, I trust them to take care of her. I have other friends that offered but do not trust them enough. I would be leaving money for food and cat litter and pay for anything else that would come up.

With taking her with, I will look into the options to help her travel. We have traveled a few times over the years. I have read that some cats react badly to sleep aids. Last time we traveled, I put her in her travel carrier on top of a large pillow and she calmed down a lot sooner. She was either getting used to travelling or she was getting scared by all the bumps and movement from a vehicle. She used to yell the whole time and have what I guess were panic attacks (mouth open, breathing quickly) but last time just yelled for about an hour. With the place to stay, I am completely responsible for setting that up. My job is paying enough to cover where ever I go, but the extra $25-50 per day that hotels charge for pets would hurt financially.

The big issue is leaving her in a new place with unfamiliar dogs vs. leaving her in a new, small area alone for most of the day

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Your right sleeping aids are not a good idea but gravol or rescue remedy tend to work well. My sister's cat would also open mouth breath and drool and the vet said this was an indication of nausea and the gravol worked to stop this. 

I agree with the others. I would want her with me. I know traveling will be a little stressful, but at least the vet can give you something for her. Maybe even a little something for anxiety as well, for the whole situation & change for her. (new place, long days w/out you)  Yes, some Rescue Remedy in her water would be good, then she would get some through out the day as she drinks.

You could also put a couple of drops on a treat for her before leaving, or while traveling.

I still think she would be much happier with you, sense it's going to be such a chunk of time. I just think the stress of you leaving her with others will be stressful enough, then add a lot of animals she doesn't know on top of an already stressed kitty will not be good for her. Especially if she is used to it just being the two of you, & more quiet.  A new house, new people, & a lot of other stranger pets sounds like a very stressful place for her.

At the hotel,  I would also make sure you have plenty of toys for her to play with while you are gone during the day. (I would say no toys w/ strings unsupervised, better safe than sorry, sense you will have long days).  I leave balls out at night, but always put away any stringed toys, just to be safe.

As FlintMcCullough said, if you can get an apartment instead, that would be much better. Safer too, not worrying about any staff coming in when they shouldn't!

Her travel advice is very good too!

Good luck sweetie, let us know what you decide, & how things are going, if you can.

Motel-6's-are-junky.Red-Roof-is-really-decent,ask-for-the-king,it-comes-with-a-little-fridge-and-a-microwave,altho,the-fridge-doesn't-get-that-cold,but-they-have-a-big-desk,for-computer-stuff,and-believe-its-y-fi.But-the-bathroom-is-really-small.Red-Roof-does-not-charge-a-pet-fee,but-on-a-rare-occassion,I-come-across-one-that-will,$25,and-its-a-2-cat-limit.Mine-are-in-one-carrier,so-they-don't-know-any-different.La-Quinta-is-along-the-same-lines-as-Red-Roof,and-they-include-a-continental-breakfast,really-nice-dining-room,never-been-charged-a-pet-fee-there.

The-ultimate,is-Holiday-Inn-Express.The-rooms-are-huge,and-the-bathrooms-are-huge,large-counters,in-the-bathroom,sample-shampoo,conditioner,soap,plastic-cups,coffee-maker,coffee,hair-dryer,and-best-of-all,a-heated-light-overhead,way-cool,when-you-soak-in-the-tub.They-have-a-breakfast-too,but-its-a-real-one,eggs,bacon,sausage,toast,muffins,bagels,cereal,coffee,hot-chocolate,about-anything-you-can-think-of,and-it-was-good.They-charge-a-$25-pet-fee,and-some-will-require-$100-deposit,refundable,upon,they-check-the-room-for-damage,from-the-kitty,at-check-out.

If-you-go-that-route,I-make-them-go-up-with-me,before-I-take-them-out-of-the-carrier,and-I-point-out,every-spec-of-damage,already-there,and-make-them-write-it-down.Mine-are-very-well-behaved,and-they-ain't,gonna-get-blamed-for-the-damage-already-there.They-pretty-much-hate-me,LOL.

If,you-should-go-with-a-hotel,before-you-let-her-loose,check-under-the-bed,for......well.....anything.Learned-this-the-hard-way.He-came-out-from-under-the-bed,with-a-chore-boy-in-his-mouth,chewed-up.I-called-the-front-desk,and-the-lady-said.....so?

Her-mistake.

I-went-down-there-yelling.

Told-them-they-were-going-to-pay-his-vet-bills.Called-my-vet,she-told-me-to-pull-him-from-his-rings,and-what-to-watch-for,and-ask-the-show-manager-for-a-vet.Show-manager-said-there-was-a-vet-there-if-I-needed-one,and-any-help-I-needed.Took-him-to-my-vet-Mon-morn,the-girls,had-to-tell-my-vet,and-me,what-that-chore-boy-really-was,and-what-it-was-really-used-for,and-it-weren't-no-cleaning-product.

Called-the-hotel,told-them,they-"will"-pay-his-vet-bill,or-my-next-call,is-to-the-police,and-oh-by-the-way,my-vet-has-the-chore-boy.They-paid-his-vet-bill,$300.

I-was-5-hrs-from-home,and-had-rode-with-someone-who-would-not-leave,but-gave-me-the-car,in-case-I-needed-to-get-him-to-a-vet.

Had-a-friend,who-found-used-condoms,under-the-bed,she-about-owned-that-hotel,when-she-got-done-with-them.

So,ya-never-know,what-your-going-to-find-under-the-bed.

Thanks for the tremendous input and opinions. You all did manage to change my mind and I will try to take Sonic with to Denver.

Still looking at hotel options but I would not stay in a Motel 6, especially with Sonic. No Red roof Inns in Colorado. Looking at La Quintas, but the ones in that area, Littleton and Centennial, have very bad reviews. Also looking at Extended Stay Hotels. With the pet fee, it is still a good price and reviews are good.

I will check today on aids to help her relax while travelling.

Lilin, your story about your elderly kitty helped a lot because it reminded me of a cat I literally grew up with. Her name was Boots, great cat, very friendly and usually hung out with me at home. We got her when I was 4, and still had her when I left for basic training at 18. During my time away, almost a year, she started to fade away according to my parents, slept all day and did not eat much, but when I came home to visit, she was full of life and followed me around the house. When I left again after 3 weeks at home, my parents said she started to get weaker after a few months, and passed away maybe 6 months later. I forgot how much pets can get attached to having their owner/best friend around.

Thanks again for the advice. I will update everyone on how the trip goes this weekend.

MnSonic said:

Thanks for the tremendous input and opinions. You all did manage to change my mind and I will try to take Sonic with to Denver.

Still looking at hotel options but I would not stay in a Motel 6, especially with Sonic. No Red roof Inns in Colorado. Looking at La Quintas, but the ones in that area, Littleton and Centennial, have very bad reviews. Also looking at Extended Stay Hotels. With the pet fee, it is still a good price and reviews are good.

I will check today on aids to help her relax while travelling.

Lilin, your story about your elderly kitty helped a lot because it reminded me of a cat I literally grew up with. Her name was Boots, great cat, very friendly and usually hung out with me at home. We got her when I was 4, and still had her when I left for basic training at 18. During my time away, almost a year, she started to fade away according to my parents, slept all day and did not eat much, but when I came home to visit, she was full of life and followed me around the house. When I left again after 3 weeks at home, my parents said she started to get weaker after a few months, and passed away maybe 6 months later. I forgot how much pets can get attached to having their owner/best friend around.

Thanks again for the advice. I will update everyone on how the trip goes this weekend.

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 Yay, I am so glad you decided to take her! She would have missed her Meowmy!!

Also consider using the website AirBnB - often times cheaper and nicer than hotels and many times pet friendly homes.

My circle of friends and myself use it often and have been very happy with the results. 

MnSonic said:

Thanks for the tremendous input and opinions. You all did manage to change my mind and I will try to take Sonic with to Denver.

Still looking at hotel options but I would not stay in a Motel 6, especially with Sonic. No Red roof Inns in Colorado. Looking at La Quintas, but the ones in that area, Littleton and Centennial, have very bad reviews. Also looking at Extended Stay Hotels. With the pet fee, it is still a good price and reviews are good.

I will check today on aids to help her relax while travelling.

Lilin, your story about your elderly kitty helped a lot because it reminded me of a cat I literally grew up with. Her name was Boots, great cat, very friendly and usually hung out with me at home. We got her when I was 4, and still had her when I left for basic training at 18. During my time away, almost a year, she started to fade away according to my parents, slept all day and did not eat much, but when I came home to visit, she was full of life and followed me around the house. When I left again after 3 weeks at home, my parents said she started to get weaker after a few months, and passed away maybe 6 months later. I forgot how much pets can get attached to having their owner/best friend around.

Thanks again for the advice. I will update everyone on how the trip goes this weekend.

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Yeah, it's astounding how attached they can become. People who don't believe animals have such feelings couldn't be more wrong.

I wish I hadn't had to leave her at all, but I simply could not afford her care during that year or two. It was more responsible to leave her with my father, but I still wish it had been different.

I am convinced that my cat only made it to 15 because she was hangin' on for me. She was poorly bred, and her life expectancy was only 12. But she trudged on for another 3 years with incredible tenacity to live, despite numerous health problems. Eventually I did have to euthanize her when her liver simply gave out, but she fought all the way to the end, and when she was ready to go, she just wanted to be by me.

You may also want to look at sublets in that area. You could possibly have more space, and it may also be cheaper.

Look into some way to give her vertical space, if you do wind up in a small space. This can be done without buying a fancy cat tree -- you can do it with some wood boards and a pole, which would also break down easily for moving.

MnSonic said:

T

Still looking at hotel options but I would not stay in a Motel 6, especially with Sonic. No Red roof Inns in Colorado. Looking at La Quintas, but the ones in that area, Littleton and Centennial, have very bad reviews. Also looking at Extended Stay Hotels. With the pet fee, it is still a good price and reviews are good.

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I've stayed at all of these with cats (for shows), and have to say the Extended Stay would be the best for a long-term stay. It's more like an apartment with interior hallways instead of outside entrances. It would give kitty more room and less chance of getting out when someone opens the door. Call the specific one you would use to find out their pet policy. According to their website the pet fee is $25/day/pet with a cap of $150 per pet. If it really works that way you'd be paying the fee for the first 6 days only, and then just the regular room rate.