Cat alone while on vacation?

murrayvk · Sep 26, 2015

First, I apologize if this is in the wrong section....I'm new and still figuring the site out

Anywho, I have a currently 4.5 month old kitten, but in November, I'm going on a 2 week vacation back home. This trip was planned before I got my little goober Murray. He'll only be about 6 months old at the time, and I'm worried about leaving him home alone for 2 weeks! I do have a friend that is going to stop in every day to check on him (I'm also working on getting him to stop in twice a day), but how do I make this easy on Murray? He'll obviously have less human contact than normal, but I don't want to stress him. I've looked into boarding, but that's $300+ here and quite frankly, after the last vet appointment and getting him in his carrier, I don't want to traumatize him again.

Any suggestions to help him be okay while I'm gone??

red top rescue · Sep 26, 2015

Could you get a live-in house sitter, or is there any way you could take him with you? Two weeks is a very long time to leave a kitten alone. You could bring him on a plane in a carrier under your seat (never in baggage!) for a relatively low fee (at least it used to be low -- you do have to add a reservation because they only allow a certain number of animals IN the cabin) And if you are driving, or COURSE you can bring him with you. There are lots of threads on here about traveling with cats. Go to the search bar at the top (right under the top brown bar) and enter something like traveling with cats, then click search and see what comes up. Two weeks alone, with someone stopping in once a day, and no other cat to keep him company, is more traumatic than a journey.

murrayvk · Sep 26, 2015

I definitely can't take him with me, since I'm staying with my brother and he has a cat, so I don't even know if they'd get along. I'm going to see if I can get someone to stay at my place, but I don't really have that many friends that I would trust to do that :/

red top rescue · Sep 26, 2015

I have taken cats along to someone's house who has cats. I just kept mine in the bedroom I was staying in. Alternatively, perhaps you have a friend who has an extra bedroom and could keep him there for you, at their house. If you took him there, and spent some time with him there before you left, telling him you would be back in awhile, he would probably get it. I have seen how upset cats have gotten even when they had each other, when their owner unexpectedly died and someone took care of the cats in her house for a long time until other arrangements could be made.

Are there any good cats-only boarding facilities around you? I know there are some good ones in California, they have kitty TV and large enclosures etc. It is not inexpensive, but my friend has had good luck with those from time to time.

I actually board two cats for a friend of mine when she is going to be gone for a long time, anything more than a week. They have my study to be in, and I am there with them a good part of the day. They settle right in. They came for three weeks last year and are coming for a month this year. Of course she pays me, but it's half what it would cost her to board them at a good boarding facility, and they are happy and used to me, so it's a three way WIN situation.

fyllis · Sep 26, 2015

You might want to check with your vet. Explain that you have to go out of town and have no one to watch him. A lot of vets will board, and if they don't , it might be possible that one of the techs would take him for a couple weeks. Offer to purchase food etc and throw in $100 or so cash. It would be well worth asking because a kitten of that age should not left alone that long!

As Red Top Rescue suggested, if you don't trust anyone to stay at your place, maybe they would keep him in their home. Check with co-workers or neighbors. Call some rescue places and ask about short-term stays.

Even with someone checking in just once a day isn't enough. Kittens are way too curious and could get into too many things - it wouldn't be safe at all. Not to mention the stress of being alone and scared. Personally, it is taking a huge risk.

My boys are almost 18 months and I wouldn't leave them alone for a weekend, much less 2 weeks - and that is with someone checking on them daily.

Find a live-in sitter, someone to take them in for the duration, or a reputable boarding facility. If it's not your vet, please, get references and do a tour! And be sure he has been vaccinated before hand!

Who ever you you leave him with, be sure they have your vet's phone number and address (with directions) and the number, address and directions to a local animal hospital. Have copies of is vaccine/vet records and a number where you can be reached. Leave feeding instructions and be sure you have fresh litter available. Also, be sure to have a tee-shirt to leave with him that you have worn for several days with your scent on it - no perfumes - just you. And start getting him used to the person who will be caring for him.

I was in the hospital for two days and nights about 6 months ago and my daughter stayed here. She had my sister as a back-up and also the guy down the hall was 'on-call' if needed. I called two or three times day and checked on them and talked to them.

I wish you the best! Keep us posted and have a safe trip!

murrayvk · Sep 26, 2015

Thank you for the responses!

I'll definitely have to check with the vet if I can't find another option. I hadn't thought of that, so thank you for the suggestion!

Right now, one of my coworkers (that I'd trust in my house and who also has a cat), is considering staying at my place while I'm gone, or at least 90% of the time I'm gone. I'm offering $300 cash for the 2 weeks, which is almost as much as the boarding place, but Murray would get to stay in his own house, which is important to me, so it'll stress him less.

fyllis · Sep 26, 2015

That sounds like your best option! Get them acquainted before you go, if they aren't already!

I'm sure, now that my boys are almost 18 months, I could leave them for a weekend alone because they can entertain each other and they have been home alone overnight (about 36 hrs) a few times. *sigh* But I still worried like a mother hen!

I set out an extra litter box (they prefer to just share one box and always have - never used a 2nd box when offered, but I gave them the option) and set out enough dry kibble to sustain a horse! LOL And they had extra water (I even left a small 'puddle' in the bathtub and made sure the lid to the toilet was left up - just in case they drank the 3 gallons of water in dishes I left and the tub leaked! LOL

They had plenty of toys available and I even left the TV on the animal channel in case they got bored. Kricket and Keeker both love watching it! If I would have to be gone longer than a weekend, my daughter already knows she will be moving in! And, as I said, my sister and neighbor are always on call if needed in an emergency.

I even have it designated in my will who they will go to should something happen to me - papers are all signed and notarized and everyone, including the vet, has a copy!

Call me over-protective, but my boys are my heart and they well provided for!

Have a safe trip!

murrayvk · Sep 27, 2015

YAY!!! My friend/coworker said he'd stay at my place while I was gone!

Now to come up with the $300 for him, lol

red top rescue · Sep 27, 2015

Excellent news!

Loving Mickey · Sep 28, 2015

I am glad you found a friend who is willing to stay with your kitty while you are gone. I hate to leave my two kitties even for a few hours. One of my kitties looks especially sad. He acts like I am abandoning him. I always have to run back and give him an extra cuddle while reassuring him that I will always come back. I usually bring a toy or a special treat upon my return home. Maybe they are a little spoiled??

juleska · Sep 28, 2015

I'm in a similar boat here. I have 2 cats recently rescued in Kuwait (where I work) and I'm going home (to the Philippines) on vacation in a couple of weeks. I'll be gone for 2 weeks. Taking them with me isn't practical and wouldn't be the right thing for them as they are still adjusting to life as housecats.

I don't really have the option of someone staying in my place while I'm gone. There is a boarding facility at my vet, however it would run me almost $1K for the pair of them the two weeks I'm gone.

Instead I'm paying my building manager $200 to come feed them twice a day. I've asked him to spend at least 30 min with them each time he comes, and bring along his young nephew, to play with them. My apartments are serviced, so I'm also paying the housekeeping staff an extra $75 to come in the apartment daily to scoop the litter boxes and water my cat grass (I have two trough-style flower boxes with cat grass).

I'm also going to leave a spare key with a friend who can check on them periodically. Both my friend and my building manager will have authorization to take them my vet should anything happen, and I'll be in constant contact with them.

I know it's not ideal, better if someone could stay with them 24/7, but at least they will have each other. And I felt this was a better option than boarding, irrespective of the cost, because it means they get to stay in the environment they've become comfortable with as opposed to boarding where they will spend a lot of their time in a cage. Since one of them, Aladdin, just spent 11 days at the vet following surgery to deal with his pre-rescue wounds, I just couldn't cart them off to the vet for 2 weeks.

I'll worry sick every single day, but I think this is the best option I could have arranged short of having someone stay in the apartment.

Oh the woes of pet parenting!

Winchester · Sep 28, 2015

Call your vet to let him/her know you're going to be going out of town and who will be in charge of caring for your cat. Your vet needs to know that you will cover any bills for any vet visits that might come up while you're gone. Sometimes if the pet sitter needs to take the cat to your vet, the vet may not want to deal with the pet sitter simply bc the vet doesn't know what's going on with you.

Good luck with your trip!

plan · Sep 28, 2015

I'm glad you were able to make arrangements to keep your kitten in your home. I think that's the best thing for him, because otherwise he'd have separation anxiety AND be in an unfamiliar place. Having a friend you can trust is the way to go.

I can relate, because in August I was away for 10 days during a vacation to the Outer Banks. It was the first time my cat, Buddy, was completely alone in the house. I wasn't able to get anyone to stay with Bud, but a very close friend came by daily to feed him and play with him. She took photos for me too and texted them to me -- you should ask your friend to do the same. It's just reassuring to know your cat is okay.

When I got back, Bud was waiting for me by the door, in the same spot he always waits when I leave the house.

Then he puked, which I think was just from excitement/relief, because he as eating the same food and is otherwise healthy. Everything has returned to normal, although Bud has been more affectionate since then, I guess to reassure himself I'm not going anywhere.

Good luck and don't forget to ask your friend to send you some photos!

stewball · Sep 28, 2015

You said he'd be there 90% of the time. For $300 I think 100% sshould be expected.
I wish you luck.

MoochNNoodles · Sep 28, 2015

That's great news! We also use a house sitter; someone I've known since we were in our teens. She stays here and treats it like a mini vacation. I try to get some foods I know she likes to stock the freezer and some treats like chips or candy. She has been house sitting for us for the last 6 years and it's become more important since my girls both receive medication twice daily. I was nervous to leave the last time; but the girls took their meds from her just fine and that is such a relief to me. It is definitely less stressful on the girls. They don't get cuddly with the house sitter; but they are home. I have brought them to my mothers; where they had my old bedroom all to themselves, but that was just because the house sitter was unavailable. Home is best for us.

murrayvk · Sep 29, 2015

Stewball said:
You said he'd be there 90% of the time. For $300 I think 100% sshould be expected.
I wish you luck.

Oh he'd be there 100% of the time, since I am paying him

murrayvk · Sep 29, 2015

Winchester said:
Call your vet to let him/her know you're going to be going out of town and who will be in charge of caring for your cat. Your vet needs to know that you will cover any bills for any vet visits that might come up while you're gone. Sometimes if the pet sitter needs to take the cat to your vet, the vet may not want to deal with the pet sitter simply bc the vet doesn't know what's going on with you.

Good luck with your trip!

Good idea! I'll make sure to do that before I leave for sure.

bornagain57 · Sep 29, 2015

I agree with Red Top Rescue. Two weeks is MUCH too long to leave a cat of any age alone. I will leave my cat for two nights with self-feeders, but no longer than that. Having someone drop in twice a day won't help much. Your kitten will be very frightened and feel abandoned.

When I was in the hospital overnight, my friend came over twice a day. Even though he knows her, he would not come out.

My neighbor recently went on vacation and left me to care for her cat for four days. She left the cat outside with food and water. The cat would not come near me. I never saw him.

Please don't leave your kitten alone. I understand the high cost of leaving him in a kennel (and they don't always take such good care of them either; believe me, I know). Taking him with you, although a hassle, would be much better than leaving him alone.

Winchester · Sep 29, 2015

We have six cats. We've left them alone for up to about 7-8 days. Our petsitter came in twice a day to feed, scoop, etc. They were fine. My sister also comes in at night for about an hour or so, just to make sure everything is OK.

When my mother went into a nursing home, her cat remained in the apartment for about two weeks. I'd visit with the cat twice a day (about an hour each visit) to feed her, scoop the boxes, and cuddle with her. She was fine, although I could tell that she was lonely. Eventually, when we realized that Mom would not be coming back to the apartment, I brought her kitty home and she is now living with us.....she's one of our six.

I would never leave any pet completely alone for longer than 24 hours, but that's me. By that, I mean with no visitors at all. Somebody needs to come in to feed, scoop, cuddle, etc. at least twice a day.

You really do need to make sure that these people will be doing their absolute best with your cats, especially since they're not that old. The people can't forget to stop in. They can't think "Oh, I don't feel like going over today, I'll do it tomorrow." It's really important that your kitten have good care while you're gone. I cannot stress that enough. I've heard too many stories where people went on vacation and came back, only to find out that their friend was "too busy" to take proper care of the pets, even though they were paid to do just that.

juleska · Oct 12, 2015

juleska said:
I'm in a similar boat here. I have 2 cats recently rescued in Kuwait (where I work) and I'm going home (to the Philippines) on vacation in a couple of weeks. I'll be gone for 2 weeks. Taking them with me isn't practical and wouldn't be the right thing for them as they are still adjusting to life as housecats.

I don't really have the option of someone staying in my place while I'm gone. There is a boarding facility at my vet, however it would run me almost $1K for the pair of them the two weeks I'm gone.

Instead I'm paying my building manager $200 to come feed them twice a day. I've asked him to spend at least 30 min with them each time he comes, and bring along his young nephew, to play with them. My apartments are serviced, so I'm also paying the housekeeping staff an extra $75 to come in the apartment daily to scoop the litter boxes and water my cat grass (I have two trough-style flower boxes with cat grass).

I'm also going to leave a spare key with a friend who can check on them periodically. Both my friend and my building manager will have authorization to take them my vet should anything happen, and I'll be in constant contact with them.

I know it's not ideal, better if someone could stay with them 24/7, but at least they will have each other. And I felt this was a better option than boarding, irrespective of the cost, because it means they get to stay in the environment they've become comfortable with as opposed to boarding where they will spend a lot of their time in a cage. Since one of them, Aladdin, just spent 11 days at the vet following surgery to deal with his pre-rescue wounds, I just couldn't cart them off to the vet for 2 weeks.

I'll worry sick every single day, but I think this is the best option I could have arranged short of having someone stay in the apartment.

Oh the woes of pet parenting!

GAH! I'm tied up in KNOTS.

Tonight I'm leaving for vacation. I'm leaving the apartment at 1am. Cookie and Aladdin are both doing awesome. She is soooo much calmer since I had her spayed, but, as a side effect of her overnight stay at the vet I think, she has been MEGA clingy since I brought her home 10 days ago from that. I'm talking about.....climbing up into my arms the instant I come home from work and not wanting me to put her down for 5 or 6 hours, following right on my heels everywhere I go, then going to sleep on my chest when I go to bed. The two of them are getting along super well though, really playful and they love cuddling together.

I have a pet sitter coming in twice a day to feed them and play with them. I have my building's housekeeping service coming in every day (just to get some extra people in there to spend time with them) to scoop / clean the litter boxes. I've left 4 typed pages of instructions (with pictures and maps to the vet, etc.)

I'll be gone two weeks and I have 3 people checking on them 3x a day, plus they have each other. Intellectually I know they will be fine. I've done this before with other cats, and they are always fine when I take the measures I've taken now. But emotionally I'm a flippin' trainwreck. I've spent every waking second of the last 3 days consumed with guilt for leaving them.

Cat alone while on vacation?

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