I have a 2 year old cat named Ella who has been my companion since she was a baby. It's just the two of us in a one bedroom apartment so we have a very close bond. I have gone out of town here and there during that time and for the most part she has done well. But, I just returned from a trip today (I was gone 20 days which is the most I have ever been gone) and immediately noticed she has lost weight. Not enough to call the vet, but enough to know she wasn't eating as much as she normally does in my absence. Previously she was at the high end of her healthy weight (just over 9.5 pounds). It's hard to gauge accurately as I don't have a big scale but I would guess she's lost about a half a pound or maybe a pound. I am leaving again in two weeks for another 20 days (these lengthly trips are not characteristic for my schedule and it's just happenstance that they are so close together).
When I am gone my best friend takes care of her. Ella knows him very well and is very comfortable with him. He comes by once a day for at least an hour to fill up her dishes, clean her box, and give her attention. Then, he spends the night every 3rd day so she has someone to someone to snuggle with. He rotates her toys so she gets a little variety (including a few new ones) to try and cut the loneliness/boredom. He did say she threw up her food a few times but she does that occasionally. I don't think there is anything medically wrong with her (she just had her wellness check just before I left) or else I would not hesitate to take her to the vet. I really believe her vomiting and weight loss are purely stress related.
I know she would do better if she had a companion and I have planned for some time to add a new addition once these trips are over (I didn't want to add a new cat and risk not having enough time for proper integration). My question is, does anyone have any suggestions of other things I could try in the meantime that may lessen her stress? I have used a feliway calming diffuser with her before but didn't see a noticeable difference in her daily high strung-ness.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
When I am gone my best friend takes care of her. Ella knows him very well and is very comfortable with him. He comes by once a day for at least an hour to fill up her dishes, clean her box, and give her attention. Then, he spends the night every 3rd day so she has someone to someone to snuggle with. He rotates her toys so she gets a little variety (including a few new ones) to try and cut the loneliness/boredom. He did say she threw up her food a few times but she does that occasionally. I don't think there is anything medically wrong with her (she just had her wellness check just before I left) or else I would not hesitate to take her to the vet. I really believe her vomiting and weight loss are purely stress related.
I know she would do better if she had a companion and I have planned for some time to add a new addition once these trips are over (I didn't want to add a new cat and risk not having enough time for proper integration). My question is, does anyone have any suggestions of other things I could try in the meantime that may lessen her stress? I have used a feliway calming diffuser with her before but didn't see a noticeable difference in her daily high strung-ness.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!