Needy Cat Situation
 

We're going on vacation/weddingmoon for 6 nights in November and our cat doesn't like to be alone for long periods of time. When I used to stay at my BF's house before we lived together, just for the weekend, he would be crying at the door by the time I got back Sunday night. I could hear him all the way down the hall before I even got to the door.

My Dad lives in the same building so he will be around to feed him and all of that stuff but I'm worried with us being away so long he will be a nervous wreck and possibly start peeing from stress. The other option that I really don't want to take is to board him but I'm afraid that will mess him up even more by taking him out of his home.

Do you think my Dad popping in and out will be enough? I've never left him this long before and I don't want to be worrying while we're 1,600 miles away.

I always prefer to leave the cat in their environment if a good "cat person" can look in on them. I think it's much less stressful on the cat.

Somehow, they know when you drive up, are walking down the hall, etc. and start meowing. I'm sure your cat is not doing that the whole time you're gone. They know how to play us! But, they are our furry children, and we love them.

Your cat will be just fine. He may be a little aloof when you get home, so you get the message that he isn't pleased with you. But, before long, it'll be back to normal.

I hope you have. Great trip!

My parents go on vacation alot and have 2 cats. I (I have 5) go over and spend at least 1 hour with those two cutey pies - feed, water, let them outside on the screened porch and give them medication (Thyroid pills) and they do really well and have never left a mess for me. In fact they hide from my parents when they (parents) come home. I will be taking care of them for a month this August. So if your Dad can pop in and out and maybe spend time with your baby too (petting - talking) that will help :) Have a great trip!

I agree that leaving him home in his own environment and having my Dad cat sit will be the best option. I'm just really nervous that he will get upset and pee on the carpet while we're gone...or become depressed. :/

I know my Dad will pop in and out but maybe I can entice him with free beer in my fridge to hang around longer. :lol:

When I lived with my parents we had a female that would urinate on the luggage as soon as we returned from vacation. That cat was vengeful but she was very independent...male cats seem more needy.

Hi,

Good luck with what you decide regarding your kitty. I have a guinea pig and I have found a petsitter who will stop in while I'm away, tomorrow is her first visit. I agree that it's better for the most part when the pet can stay in it's natural environment. Snickers and I recently moved and he found the move very upsetting, I think animals are creatures of habit.

Good luck! :hug:

Amy :)

Another vote for keeping kitty in his home - I think your instincts are dead on when you worry that taking him out of his home would be even more traumatizing. I totally understand your worry, though -- my two are so sweet, but a touch co-dependent. I usually worry a lot when we have to go out of town. My one cat will throw a crying fit when he thinks I've disappeared on him and left the house, when all I did was go off to take a shower. :rolleyes: (Haha, he's not the brightest...)

Maybe you can encourage your dad to hang around - read something, watch some TV, etc - so that your cat has some people time? Also, have you used a Feliway plug-in with your cat before? I've used it for stressful situations before (moving, having contractors in the house) and maybe it's my imagination, but it really does seem to help calm them down a bit...

I had to Google because I've never heard of it! Do you think I should get one or two for a 1,700sq ft condo? Thank you!!

ETA: I will encourage my Dad to hang around and watch TV, read..nap.

That's a good question -- I know they recommend more for larger spaces. I've used just one in the space my cats mainly hang out and it's been helpful. Maybe you could buy one and try it before November in a room where your kitty hangs out -- and then if it seems to make a difference, you could always get another?