Advice on going out of town

[whitneyjh154]

Hello, I'm new here and you all look like a fun group!

I have a question. I live alone and have one cat who is nearly 1 year old. My cat is definitely MY cat, but he's quite friendly to visitors at my place. I have to go out of town in a couple months for 10 days. I can't afford a cat sitter, and 10 days is too long to expect someone to stay at my apartment for free. My best option is to take the cat to my parents' house. He's been there before, but he is scared of their golden retriever. They also have two female cats and he gets along well with one of them.

My parents have a big house and will be happy to have him. I just worry that his personality might change if he's left without me for so long and has to defend himself against two territorial cats and a sweet, well-meaning dog who is much bigger than him.

Any thoughts? Have you had this experience?

[slvrwhispr]

Do you have a friend or a relative that can check on him every couple of days? Cats are usually just fine when left alone, so long as someone comes every couple of days to give them food and water and a little play time. He'd likely be better off staying where he's comfortable and familiar by himself with an occasional check-up as opposed to putting him in with animals with which he's uncomfortable.

[Traci]

Actually, if possible, have someone come into your home EVERY DAY, and preferrably, twice each day. There's so much mischief a lonely or bored kitty can get into if not being checked on twice a day.

If you have a RESPONSIBLE person in mind, there's no reason they couldn't stay there for the duration, or to check twice daily, feed, play with, etc. Unless that person isn't responsible or can't be trusted, then perhaps it would be better to take him to your parent's, where he will be constantly watched over and taken care of.

If the retriever is mellow and well-adjusted and does NOT chase cats, then perhaps your parents can help with kitty's apprehension by playing with him, providing a safe room where the dog is not allowed (although your kitty should not be confined to one room), spending extra time with him to make him feel safe and comfortable, etc.

[Cleo]

I agree to having a responsible and trustworthy friend come into your home once every other day to feed him, check on him, maybe play for a bit. I wouldn't remove him from his own comfortable environment. Be sure the friend understands all instructions before you leave, especially when it comes to the front door, etc.

[whitneyjh154]

Thanks for all your tips. I really think I need to take him to my parents. He is very affectionate, but also a little destructive. I'd be afraid of what he'd do for 10 days all by himself with little attention. And I hate to put my friends out like that. They have jobs and pets of their own.

I'll suggest to my parents that they separate his box and food from the other animals'. The dog doesn't go upstairs, so that would probably be the best place for him. I think I'll spend a night there before I leave so my old room smells like me.

And I'll insist that they give him special attention!
Thanks again.

[Tina B and crew]

I also agree that it is best to have someone come and stay or at least check in once a day (yes, twice is best), but going to your parents seems a reasonable solution. Just be aware that cats often do not like change in their routine and have your parents keep an eye on eating, drinking habits. Make sure they have access to your vet in case it is needed. That said, I went out of town for a week last week and had no choice but to board my cats. I hated the thought of it and was sure my Willow would be totally distraught even as much as I love the staff at my vet's office. You know, she did just fine and once she was back home she was her normal self in no time. I won't board unless it is my last option, but it was comforting to know she adjusted well. Gizmo, he just too it all in stride like he was a kitty summer camp

Good luck!

[whitneyjh154]

Thanks Tina. That's reassuring. I've been talking to a friend who works for our state humane society as well as my vet. They both agree that as long as he has a room of his own, he should be ok. And if worse comes to worst, they can always just lock him in that room with his supplies for the remainder of the time and come visit him occasionally.

Now if I can just make my parents follow these rules... They're going to want to treat him like one of the family right away.