Going on a cruise..need a push

[kk]

Hey all,

I have not posted here in a while, but do check in. I had two kitties a few years ago who were both sick for a few years. During that time, it became so difficult for me to leave them. I'm sure I need therapy! They are at the bridge now, but I have three other babies to brighten my life. However, I still find going away to be highly difficult. When we had just one, I boarded her a couple of times for a couple of days. I did not want her to be alone. Now we have two boys who are a little over a year old. Both survived distemper as kittens and are quite lively now. I have found a vet tech to stop in and see them once a day on a few short trips, and so far it's worked really well. She also works at the vet where I take them and is aware of their history. Now, we are planning a cruise for a week. It's so hard for me to leave them. The tech as told me she could come in twice a day if necessary (it would be!), and I know Traci advises this is the best for them as well. My problem is that I just hate that they will be alone for so long and I worry that something could happen. A few days after the last trip, one of the boys got too rambunctious with my girl and she required stitches in her foot, so I worry that old 'what if it happens again?' The boys have calmed down somewhat with their 1-year age, but they do get going sometimes! I have instructed the vet tech to be sure and find and check on all of them if one does not come out. The best scenario is to have someone stay here, but I don't know anyone personally I'd want to do that. We used to live a few hours from a friend who could use our house as a hotel and cheap vacation (dc area) while watching our then-cats. Unfortunately, we moved away! As it is, I'm leaning towards the stay-at-home with visitation option, but I still need a little push. The boarder is there on the premises all the time (house next door) and cages are large. Boys would be caged together there. I'd like the safety factor of them being around someone almost all the time, but I know they'd be happy here in the house and have each other for company. Ok, so give me the push! Any advice would be MUCH appreciated. kk

[Traci]

I personally don't like boarding for cats, it's too stressful for them and they are not able to exercise, play, etc. Plus, in a busy clinic, it's not always possible to devote special attention to the boarders.

I'd go with your tech friend checking on them twice a day, no less. Ask her for at least one-hour sessions, so she can interact with them, feed them, scoop litterboxes, check everyone, etc. You could schedule a time every day to call her when she is at your house so you can talk to her while she's visiting your kitties. (this is also good when you can "talk to" your kitties on the phone so they can hear your voice on a daily basis -- it also is a good way to know she is actually there with your kitties)

[kk]

The place where I've boarded before is just a boarding facility on the grounds of the owner's home and it's nearby. BUT, I hate boarding cats too, so it's all set. Our sitter will come twice a day. I know they will be happier here. I just wish I had someone to live here while we were gone, but I have to let go and try to have a good time. It's so hard! Bad thing is, we'll be in a situation where calling will be difficult, but if we get a chance, we'll call and 'talk' to them. I will miss them so much. Ok, I need to get a grip. Thanks for your input, Traci.

kk