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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / October 2003Going away for 5 days...
I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 days and 4 nights specifically. I have a friend whom I trust to stop in for an hour or 2 a night to give the cats some company and some wet food. My cats don't like leaving home so I thought they could keep each other company and that my friend could remind them that they haven't been completely abandoned. Another friend recently informed me that it would be better to have the cats boarded and that if I can't leave them alone for 4 nights, even with a friend stopping in to see them. There are some really good (and expensive) places here in the city that board cats who can be trusted to follow feeding instructions and whatnot. I want to do whets best for the cats and I don't want to ruin my (well earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would be easier on the cats? > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? I disagree with your friend's advice to have the cats boarded. You won't be leaving them "alone" for 4 nights if your other friend is reliable and can be counted on to take care of the cats every evening. I left my two cats for a week and-a-half this summer. I hired a professional cat sitter to come in twice a day because my cats are normally fed on that schedule (12 hours apart). She fed them, gave them fresh water, cleaned the litter boxes, and played with them. I once said that she became "me" twice a day. This worked beautifully. I think cats are almost always better off if they can be provided for in their own environment. My cat sitter even thanked me for the job because she spend time drinking coffee at my kitchen table watching the birds, TV watching while she brushed my cats, etc. -- just what I wanted her to do because I wanted the atmosphere to remain as familiar as possible. You mentioned that your friend can come in for an hour or two each evening. That would be great! Are your cats normally fed once or twice a day? If twice, do you have someone else who could drop by in the mornings? Either way, your current plans sound far superior to boarding the cats (where they would be faced with unfamiliar surroundings, noise from other animals and people, uncertainty concerning amount of attention, etc.). Some boarding facilities are excellent, but it still isn't as "personal" as the attention your cats could get at home if you have really reliable people involved. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) Photos of Duffy and Holly: >'o'< http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly) http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in") > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? If your friend who you have doing this is trusted it's not too bad. As opposed to the cat boarding facility perhaps you can board them at your vets? I know my vet offers that service. It might be cheaper than a boarding facility. Your cat will get better monitoring I imagine at your vets then a boarding facility. PLus if they need something they are already at the vets. Plus if it helps your peace of mind and you have a cell phone you can give the number to your vet, as well as the number to where you are staying. That way they can call you if need be.Have a good trip. rrb I think it'd be a lot less stressful on your cats if your friend is willing to stop in at your apt. each evening. And if that friend is there for an hour or two each time - that's great. Cathy -- "Staccato signals of constant information..." ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? > I think it'd be a lot less stressful on your cats if your friend is willing > to stop in at your apt. each evening. And if that friend is there for an > hour or two each time - that's great. Indeed (she said, channeling Teal'c). It's much better for cats to be kept in their home and visited by a caretaker. And the longer the visitor can be there, the better. When I've cat sat, I've often taken a book and stretched out on the couch to read for an hour or so, or watched TV. I'll talk to the cat every little bit to remind it I'm still there. Even Molly nextdoor, who will not deign to let me touch her, seems to appreciate my hanging around (at a safe distance) for a while. Priscilla I've never boarded my cats - only my dog - because I don't think felines adapt to new places very well. I think it's better to leave them in familiar surroundings, where they'll be more comfortable. They'll also have each other for company. We've had cats forever (it seems) and whenever we go on vacation, I also find a trusted friend to come over and make sure they have food, water, and a clean litter box. It's worked out just fine. They do, however, punish me when we return. I get the silent treatment for a few days until I've sufficiently repented. If this happens, don't think you did the wrong thing with the cats - they just want you to know they they don't think their human slave is allowed vacations! Michelle > I've never boarded my cats - only my dog - because I don't think > felines adapt to new places very well. I think it's better to leave [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Michelle That I will be punished I have no doubt, I have very demanding and strong willed cats. Thanks to everyone who responded, it seems you all agree with my initial instincts and I appreciate the confidence boost. > > They do, however, punish me when we return. I get the silent > > treatment for a few days until I've sufficiently repented. If this [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Thanks to everyone who responded, it seems you all agree with my initial > instincts and I appreciate the confidence boost. I just read your follow-up (in a thread of the same name) in alt.cats. I am quoting part of your message here: "Frankly, my instincts tell me that my cats will be better off at home... Problem is, I've still only been a cat ownee for less than a year and my friend with the boarding advice has had cats for a lot longer. Nonetheless... she boards her cats often as she goes away for weeks on end for business; though I would never tell her this, but if I were away as often and as long as she was, I wouldn't have cats." Based on what you have said, it sounds to me like your friend with the boarding advice does what is most convenient for her and not what is in the best interest of her cats. I think your instincts are much better than your friend's, despite her years of "experience" with cats. Incidentally, my cats were delighted to see me when I returned. Instead of "punishing" me, they followed me all around the house and didn't let me out of their sight for a couple of days. But they were happy, playful as usual, and very friendly to my pet-sitter when she dropped by for a visit. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) > Incidentally, my cats were delighted to see me when I returned. Instead of > "punishing" me, they followed me all around the house and didn't let me out > of their sight for a couple of days. But they were happy, playful as usual, > and very friendly to my pet-sitter when she dropped by for a visit. Mine sleep as close to me as they can for the first couple of nights I'm back, then they go back to feeling secure. Priscilla > > > They do, however, punish me when we return. I get the silent > > > treatment for a few days until I've sufficiently repented. If this [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] > MaryL > (take out the litter to reply) Thanks again MaryL. I wasn't sure if it was better to cross or dual post and though I don't post often I often lurk in both groups. I know some people may be a little offended by my breach in netiquette and I do apologize to them. > Thanks again MaryL. I wasn't sure if it was better to cross or dual post > and though I don't post often I often lurk in both groups. I know some > people may be a little offended by my breach in netiquette and I do > apologize to them. No apologies needed! I was just trying to bring some information from your other post into this one because I thought you pointed out some vital information when you mentioned how often your friend boards her cats. I think you are doing the right thing to keep your cat in her home environment and have someone come in every day. MaryL (take out the litter to reply) > Incidentally, my cats were delighted to see me when I returned. Instead of > "punishing" me, they followed me all around the house and didn't let me out > of their sight for a couple of days. But they were happy, playful as usual, > and very friendly to my pet-sitter when she dropped by for a visit. > > MaryL Basically the same has happened to me. My cats never ignore me when I get home after being away - they either act exactly the same as usual, or else cling to me like crazy for a while. (I have a professional pet sitter - the same one for the last 8 -10 years - come in when I'm out of town. Usually two visits/day.) Cathy -- "Staccato signals of constant information..." ("The Boy in the Bubble") Paul Simon > (take out the litter to reply) >> I've never boarded my cats - only my dog - because I don't think >> felines adapt to new places very well. I think it's better to leave [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >Thanks to everyone who responded, it seems you all agree with my initial >instincts and I appreciate the confidence boost. I can attest to leaving them at home. When I was in the hospital for three orthopedic surgeries, I had friends and neighbors visit my cat to play with them each day. My granddaughter came each morning to feed them and clean their pan. The friends visited for a while each afternoon. It worked out fine and Princess was glad to see me when I reurned I really think cats are more attached to places than people -- as long as their food dish is full. MLB >>> I've never boarded my cats - only my dog - because I don't think >>> felines adapt to new places very well. I think it's better to leave [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] >reurned I really think cats are more attached to places than people >-- as long as their food dish is full. MLB PS Leave a radio on. > I've never boarded my cats - only my dog - because I don't think > felines adapt to new places very well. I think it's better to leave [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Michelle Isn't that the truth! You'd think I'd left them for a year, the way I get treated after a vacation! :) "Karen M." <mskitty@NOSPAMeasystreet.com> wrote in message > Isn't that the truth! You'd think I'd left them for a year, the way I > get treated after a vacation! :) Man, I was away for a week and when I got home I got two distinct looks from my baby. The first was "So you're back. I really thought you were never coming back." The second was: "So that's how its going to be. You'll just leave whenever you like, leaving me locked up in prison with some STRANGER feeding me? See if you can catch me to pet me, you heartless bitch." Damn near froze the blood in my veins. > "Karen M." <mskitty@NOSPAMeasystreet.com> wrote in message > > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Damn near froze the blood in my veins. Hmmm... not exactly what I was looking to hear. My cats have always been very very very pleased when I return after an evening away (not that it happens often). I don't recall being punished by them but after the fire they were obviously stressed for a few days. Layla is a former stray and didn't take is as badly as Dude. He's a classic scaredy cat. The more I think it over, I'm sure that they will be fine... its me I'm worried about. Cats will be miserable if you board them. If you leave them in your home and have them looked after once a day they will be fine. I will be away for a week and will have my pet sitter come in and care for the cats, probably once a day. More if he feels it's necessary. I wouldn't think of boarding them. I have 3. -- Barb I can only please one person a day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look good either. >Cats will be miserable if you board them. If you leave them in your home >and have them looked after once a day they will be fine. Plus, boarding them increases the chances of them catching something from one of the other boarders (especially since they are apartment cats and aren't usually exposed to other animal's germs by going outside) >What would be easier on the cats? Leave them at home. I don't know why your friend thinks boarding them is better. Taking them out of their familiar environment and putting them in a strange place with strange people is really stressful and often cats will get depressed and stop eating. Megan  Signature"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." -Edmund Burke Learn The TRUTH About Declawing http://www.stopdeclaw.com Zuzu's Cats Photo Album: http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22 "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way." - W.H. Murray I'd say if you really trust the friend to stop by every night and spend a little time every night, your cats are fine. If they don't like going other places, a boarding place would just be stressful for them. Another good idea is leave the radio on for them for human sound. :) karen > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? I disagree with your friend's advice too. It'd be less stressful for the cats to remain in their own home with somebody stopping in daily (plus they won't be exposed to potential diseases from other cats. I've been "the friend" looking after my friend's cats before and all went well. I spent an hour or 2 a day with the cats, cleaned their litter boxes, fed them, gave them fresh water, petted and played with them. If they're indoor/outdoor cats I'd recommend that they NOT be let outside while you're away. > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? If soemone is willing to come by and spend that time each night, I think it is by far the better option. How have they been? I remember all your posts when you got each of them. Karen "Karen" <kchuplis@alltelPOP.netGOAWAY> wrote in message > How have they been? I remember all your posts > when you got each of them. > > Karen Thanks again to everyone for the reassurances. They have been doing really really well with personalities still evolving. They still play all the time but I must admit that they take longer breaks now.. ;-) The summer was quite frantic with a middle of the night fire and of course the blackout. My apartment is in the back of the building and on the 2nd floor and its amazing that the apartment had nothing worse than water and smoke damage. The restaurant that was under me is of course still no more. It was quite the scene tho, Layla was trying to wake me and went into the carrier without hesitation. Dude on the otherhand needed to be found and caught before the increasingly annoyed FDNY pulled me out of the apartment... with or without the cats. I'm lucky to still have Dude... he broke out of the carrier on the sidewalk, but luckily he was contempt being held by me until I made it to the bodega and got some milk crates. The same friend who will be visiting my cats thankfully answered her phone at 3-4 am and one of my neighbors helped me get the suddenly very heavy cats to the safety of my friends apartment. 20 minutes earlier I was throwing around furniture trying to catch and then hold Dude but with the adrenaline rush over and having inhaled some serious smoke I got very fatigued very quickly... After all was said and done, I was able to get back into the apartment that day and I managed to clean it enough to bring the cats home that day as well. The apartment next to mine needed a new floor as the firemen broke through it and the garbage room across the hall from me needed a new floor due to fire damage... it was a close call. I now have a working smoke detector with a charged battery and I have 2 new sturdy sherpas. Depending on what becomes of the restaurant, I may feel inclined to move into a modern building but we'll see when I manage to make that happen. I've been intending to be more active here again and I thank everyone for their kindness and sincere advice. > The summer was quite frantic with a middle of the night fire and of > course the blackout. My apartment is in the back of the building > and on the 2nd floor and its amazing that the apartment had nothing > worse than water and smoke damage. Wow, that is scary. I'm glad you guys all made it out of the fire ok. Have a good trip and try not to worry about the kitties. It sounds like they are in good hands. :) > "Karen" <kchuplis@alltelPOP.netGOAWAY> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > I've been intending to be more active here again and I thank everyone for > their kindness and sincere advice. Scary!!! You are sooooo lucky. I just don't know how I could get all three of mine in such a situation :( Karen > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with > me. For the first time since they joined me I need to go away for [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > (well earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my > cats. What would be easier on the cats? We have left our indoor-only cat alone for four nights with no ill effects. When you leave, clean the litter box, leave out 2 lbs of dry food, and at least a 1/2 gallon of water. That should do it. The boarding kennel alternative has the drawback of you cats being in close quarters with other cats/animals that have communicable diseases. Better alone than sick when you get back. -- ~~Philip "Never let school interfere with your education - Mark Twain" I'm going to be the odd-man out. I've got a 7 month old kitten and a 5 month old kitten now. My husband and I go away some weekends during the month and we board our kittens. They're perfectly fine. They get fresh water twice a day, food twice a day with dry food in between, a nice big window ledge to sit on and lots of sunshine and a warm place to sleep. Generally, with a boarding kennel/cattery, all they require that cats (and dogs) have up-to-date shots. Watson, my youngest, didn't have all his shots when we had to board him, so we put him and Greuber in the "isolation" ward. They had the whole area to themselves, which provided lots of opportunities to explore around the room and the other cages. The cattery I use here for my kittens and German Shepherd are probably the best I've seen. It's a miniature holiday for them. My mother, OTOH, leaves her 5 cats at home when she goes somewhere. She came to visit me for 3 weeks (I live on the other side of the world basically) and she had our neighbour feed the cats. I would get paranoid about that when I was living at home because they still have the opportunity to get hurt in some way. At least in a cattery, you know they're safe and won't get run over or poisoned or drown in your toilet (I'm sure it's happened before) and you don't have to worry about your cat possibly not being fed. If you're going to board your cat, see if your vet clinic offers a boarding service. If there's a cattery nearby, ask to inspect the facilities and/or talk to some of the clients. To me, you always get what you pay for. SignatureAphrodite's Cat ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "There are two things you can do when you're dressed like 'Barbie Does Bondage'; You can either be aggressive or be embarrassed." -Anita Blake ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? > I'm going to be the odd-man out. > [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] > service. If there's a cattery nearby, ask to inspect the facilities and/or > talk to some of the clients. To me, you always get what you pay for. I think in your case, where you've started them young and do it regularly, that is great and probably not stressful to them. When it is so very occasionally, that's when I think it is less stressful to have a visitor in. Karen If you trust your friend and the cats are not a problem staying "alone" in your apartment, they will do fine. That's the solution I used with my cats for quite a few trips - they were happy to stay in their own surroundings. I switched to a boarding arrangement when I couldn't have a friend look after them. Jim > I have 2 wonderful cats that happily share my NYC apartment with me. For > the first time since they joined me I need to go away for a few days... 5 [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > earned and first in too long) vacation worrying about my cats. What would > be easier on the cats? |
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