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Cat Forum / General Topics / August 2004

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Travel Plans

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Lynn and George - 15 Aug 2004 18:46 GMT
I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
happening outside, but literally afraid of her own shadow.

 We have to be away for three days.  Would it be better to bring her with
us (and stay in a bedroom -- safe but alone for most of the time) or to
leave her at home with lots of food, water and three litter boxes?  Boarding
her is out of the question.  She's so skittish it would be a nightmare for
her.

 Any expert advice that anyone could offer would certainly be appreciated.

Thank you.

Lynn
Camilla Baird - 15 Aug 2004 20:19 GMT
>  I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
> an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Lynn

It would be best to leave her at home in a known environment with a
catsitter who comes in at least once a day.
If that is not possible, you should take her with you.
Leaving her alone for more than 24 hours should not be an alternative.
Camilla
Ashley Campbell - 15 Aug 2004 20:21 GMT
> I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
> an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>   Any expert advice that anyone could offer would certainly be appreciated.

I have no problem leaving my two alone for 3 days - usually I ask a
neighbour to just pop in and change their water and check their food on day
two. My two are also scardy cats and don't like other people, and leaving
them at home seems to be the best option for them.
Ivor Jones - 15 Aug 2004 21:02 GMT
> I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
> an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>   Any expert advice that anyone could offer would certainly be appreciated.

As others have said, the best option is to get someone to come in and feed
her at least once a day, and also preferably spend some "fussing" time
with her, to let her know she's not alone. Do you have a neighbour who
could do this..? Personally I wouldn't recommend taking her unless there
is *absolutely* no other option.

Ivor
MaryL - 15 Aug 2004 22:10 GMT
> I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
> an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Lynn

My preference would be to leave her at home but have someone come in at
least twice a day to look after her and give her companionship.  Either use
a *very* reliable friend or check with vets and friends for references for a
petsitter.  I used a professional petsitter the last two summers, and she
was wonderful -- I have said this before, but she became "another me" in my
absence.  Ask the person who take care of your cat to come to your home a
couple of days before you leave to let your cat see him/her in your company,
and leave a full set of instructions -- what vet to call in case of
emergency, precise instructions on food, toys and brushes, etc.  Most
petsitters will also pick up your mail and papers and even water plants if
that is needed.

I would also suggest that you use a couple of plug-in Feliway dispensers
because you have said that your kitty is skittish, and any change can be
difficult for her.  I definitely do not think you should leave her "alone"
for 3 days.  There are too many emergencies that can arise, and this would
be particularly traumatic for a cat that is already nervous.

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")
Lynn and George - 15 Aug 2004 23:19 GMT
I've never heard of plug in Feliway dispensers.  What do they do?  Are they
available in Canada?

Lynn

> I would also suggest that you use a couple of plug-in Feliway dispensers
> because you have said that your kitty is skittish, and any change can be
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
> http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")
MaryL - 16 Aug 2004 00:21 GMT
> I've never heard of plug in Feliway dispensers.  What do they do?  Are they
> available in Canada?
>
> Lynn

Feliway is used for behavior modification and can be very useful in reducing
stress. It is available in plug-in diffusers (with refills available) and as
a spray. I prefer the the plug-ins so it can be working all the time. I no
longer need it on a regular basis, but it was very helpful when I adopted
Duffy into my household and wanted to ease his introduction to Holly. Now I
use it only when I think there could be some stress, such as when I will be
away for a few days (very rare for me), and I keep the diffusers in
different rooms. The spray is excellent for an occasional use, such as
spraying the carrier about 20 minutes before you take your cat to the vet,
but the plug-in diffuser is better for long-term use because it releases
premeasured doses. Refills can be purchased for the dispenser. One bottle
lasts a little more than a month. Here is a study from Ohio State University
that explains the process:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/11/001129074611.htm.

I am pretty sure Feliway is available in Canada. Perhaps someone else on the
newsgroup will respond with more specific information. I ordered mine from
ValleyVet (http://www.valleyvet.com), and you could check their web site to
see a picture of the diffusers. They have better prices than most others,
and there is no charge for shipping. The last time I checked, they listed
Feliway for $29.95 for a diffuser with one bottle of Feliway. It is also
available as a spray for $15.95. Again, I don't know how this will compare
with prices in Canada.

Do you have a PetSmart nearby? They carry Feliway in the U.S., so that might
be a possible source in Canada.

I hope this helps.

MaryL
Vickie's babe - 16 Aug 2004 01:12 GMT
The cat will be fine alone, furthermore, why 3 litters for 3 days??

Where is the logic

> I need some expert advice re travelling with my cat.  She is almost five,
> an "only child" who enjoys spending hours at the window observing what's
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Lynn
 
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