Vacation time - whose minding the cats?

[Shamrock]

We have a trip planned for the last week of August, and while I am very much looking forward to this, I am already beginning to stress about my pets.

I have a trusted and reliable person who will care for our doggie, but not sure what to do for our 3 cats.

I dont have anyone who can stay in our home, the ideal solution... but dont feel comfortable with a stranger.

So, that leaves pet boarding - or someone to come in and check on them here each day. Both have disadvantges.

Uprooting them from their home would be very stressful for cats, I'd say, but they would be completely safe.

I do have someone who can come to the home each day, and spend an hour or two here. We've done this before, worked fine, but was only for a weekend.

This is best for them comfort wise, but I'm not sure if doing this for a whole week is a good idea.
As 2 of them dont like each other, cant confine them all to one area either - have to allow them free run of a large house, for their individual space.
I'm a real worry wart..so much can happen.


I wondered what your thoughts were on this, and what arrangements you've used for kitty care while away?

[Melinda]

when I had my chi and my cat, we'd board them together in the same kennel, that way they could still curl up together at night. I think your best bet would be someone coming into your home daily, they'll have each other for company and not feel uprooted.

[Lissa]

I agree with Melinda - that would be my choice as well. IMO, most cats can easily adapt to a temporary "solitary" existence.

[Melissa]

I would have someone come look in on them in their own home. Cat's aren't good with being moved around. I've heard it said that dogs are attached to people whereas cats are attached to places. Not sure if I completely agree but it does seem that cat's have more trouble with moving around than dogs!

[Prin]

Sounds like too much stress. What I would do, frankly, is I would send the tickets to Quebec, c/o Prin. That's Prin with a P.

Most people I know get people to come check on the kitties every day...

[TeriM]

Shamrock, I can give you the number of someone in North Vancouver that might house sit for you. If you are interested than pm me with the details.

I'm lucky, my mom generally looks after the cats if we are gone away. I recently tapped my neighbors to feed them when we away for just a few days but when we are gone longer they go to stay at my moms or she comes over here.

[Shamrock]

LOL Prin! I'll keep that in mind...but you'll need to find your own way to the Vancouver port.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.
I have a couple of months to sort out the best plan.
There's no doubt they would be better off in the home here. Cats dont take kindly to changes at all.. it would be very stressful for all of them I feel.

I have to admit when we've been gone before.. they didnt seem to really notice that we were actually absent...lol.
Its mainly the safety aspect that worries me about them being alone for most of each day for a whole week, rather than the socialization part. There not very sociable cats.. except with us.


Terri, thanks for the offer of the reccomendation for a pet sitter, I appreciate that, and may well follow up on this suggestion.

It's wonderful to have a family member like your mom to stay in the home.
Unfortunately, I just dont have anyone who can easily do that anymore.

I might see if I can arrange for a second party.. maybe one of my neighbours to also check on them daily too.
I think twice a day visits would keep worry at bay, give me better peace of mind.. And more company for them too.