Please read and advise

Mrs_Z

Hi!

We use a cat sitter when we go away, mine charges £12 day for 2 visits, or less for 1 visit. I've now used 2 cat sitters and have been very happy with both. Normally, you'd have a consultation visit where they come around and you'll get a good idea if you like the person. Both of mine had criminal checks done and they are running a business so their reputation is very dear to them. Maybe you could ask at the local vets for recommendation or check their notice boards? I've never used a cattery so I can't comment, but I'd expect the charges are similar.

You say you don't have a cat flap. Do you live in the house? Could you get someone to put one in? I know ours are happy to have the choice to wonder outside, even though of course that can have additional risks.

Or another thing, if you decide to get a cat sitter, ask them to text you daily how everything's going - that's a great help when you're away.

mutter

One of the reasons i have cats and don't have a dog is that I work and I also like to pop off for the odd weekend.

The cats are perfectly ok in both cases.
They have a cat flap and come and go as they please. so when I'm away, my neighbour kindly comes in morning and evening to put down some tinned food and to make sure their biscuit and water bowls are topped up.

The couple of times I've been away for longer, I've had someone to stay here in my absence, but to be honest, I think they'd have been fine if they'd just been fed and watered as they are for weekends.

ashaput

i have 2 kittens, and when i go out i usually take them in my sister's home. she loves cat, so i don't need to worry.

I_am_mad

Thank you so much for all your replies! She is settling in much better and I think i was being too hasty before. Does anyone know how I can stop her from getting on the worktops as this is very annoying!! I know cats like to be up high but she does it when I am cooking!!

shar46y

I_am_mad wrote: »

Thank you so much for all your replies! She is settling in much better and I think i was being too hasty before. Does anyone know how I can stop her from getting on the worktops as this is very annoying!! I know cats like to be up high but she does it when I am cooking!!

Just keep telling her no and removing her. Be absolutely consistent. She will get it eventually - can't promise you she won't be sneaking on the worktops when you're not looking though

In our previous flat we quickly trained our cat to stay off the worktops but now we have moved house we are having to 'remind' her of the rules as she obviously thinks "new house, new rules!".

Dee123_2

I've come home before after a weekend away and the automatic feeder has not opened . I felt incredibly guilty but the mog didn't give me the evil eye or try to eat my left ankle when I came through the door.

Have to say, though, once, he went to a cattery and, boy, he felt sorry for himself for days.

As for the worktops, mine did it in the first six months of arriving, then seemed to lose interest. Consider a water pistol?

OP, you'll be fine, honestly. And lucky cat to have such a considerate owner.

rising_from_the_ashes

I_am_mad wrote: »

Thank you so much for all your replies! She is settling in much better and I think i was being too hasty before. Does anyone know how I can stop her from getting on the worktops as this is very annoying!! I know cats like to be up high but she does it when I am cooking!!

So pleased to hear that, I think you just had a bit of jitters over the responsibility - but you do sound as if you're made to be together!

Re the worktops, my old boy never went on them and it was a bit of a shock when my (then) new boy did, closely followed by my wee girl.

Totally agree with Shar46y - a firm "no", pick her up and put her on the floor and she will get the hang of it. I can now "order" my boy off anything (esp the desk when I'm trying to type lol) - the girl isn't quite as good but usually moves after a couple of "no's".:)

Fire_Fox

I_am_mad wrote: »

Thank you so much for all your replies! She is settling in much better and I think i was being too hasty before. Does anyone know how I can stop her from getting on the worktops as this is very annoying!! I know cats like to be up high but she does it when I am cooking!!

Glad to hear you are feeling better about everything.

Several options, first and foremost shut your cat out of the room when you are cooking for her safety as well as your sanity! Secondly I agree with Shar46y that you must be 100% consistent, think Supernanny as cats are as intelligent as a young child. No exceptions, you must never be too tired to get off the sofa, or running late or think it does not matter because there is no food/ hot stuff around. Every time she gets up (or part way up, not that you think she is about to jump up) use a stern low voice to tell her no/ get down, as soon as she is down you must praise with a happy high voice, preferably with a treat or stroke (treat will be easier while cooking!). You can push her off or block with your arm if needs be, but voice commands are important because you can do that from the next room or with a hot pan in your hand.

It's key that praise and treat/ stroke is immediate, NOT when you have a second or she won't know why - i.e. you need to be prepared. Thirdly you can clicker train which is a slower process but is reliable, fun and can be used to train many bad habits out and good ones in. Fourthly you can 'booby trap' the worktops; I think it's mean to deliberately frighten your cat but if there is a burn risk (e.g. electric hot plate) it can be the lesser of two evils. Training is a pain but it's actually good practice for having children, if you wish to do so!

SadBunny

I_am_mad wrote: »

Does anyone know how I can stop her from getting on the worktops as this is very annoying!! I know cats like to be up high but she does it when I am cooking!!

Cats hate loud noises.
Make a loud noise every time and she will make the connection between doing the bad behaviour and the loud noise, and so should stop.
"It is important however, that you disassociate yourself from the noise so the cat doesn't know it is coming from you. If the cat cannot determine where the noise is coming from, it should quickly learn to stay away from the area whether the owner is present or not." I think the balloons would be effective - but be gentle.

"Get some of that clear packaging tape 2" wide. Cut 14" strips of it and lay them sticky side up on the counter about 2" in, or at random on the counter.
It works because the cat knows you're not the one directly doing this to him, it's the area itself that's 'bad'. Once he trips the trap he'll have tape on his feet or belly, just reset the trap with fresh tape and act sympathetic to him as you take the tape off his fur. Usually two trips will cure him of the spot. With stubborn cats it takes 3 times."
Again - be gentle.

Another Yahoo answer: stopped mine jumping on my kitchen benches by rubbing orange peel around the edges and leaving a huge bowl of citrus fruit on it or alternatively cats detest the smell of lavender so you could try putting a lavender pot plant on the table. Also fabric softener sheets ... Citronella spray or oil.
I found vicks rub a particularly effective cat deterrent. It stinks!

First thing I would do is find her a perch higher than your worktops, because I think she might use that in preference.
Cats are superior beings and so have an inherent need to look down on us.
If there isn't space for a tall cat tree you can buy special shelves or make your own.
Obviously ensure there is no danger of falling: make sure all the bits are securely fixed and that there are no slippery surfaces.

Glad you're feeling happier now - puss is working her magic.