What to do with cats when we go away?

CDaniels1987

So I have two cats, they are both 3 years old, whenever we have gone away before my mom has looked after them, however now she has moved into a much smaller flat and has an elderly cat herself, so she won't really be able to look after them anymore, as she normally has to look our two up in a room sometimes, which she won't be able to do anymore.

They are indoor cats, however the problem lies with my older cat who is very very timid, she only comes out to me and my wife, and my mom. If anybody else comes round she will not come out until they are gone, no matter what, not even for food. So that pretty much rules a cattery out.

We are currently thinking of our holiday next year, but its worrying me sick on how we are going to get the cats looked after.

I really have no idea what to do.

gettingready

I have someone coming in twice per day to clean the litter trays, top up dry food, change water and dish out wet food for my lot.

Down to 4 cats now as my daughter moved out with her two - easily done.

Someone comes in mornings does all above, leaves wet food in 5 dishes (one extra as Fred is greedy and will steal from others if no extra dish). The person comes back in the evenings, does the same.

No worries.

HappyMJ

Get someone to visit whilst you are there first then introduce the cat to them and they may be a little less timid when they visit when you aren't there.

lisajane8482

We went away for a couple of days not long ago and one of our friends house sat and looked after our two cats. The youngest is really timid so our friend came round regularly so he could get used to him being around. It was only for one night but was a trial run for next year when we are hopefully going to go away for a little longer. It gave me the confidence that the youngest will be ok without us.

Ilona

I have a friend who lives close by, she comes in twice a day, sometimes three times, to see to my three cats. She has been doing it a while now and knows my cats pretty well, and they like her. She comes before it gets dark to get them in at night, and lets them out in the mornings.

Can you find a friend to come and see to yours. She would need to come a few times while you are there so the cats get to know her. Preferably another cat owner who has the patience and will sit with the cats for an hour, play with them if they allow it.

If the timid cat stays hidden while she is there, that's ok, as long as it is eating the food put down for it. Keep the litter boxes in the same place, maybe put down an extra one a bit hidden for the timid cat.
Ilona

UKTigerlily

Please don't worry, I own a timid cat & have a lovely lady come in to visit her once a day when I am away & at night I use an auto feeder & I also look after two indoor only cats belonging to a neighbour, the female took a few days to come out & greet me but once she did she was very loving & friendly, the male would never back off & just hissed (he would've bitten or scratched if touched) but on the very last day he came into the kitchen when I put food out & let me stroke him a few times (the owner did say when she got back he had the hump with her though!)

I used to just sit down & talk to them & not try to stroke them etc until they came out which the female soon did for treats. Both are also elderly cats, the male was about 17 at the time & I have both again soon. All are fine & all are timid so please don't worry

aileth

We're going away soon and MIL is popping around once a day to do the litter tray, feed, water and give them some attention for an hour or so.

Before we had our dog walker, who also did cat-sitting, come for a very decent price, I think it was about £8 a day, and you could choose for her to come twice a day 15 minutes each or once for 30 minutes. So much less stressful than catteries.

savingjenny

If your mum is close, could she come round once a day and see yours? because they would be used to her a bit.

Otherwise it's a question of getting them used to someone new. Or being hard-hearted and sending them to a cattery - after a few days a cat will eat even if it isn't happy. Not nice choices

aileth

savingjenny wrote: »

If your mum is close, could she come round once a day and see yours? because they would be used to her a bit.

Otherwise it's a question of getting them used to someone new. Or being hard-hearted and sending them to a cattery - after a few days a cat will eat even if it isn't happy. Not nice choices

I don't think cattery is necessarily hard-hearted, unless of course you don't consider the cat's welfare before putting it in, but sometimes there are no options, e.g. when family members are away same time as you, have other commitments.

My FIL was at this point once, where none of us were available to look have little pusskins, only gone a week and half the poor sod's hair fell out and it's never been the same.

Marmaduke123

Do you have neighbours with a cat or cats? We've always found it works well to feed each others cats if one of us is away.

Failing that, there are several little pet care businesses round here, where someone will come and feed/play with your cats. I think it costs about the same as a cattery, but the cats can stay at home where they prefer to be. Worth googling for.

Our cat has only been in the cattery once, when she was about 9mths old. She hated it and yowled non stop - they were pleased to be rid of her as she upset the other cats. Never again!

aileth

My mum and dad's cat is the epitome of a cat who does not give a single toss. She has been into cattery numerous times and seems to actually prefer it there over being at home (even though she is loved and spoilt rotten at home). When they've taken her back home, it's like she's forgotten who they are!