Leaving Your Cat for a Few Days

Face it, sometimes we just have to go places for a few days and we can't bring our animals with us. There are a few things you can do for your pet while you are away.

Board Him

Check out your area, there may be some pet hotels that will take them in. They will feed them, water them, play with them, and many have 24 hour veterinary service just in case something happens to them while you are away.

Have Someone Check in on Your Pet

There are some companies that actually have someone come in for around 15 minutes to make sure they are fed, watered, and even will try to play with your pet if they come out. You could have a friend do this for you or a service. This way you can call them too and have them update you on your pet.

Leave Him at a Family or Friends

If there is no one in the area to take care of your pet, you may have to take them to a trusted friend or a family's house for the time that you are going to be gone. Some pets travel better than others. And though going there may be out of the way, it can also give you a better feeling about leaving your pet if you know someone is watching them. My mom loves cats, so I know I can trust her to take care and love my kitty if I have to leave.

Leaving Them Unattended

Sometimes there is no other option. I do not suggest to leave your pet unattended for more than perhaps an extended weekend away from him. If you have to do this a lot, then maybe having a pet isn't for you. But leaving your cat alone for up to three nights should really be okay.

Doors

Make sure you either have certain doors in your place shut, or have them forced open so that your cat cannot shut himself in a room. Once in a while when my cat is playing he will accidentally shut himself in the bathroom and then cry for me to let him out. If this is at all possible, make sure to either have your doors shut or to prop something in front of them so they will not shut them.

Litterbox

Clean his litterbox before you leave. Also, it may be a good idea to have an extra one laying out too in case your cat is extra picky. Many times pets will become very angry at their owners when they leave and pee on things they normally never would. If their litterbox is messy, this will give them more reason to act that way.

Auto-Feeders

Normally what I do is have one auto-feeder. Then I take a paper plate and place piles of food around the house for him. Some cats will overeat while you are gone. Mine however does not like to eat much unless I am there. So I realized that he will only eat the pile of food that is close to my bed (he sleeps under the bed while I'm gone) and the rest of the food is normally untouched. Place it in places your cat likes to hang out.

Water

They need lots of it! I have an automatic water dispenser for him that I tested before leaving. I advice you to test them before you leave on your trip one week prior. Your cat may not like the dish and tip it over, or it may not last as long as the label says. Mine has been tested by my cat and it does indeed last a week. However I grab several pie pans, lay them all over the kitchen floor and fill those with water too. I fill an extra bowl as well. And though my cat does not jump up on my kitchen counters, I do fill the sink with a couple of inches of water in there too. That way if my cat for some reason is dying of thirst, maybe he can scout out the water there. It may sound silly, but it at least makes me feel better.

Toys

I make sure his favorite toys are in site. But also I put away some of his toys. The toys like the dangling mouse on a string I will put away. Reason being is it really would bother me thinking he might somehow get tangled up and hurt if I'm not there.

Claws

Clip them! If your cat is not de-clawed try to make an appointment to get their claws trimmed. Your cat may want to rip things up when you are gone because they are angry. But that is really a less of a concern than if your cat clawed something and got caught on it. A cat could really hurt themselves if they get caught on something and have no one to come rescue them. My cat is a big baby and calls for my rescue if he gets stuck, but what happens if I am gone for 2 days? Trimming their claws is important.

Your Home's Temperature

If it is summer time, don't leave your place without a fan or AC running. I also leave my window with a screen on it opened just a crack for at least a little air. If it's winter time, keep the temperature at least warm enough so he won't freeze to death.

Your Return Home
Be prepared to have your place a little disaster. Your cat may be punishing you for leaving him. I remember one time my cat destroyed a roll of toilet paper and had it all over my apartment. Sometimes your cat will give you the cold shoulder, but it won't last forever. Some will be ready to say "Hi!" right away. Just know that when you come home, your cat will be thinking about you and wanting to be with you. Be prepared for anything, but hopefully lots of love!

No animal should be left alone for long, however. Anything can happen.

A cat could have troubles going to the bathroom and if not treated immediately, could die in a matter of a couple of days. I am not trying to scare anyone, but a cat should not be left home alone for a week unless someone can come in and check on them at least once or twice in between that to see that they are okay, using their litterbox and eating.

Your animal depends on you. So have fun on your trip, vacation, or wherever you are going and keep all these tips in mind.