Is just over 2 weeks too long to leave a cat home alone? (being fed of course)!

[tigwig]

We are going away at Christmas for 2 weeks and as our return date falls on the New Year weekend the cattery I have booked into closes, meaning we won't be able to pick our cat up until Tues. He would be there 17 nights and in the past he hates it and doesn't eat for a few days. Last holiday when we were away for a week, I left him at home so he was free to come and go through his catflap and my mum fed him and checked him at least once a day, usually twice but this time we are all going together so she can't! A neighbour has offered to feed him but it would probably be once a day as they work full time and I am worried the 17 nights will be too long. What do others think? He is definitely happier at home but would he be safer at the cattery?

[ummmm]

Most cats should be fine. I couldn't leave mine...he's still breast feeding from me !!

[carmalee]

don't forget to leave you neighbour with very clear instructions what to do in the case of an emergency etc - otherwise should be fine and as other postees have quite rightly said, cats are better off in their own home. Have a great holiday and don't worry but expect the cold shoulder treatment for a day or two when you get back.

[CatGirl4]

I suppose he could get lonely,is there nobody could go in to give him a cuddle? Maybe i'm just too soft?

[lankeela]

I would be happier leaving him in a secure cattery rather than at home alone for such a long time.

[Chaffinch]

He's a cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he'll love the freedon of coming ang going as he pleases, so long as he has food and water he wont even notice your gone, sorry but its true!

[boxtops]

I have left mine for a fortnight, with a neighbour coming in to feed (although admittedly twice a day). I wouldn't do otherwise - their home base is very important to cats. No.1Son is a nervous cat so I have never tried putting him in a cattery, he would hate it. In any case, I would rather they ranged their home territory while I'm away, than being penned up 24-7 - particularly for that length of time. Your boy will be fine. One word of advice - make sure your neighbour knows where your cat basket is, and who your vet is. Last time I went away (given that Rover is on long-term meds) I checked with my vet that if any of the boys needed treatment, they'd be happy for me to settle up when I got back - I wouldn't want my neighbour having to pay vets fees if the cats had to visit. The vet said that would be fine. Also give your vet and neighbour a mobile number so they can ring you if they are worried about anything. If your neighbour is kindly they might nip in before work as well as in the evening - I know I would!

[sophie_1003]

In addition to what everyone else has said, make sure your neighbour knows your cats usual eating, sleeping, drinking and toileting habits and how lively they are at different times so they will know if something is wrong!

[Buenchico]

Cats are territorial. The most important thing in the life of a cat is being able to patrol and guard his 'patch'. He'll be far happier at home than in a cattery.

However please ensure that you keep in contact with the person who is feeding him, just in case unforeseen circumstances occur. I've not taken a proper holiday for over 20 years. (i just go on day trips). The only exception was when some friends invited me to join their family for a few days from Christmas Eve until just before New Year's Eve. I asked my friend, neighbour and drinking partner (who lived directly across the road from me) to feed my cat. I went away on Christmas Eve with no worries about my cat being fed. I returned just before New Year to find a VERY hungry cat and not a single can of cat food opened. I knew that my friend would not be so cruel or so negligent as to let him starve, so I feared that something really bad must have happened. Later that day I was told that my friend's relatives had found him lying dead from a heart attack on Christmas morning.

Chris

[boxtops]

Oh Chris - how awful. Poor man - poor cat too, I bet the cat was glad to see you.

[jedimistress]

And ask your nieghbiur to be on the look out for Mary Bale.

[askyourgran]

My next door neighbour looked after my cat while we were away, she had a key to come in and feed him and also picked the mail etc. She let him outside a couple of times a day as well. Our cat rewarded her with some mice on her doorstep, and if ever he was missing he was usually laid in front of her fire,

[sadielady]

I feel as others do that cats prefer to be in their own homes, but would just ask you to remember that as its Christmas and New Year your going to be away maybe think about fireworks being let off for the celebrations, I know my 3 are terrified of being on their own when it is so noisy

[tigwig]

Thanks again. I think I am going to leave him now will make absolutely certain that the neighbour will feed him at least once a day, hopefully more.
Good point about the fireworks he hates them but always hides in the house anyway and doesn't want us to comfort him.
There is no litter tray inside so he will carry on coming and going as he pleases so at least there won't be any mess to clear up.
The neighbour lives with his wife and kids too so heaven forbid should anything happen to him others will know!