My cat has gone off the deep end!

[Brandi]

I have a lot of experience with this since my husband and i travel all the time for work. We have three cats. I agree the 6 days is a lot of time for them to be alone, at least having someone come in and feed them and clean their box is a good idea. Just having them come in is a good thing wether the cats like other people or not.
I have left for over 6 weeks at a time. When I get back they act like they don't know who I am. But after a day they won't leave me alone. My one cat Bo won't leave my side (it's so cute) and he does that meowing thig too. I have had a friend who said that thier cat lost he's voice from the meowing after they got back from a trip too.
I red once that they think you have been dragged off by a preditor evey time you leave. I don't think i believe that.
I would get someone to look in on them. You know just in case they need med attention or something. My cats get used to their sitter after about the 4th day. good luck.

[Thorn]

We used to have my parents look in on the cats when we were gone. They're great people and treat the cats well, but..uh...my cats are of that one-person type. When we came home, they'd be hiding for a day or more.

A few years ago we found the ultimate cat sitter. She's a gem. The cats love her. She brings them toys and catnip. When we get home, the cats are no longer hiding--it is more of a "Darn! You're here again? Can't you send the sitter, instead?"

We also try to get away every month or so for a weekend. We have the sitter come over even though it is only a day or two just to keep a familiarity. An animal behviourist said that this would help with their anxiety. It seems to have work.

[jandmw]

A friend of mine had a cat like this, except she would go nuts after 12 hours only. She had to be put on some kind of kitty valium for a bit. I am not sure what is funnier, cats on valium or cat nip!

[sbctwin]

I spoiled my little fur friends. I had the "Animal Nanny" come in to tend to Kallie when we were gone. The 'animal nanny' would do just about anything for your pets. I also have bird feeders and he would fill them and fill my bird baths. I would be afraid to leave my little girl home alone. I would leave her overnight, but that was rare. If I didn't need benefits, I would seriously consider becoming an 'animal nanny'.

[Tuckervill]

My mom has a cat that wouldn't come near me, because I was the one who traumatized it by rescuing it from the middle of the street when it was a wee kitten (It bit me, but I forgave it. It would not forgive me, though.)

When Mom would go out of town, she'd ask me to come in and check on the cat. A few times I never saw it, but I scooped and fed and watered. Then Mom went on a much longer trip, and I didn't go for about 3 days into the trip. THIS time the cat was lonely and came out at least to show me its face. The next time I came, it came and rubbed against my leg and let me pet her. Now when I go there she comes out to greet me. They can change.

Karen

[smilingcat]

professional pet sitters, relative or friend who adores cats are in order.

Next best thing is to board your kitty. but this sounds like it won't do with your baby. Cats need their familiar sourrounding. Boarding place isn't one of them.

Suprisingly, lot of cats are quite social. They need social interaction and stimulation. Have someone drop in at-least once a day for half an hour to feed, change water bowl, clean box and play. Water bowl should be changed (preferably) everyday. Dirty water can cause cats to get zits on their chin. And unclean litterbox can cause cats, both male and female, to get UTI. And we all know how uncomfortable that is.

Get a referral from your vet on pet sitters.
Smilingcat

[teigyr]

When I used to watch a friends cat, I would stop by and watch TV. She (my friend) would leave me a bottle of wine and I'd plan to spend an hour or so just hanging at the house. That kept me from rushing in to feed the cat then immediately leaving -- I'd sit and give her a lap to sit on. I figured it was as much normalcy as I could provide! I would even lie down on the couch so the cat could curl up and having someone to sleep with a bit.

Loved that cat

[mimitabby]

Suprisingly, lot of cats are quite social. They need social interaction and stimulation.
Smilingcat

no surprise here. Cats are great company, great buddies. and are very social!