My cat has gone off the deep end!

[MyLitespeed]

My husband and I are retiring at the end of this month. We have three cats and two dogs which haven't been left alone for more then a week at time. Since we plan on doing more traveling, it's going to be VERY painful for me to leave them alone for 2 weeks. We will have a neighbor peek in on them everyday, but since they aren't use to strangers that won't do much good to comfort them. The last time we returned from being away for a week, the cats did much better and it only took them about 1/2 hr. to come out from under the bed and stare at us, making sure it was really us. I won't board them anywhere, I'm afraid that would really freak them out. The dogs I'm not worried about, they love everybody and as long as someone feeds them and pats their heads, they will be happy. I think I will be worse for wear when it comes to leaving my cats.

[mimitabby]

mylitespeed, I ALWAYS am.
to compound it, I had one DIE when i was away for a week.
It sounds so stupid to be away in Italy worrying about my CATS.
but i do.

[teigyr]

My daughter and family have gone on vacation. I have the "honor" of keeping Junior the Cat while they are gone...

Attachment 3736

CUTE!!!!!! And yes, it is an honor

[teigyr]

Mylitespeed,

Maybe your neighbors can stay a while in your house when they peek in on the cats? Shy cats will sometimes come out if someone gets food for them and then sits calmly and quietly. The cats are lonely, they'll break down to get some attention. When we go away, I feel worse for them because they don't get attention. Food and water are important, granted, but as asocial as some cats can be, they are so social in many other ways.

Mimitabby, I don't know what I'd do if a cat died while I was gone. I guess the only thing you can do is carry on but still, that has got to be so difficult.

[RolliePollie]

Hey Jeannierides - I have a sink cat too!

[ShubieGA]

It really does help the babies to get visited.
My friend "Auntie Jan" comes to see my babies (Stella, Gracie and Tigger) when I am gone for more than the day. She spends a bit of time giving them some loving and treats, on top of the bowl and box check. So I just get the normal close herding and cuddling when I get home. I get escorted everywhere.
Then when Jan is out of town, Auntie Shubie kicks in and I visit her babies. 2 need meds, but have adjusted to me administering them - except Hershey - he hisses at everyone except his Mom!
Sounds like a good "kitty auntie or uncle" is in order!

[mimitabby]

And, oh great! I just found out my built in house sitter is going out of town this weekend!!! And the rest of the family is doing the Seattle to Portland Ride
and I have to drive down there to pick them up and take them all home. aargh.

[jeannierides]

Hey Jeannierides - I have a sink cat too!

Sara, that is TOO funny! Junior is having a grand old time visiting. He has the *run* of the house - and lots of attention from me and my cat loving SO. My daughter's family consists of three very active little kids (6 and twins 4), and a 6 month old Weimaraner who loves to chase Jr., and eat his food, so you can imagine that Jr. thinks he's on a spa vacation!!