Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What do you all typically do with your cat when you travel? We had a cat when I was a kid, but there was always at least one person home to take care of her. I recently adopted a cat, but now I live alone and am going to boyfriend's family member's wedding next month, so the cat will be alone for the first time. Boyfriend suggested I board her, because she will always have other cats or people around to play with. I am thinking - and I know this is crazy - that she was adopted recently and so being dropped off in a cage for a few days may be very scary/upset for her. I don't want her to think I've abandoned her. Final decision is mine, obviously, because she's my cat, but I'm wondering if my bf is onto something? Just wanted to know if anyone had insight. I think drop-in sitter once or twice a day to feed and play with her may be best. I'll be gone for five days, so I can't just leave a big bowl of food and a few bowls of water.
1. Your boyfriend is wrong. Cats don't like being placed in unfamiliar, busy environments, and this would stress her out. She would not be comforted by being surrounded by many other cats and unfamiliar humans in a boarding kennel.
2. I think you sound like a thoughtful, caring person, and that you are probably correct in thinking it is best for your cat to stay in her new, stable home. She very well might assume she has been put out of her home and abandoned again if she ends up at a boarding kennel.
My advice is to do what PP suggested and pay someone to come clean her litter box, feed her, and play with her a little in your home while you are gone. She'll be a much happier kitty that way.