I'm going back to school so my cat's health is getting bad. What do I do?

Question

My cat and I are very close, we are like two best friends, we talk to each other (Rather she meows at me and I answer with a "YEAH" or something and I talk to her and she meows a reply) Well, I had to go back to school, and while my family is here to take care of her, she isn't doing so well. She's started to chew her hair out, and not eat as much. I can't spend much time with my cat because face it, I have a life besides being a cat freak, but I care for her too much to have her depressed when I'm not home, and that's a lot because of my boyfriend and the Academic Meets. What can my family and I do to help my kitty cat?

Answer 1

try catnip to distract and sedate your cat.  they usually find it irresistible.  also, stop being codependent with your cat and let it have a cat life.

Answer 2

I agree with the previous poster about the catnip. More than half of cats respond to it and it is a great way for them to spend energy (which cats are not always great at).

Another thing you can do is see if other family members want to develop a relationship with your cat by doing special things for her.

See if a family member can take over the "talking" thing while you're gone. Get a package of cat treats and have a family member give the cat treats every day. I teach my cats to know when they're about to get treats by shaking the bottle/package they're in. They come to get the treats then, too, instead of just loafing. Perhaps another family member could give your cat a special meal every day- a small can of wet cat food can certainly make a feline feel loved! Again I will say that calling her for it and teaching her to expect food when called is a good idea because it makes her feel loved and gives her something to look forward to. Make sure she gets petted for at least a few minutes every day- touch is very important. As long as your family makes an effort, your cat is sure to do okay. Good luck.

Answer 3

Try kitty anti-depressants. You should make time for your cat, even for 30 minutes a night while your studying, let your cat lay on the floor or bed with you and give her some gentle pats. If your living away from home, you might want to take her with you or make a recording of your voice and leave a shirt or something you have worn and not washed so she can still smell your scent.  That is really sad. Poor kitty.