I'm going on a trip (out of the country) for 2 weeks, what should I do with my cat?

Question

I live in Manhattan, NY, studio with loft, and I have a male cat, 2 years old. He's really close to me and very spoiled. I have to go back to my country (Indonesia) for a personal reason, for 2 weeks. I don't know what to do with my cat.. I'm so confused. My friends told me just to leave the cat in the apartment, and let the doorman or some of my friends take care of the cat every day (check the food, cat litter, etc.), because they said cats don't like change.. so leave him in the apartment is more comfortable than in kennel. But some of my friends told me to put my cat in the kennel. I don't know what to do.. I really feel bad to leave him alone like that. Please help me! Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

If you have the money, I think it is a great idea to put them in a pet spa where they would get lots of pampering and attention. Some even had webcams in the pet's room so you can check them over the internet.

However, if money is a factor, if one of your friends can comeover for an hour or so to feed him, play with him, and clean the litter box, I would go for that. Most kennels will just leave the cat alone all day except for feeding and litter cleaning. If you can find one with a cat play room (there is one where I live), that would be optimal and a better choice if none of your friend's have time.

Answer 2

ask a friend or neighbor that you trust to take care of it, and ask them to call you frequently to see how your kitty is doing (:

good luck!

Answer 3

i love my kitty wayyy tooo much to actually leave him at home lonely for 2 weeks.

besides if i would do that i would actually make a friend who i deeply trust to come over for 30 minutes or so to play with my kitty, change his litter and keep his food bowls full. hard to fiind such people.

i totally trust my vet who has a boarding arrangement too. i know she would play with my cat and take good care of him too. in all i would spend my vacation in peace thinking my cat is in safe hands.

Answer 4

If you can afford the kennel, by all means, take her there (some offer spa treatments to de-stress them).  They are experts at making sure your cat is happy and stays healthy.  Make sure you microchip your kitty however in case there is any problems, not only if the cat gets lost, but for positive identification that he belongs to you.

Otherwise, if the kennel still isn't making you feel good - then ask a TRUSTED friend to look in on your cat to put fresh food and water down and to clean out the litterbox daily.  To make it even easier on your 'baby' have your friend come over while you are there and let them feed and play with him and you are telling him in a cat's way that this person is good - and they will associate the sitter with you in a positive situation.

Have a great (and safe) trip!

Answer 5

Yeah, I wouldn't leave him alone in the apartment for 2 weeks.He'd die if not cared for.  I'd see if maybe a friend could keep him while you were gone, even if they have to stay at your place.  

Answer 6

Leave your cat in the studio, and have a RELIABLE/TRUSTWORTHY friend come by daily to feed, pet, and clean the litter box. It's less stress for the cat.

Kenneling the cat should be a 2nd option, if you cannot find a friend to petsit for you.

Answer 7

I would take him to a kennel, if I were you, unless you have a friend who can stay at your house for the entire 2 weeks. Even though cats are independant animals, they do like company. My cat gets mad at me if I leave him alone for just a few days! At a kennel he will get a lot of love and affection. If you leave him alone at home for that long, he is going to think you abandoned him.  

Answer 8

IF YOU CAN FIND SOMEONE RESPONSIBLE... (not like lovemekeni who was suppose to take care of the neighbors cat and did not clean the cat box)

There are pet sitters you can hire... Here in CA they cost $15. a day.  

You can put the cat in a kennel... which will take care of everything.. you have to have the shots up to date though.

Trust the door man... I wouldn't

If you can get someone to house sit.. too then that will be included.  They can stay in your house for 7 of the 14 days.

For that long I think I would opt for the Kennel... then you wouldn't have to worry.  

Make sure to take a T-shirt that you have worn a lot (not clean ) for the cat to sleep on so it has your sent.

AND BE PREPAIRED FOR THE CAT TO BE MAD AT YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK...

good luck

Answer 9

You can leave him in your apartment and hire a pet sitter (a good one that's experienced.) to come in once or twice a day during those two weeks to care for him. Or a good friend will do fine. I wouldn't suggest a kennel as some may be too stressful for him. Or if you can find a good pet hotel that can care for him, then that will work too. Good luck.

Answer 10

ask a freind to come over every day and give it food and water

Answer 11

Because you are going to be gone for so long I'd advise you to put your kitty in a boarding kennel. Lots of animal hospitals have boarding kennels that aren't all the much, price wise. Your cat will be in good hands as the staff will take good care of him. The only thing with boarding is your kitty will have to be up to date on his vaccinations.

I hope this helps!

Answer 12

The cat would be better off in his own home than being placed in a kennel.  The kennel will stress the cat out.  Cat's don't necessarily like to be near a bunch of strange cats.  2 weeks is a long time too.

Have someone the cat has met before check in on him once a day or once every 2 days.  Like another poster said, make sure you can TRUST that person.  (Too many people trust someone to feed their animal, and the animal starves for the time the owner is gone.)  You can get that special water dish where you can put an upside down 2 liter bottle in it.  It will water the cat for a few days.  Make sure the person CHANGES the water every time they visit and fill the food bowl to the top.

Don't worry.  The cat will be fine.

Also make sure the place is cat-proofed so he won't get into anything he shouldn't eat or knock anything down.

Answer 13

Hired a cat sitter or maybe you can even ask a friend to take care of it