Looking for a place for my cat, while I am out of town for 6 months?

Question

I am going out of town for about 6 months, I was wondering if there are shelters or any places that take in cats for you while you are out of town(for a extended period of time). And this might sound crazy but maybe even a no cost place or low cost place.I love my cat & want him back I am just in a very bad situation right now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank-U

Answer 1

DON'T GO to shelters!

I would find a friend who would take him in for short term.

You might contact SPCA ... they have people who foster cats.  Ask if there is someone who might take in your cat while you HAVE to go out of town.

Make sure to have him chipped / have him Neutered/ all shots up to date... the chip is so you can absolutely id him.

Ask a neighbor.  put an ad in the paper.

People might think you are not going to retreve him so you might have to make some assurances.

good luck with this  

Answer 2

Maybe your friend knows someone in Arizona that can take your cat while your there.  That way you could still see them and help pay for food and other expenses.  Don't give up, and if you take your cat to a shelter I don't think you will get him or her back.  Otherwise maybe check into animal rescue places that have a no kill policy.

Answer 3

I'm in southern California and I've boarded my kitty at a boarding kennel where they'll board animals for up to a year.  Check the yellow pages in the phone book for pet boarding and call every one of them if you have to.  The costs will vary depending on how good they are and the services they offer.  For instance, the place that I've taken my kitty is kind of expensive, but they're so good.  The animals have two scheduled play times per day, two scheduled cuddle times per day, two snack times per day, grooming, sunning windows, and an exam by a vet when they first get there.  Some places will offer only a cage, food, water and a litter box with very little human contact and no play times, and those are usually the cheaper places.  You'll have to balance the cost with what you want your kitty's life to be like for the next six months.

As for the ASPCA phone number, it depends on what county you live in.  I did a search on the web and found out that there are different phone numbers for different county offices.  You can either look in the phone book or do a search on the web for ASPCA+county name+California.

Answer 4

There are kennels, but it can get very expensive.  Check with friends and family to see if anyone can help out.  Explain clearly that you will pay for food, litter, toys and any medical care - and that you will want him back when you get back.  It'll be up to you and them if you want to pay for their time (I would pay someone, or attempt to).

Do you live in a house or an apartment?  If you have a house, think about hiring a responsible college student or a visiting professor (check with local colleges).  Tell them if they pay the utilities and take care of the cat, they can stay there for free until you return.