"ALMOST" everyday??? I would see if more than one person could come in, it sounds like your kitty needs human contact, and just having someone pop in for an hour or so may not do it. When my friends and I petsit, we dedicate HOURS AND HOURS DAILY to seeing the needs of our charges.
As far as preference goes, Personally I would NEVER take my beloved anything, including a pet rock on a plane these days.

You need someone who your kitty trusts to come over to take care of her daily. I definitely say leave her at home, don't take her with you, just have someone come over that she trusts. Mazer, most kitties don't need hours of visitation, I am a petsitter and have yet to come across a cat that was traumatized by only getting a half hour or so of people-time a day. Freemaca already said the cat was used to being left at home for a few days at a time, as long as kitty has fresh food, water and a clean litterbox she will survive just fine. I do know that there are a few cats out there that can't adjust without their people being home, but that is definitely not the norm.

Have the person who is going to look after her come over and familiarize themselves with your cat and your home before your trip so the kitty knows and trusts this person.

We take extended vacations several times a year, our cats look at us when we get home as if we never left. We are more excited to see them than they are to see us!

I once took a month-long trip to Australia (2 weeks business followed by 2 weeks vacation). I left my 2 cats in the care of a trusted pet sitter who came by daily. She said that she spent about a half hour with them each day, talking, playing, feeding, cleaning the litter box - just checking up on them and giving them some love and attention. I checked in with her once a week by phone (this was before e-mail was so ubiquitous.)

They were FINE. In fact, when I came home a month later, my 2 cats were lolling on the couch in the sun. They looked up at me questioningly and did not respond when I called out their names. When I went and sat down beside them, they smelled me all over, and then went absolutely nuts rubbing, purring, and greeting me. Apparently they did not recognize me by sight, but by scent.

I wouldn't be comfortable with someone offering to come in "almost every day". Something needs to be nailed down, and I'd probably also write up a simple contract spelling out the services to be provided, fees to be paid, contact numbers for all parties, and so forth. I'd also speak to my vet ahead of time and pre-authorize required treatment for anything that might come up in my absence.

Is there a trusted friend or neighbor who you could ask to come by occasionally just to check up that everything is going well?

Also, the pet sitter that I used then (and all others that I have ever used) were bonded and insured. You might want to check with your insurance provider to see if there are any issues with someone coming in on a daily basis to perform a paid service in your absence.

Not trying to make too big a deal about this situation, but you only have to watch a week's worth of Judge Judy episodes to realize that sometime, somewhere, the worst-case scenario DOES play out :o)

Susan

agree with the "almost every day" freak-out:
I've become so skeptical of trusting people to do what they think they can do, only to find that it got too difficult, or too boring, or something else came up...

You might have her (or whomever) send you an email from your home computer each day, just to be sure.

Before you leave, sleep in a different tee shirt each night, & leave a supply of "slept-in" shirts for the sitter to give to your cat each day.

I'd love to see you get another cat since you go away sometimes : ) That's a long time for her to be essentially alone. With multiple cats, they seem to do well. Aside from that, definitely every day if not twice a day. You might also consider, being that it's for a month, having a house sitter stay there, instead of a petsitter.

I sure do sympathize with you. We feel sorry for our cats when they spend days, weeks without a lot of attention. We feel like they must be so lonely. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't.

What is it she does that makes her difficult to board? She is traumatized? Some boarding places put the cats in play areas and mingle the friendly ones. Does she not eat? Would you reconsider boarding? I'm just wondering if this might be the better way because at least she would have more stimulation of sounds, smells, people, etc. during the day.

When we went away for an extended trip, we had a cat sitter come in twice a day. It was terribly expensive, but it gave us peace of mind. Also, our kitty was quite old and needed double checking.

Is there anyone who would have her in their home? Especially someone she knows? Not a plane ride away.

If you do leave her, put a radio on classical music with a timer to run during the day and off at night. Also, make sure there are windows where sun is coming in so she can snooze there if she wishes. I just say this because sometimes we close up our houses especially the windows which would be depressing to a kitty. Maybe put a light on a timer too because it will be getting dark early, and she might appreciate a light on for a while, like when you are home.

We also got one of those cat pheromone things to calm her during our absence. Something the vet suggested. Who knows if those work, but we did it anyway. We felt just desperate about doing the right thing for our kitty, as you feel now.

Good luck.

As others have mentioned I would seek out a licensed, bonded pet sitter and check her references before I'd use the vet tech. My guess is you know the vet tech only from seeing her at her work place, right?

I've used many pet sitters in the past and the worst I had was a vet tech I had known for years. I had lots of birds and 2 dogs at the time and since she was more of a bird specialist I thought it was the perfect setup. So, I hired her to house sit vs check the pets daily.
Upon returning from our trip I noticed one of my dogs acting a little differently and after talking to my neighbor a few days later I discovered the sitter had her boyfriend spending the night there with her. I don't allow smoking in my home so he at least went outside to smoke but then he flicked all his cigarette butts over in my neighbors back yard. She had a dog and two young children that played in the area! When I confronted the sitter with the info from my neighbor she apologized, but when I told her my dog was acting a little differently she only said that the dog didn't seem to like her boyfriend!
This experience is just an example (I think) of what sylviatexas was referring to.

If you know your neighbors well, let them know you'll be gone and leave contact info with them. Since you'll be out of the country I'd be sure to have some type of email contact set up so you can be easily reached.

The more I think about this, I'm leaning towards a board. I would hate to board my cat for a month but I surely could not leave them at home, all alone, for that length of time. If you do, make sure the pet sitter has Plan B in place in the event something happens to her while you're away. I know someone who would go away for a couple months and leave their dog, but they had a responsible house/petsitter come live there while they were away.

I also think it's important that whoever comes by be able to recognize signs of illness in a cat.

Wow. I've never done a post like this, and I'm so impressed that you would take time out your busy day to share your advice and thoughts - thank you so much.

Everyone has given me something to think about. Two things are clear - I shouldn't take her on a plane to my Mom's place, and she needs daily (not almost daily) care.

We've never left her alone for multiple days. Even on the Friday-Sunday trips, I would have someone come in on Saturday. But we've done it so much, going away isn't a foreign experience to her.

She really doesn't do well with boarding. I suspect it might be partly from being a shelter kitten. Also her first boarding experience was in a dog/cat boarder. I don't think they look after her well at all. She was extremely stressed when I brought her home - crying for hours and only stopping when I held her.

I had hoped she'd get use to the all-kitty boarding at my vet's, but after many stays, it just wasn't improving. She hides the entire time. The staff suspect it's the proximity of other cats.

I'm going to go to my vet tomorrow to see if I can rent a section. If that's not possible, I'll arrange daily care and follow all the good advice you've given.

I'll let you know how it goes after we return. We're not traveling until December. Thanks again!!

Instead of boarding her at your vet's check out other cat boarding facilities. A vet is going to be limited in the space and time they can offer vs a place that specializes in boarding pets. Isn't the vet keeping her in a cage most of the day or do they offer individual rooms? Knowing the setup at most vet offices, I'd choose to leave her at home with a sitter.

A facility I once used offered individual rooms for the cats. Each room had a window and even a TV. Yes, dogs were kept there too, but they were kept in a separate part of the building and the cats couldn't even hear them.
If you live in a metro area I think someone is probably offering this service.

If you do decide to leave her at home, which obviously is less stressful for her, I would leave the TV, and maybe a radio, set on a timer.

Why board a cat so it could be alone? Looks like she could be alone and fed in her own home for a month. People who board cats (that are under terrible stress because they are away from home) do not socialize with the cats, especially if they have a few cats to care for.

The cat should not be left alone for a month unless someone will visit and socialize for at least an hour a day, or you get someone to live there.

I agree with all the above. If you trust the person to have enough time from her regular job to come in everyday and spend time with kitty, it should work out fine.

It would also be helpful if your cat got used to the petsitter before you left. Or if kitty is already familiar with a close friend of yours, maybe you could ask them a favour and offer to pay for it. (Also don't forget to leave a note for the petsitter with your vet's phone number and address. A lady who boards cats here charges a deposit of around $200 (refundable), just in case the cat needs to be taken to the vet.)

We go on vacation to India at least once a year for a month or so; I know how you're feeling about leaving your cat home for a month. It's nice of you to post this thread to get others' opinions about the options you have.

Good luck Freemaca! Enjoy your holiday!
-Pranjal

I used to have someone come in daily, as my cats also were abandoned and I couldn't bear to board them. But I didn't leave for more than two weeks at a time. I have asked, and my vet says they interact with the boarded kitties all the time. The girls love them : ) One did have to be boarded for a week once, since she needed medical treatment, but she wouldn't socialize with the staff. (She was a basket case before I got her, though, hadn't been treated well, and was afraid of people.)

Doesn't sound like yours is a candidate for that though, esp for a month. Can you have someone come in morning and evening? She will certainly survive once daily, but make sure she can't get into any trouble by herself, get accidentally locked in a room (has happened), and that whoever is watching her has a backup person in place, and can recognize a health problem.

Definitely leave some soft classical on and be careful with the lamps.

Is your kitty alone most of the day usually anyway? I'm always so glad my guys have each other. Maybe another kitty down the road would be a good idea. I feel it's good to have two cats, for each other, even if they're not particularly close. I missed my guys terribly and worried when away, but I always knew they weren't lonely and were overall content in their normal surroundings.

I own a pet sitting company and we do daily visits for cats quite frequently. Obviously they are all different but for the most part a once a day visit is sufficient. I really believe they are much happier at home than at any type of facility. Some of my clients have us stop in twice a day for peace of mind but most are okay with a once a day unless there are insulin shots or something that specifically requires a visit every 12 hours. I also agree to not just have anyone casually mention they can stop in 'almost' every day. That could turn into several days and why have to worry. Get a professional pet sitter, one who is bonded, insured and can provide references. Don't spend your vacation worrying and have the peace of mind that your kitty will be taken care of properly.

Duane

Thank you for the additional advice! I've decided to keep her at home with daily visits instead of boarding now.

Last night I was thinking about her last boarding experience over the holidays in 2006. After almost two weeks, she honestly looked like she was shell shocked.

I really like the woman who will be looking after her, and there's another staff person who lives close by as a backup.

My little one has known them since she was a kitten. She'll be shy at first, but she's much more likely to warm to them after a few days than an entirely new person.

My vet is within walking distance to our apartment, so they will come over at lunchtime.

I don't like in a big metro area - more of a medium sized community - so unfortunately we don't have as many options.

I don't think I mentioned that this is my first cat, so I know I'm probably being a little overprotective! I grew up with dogs, and I'm constantly amazed at how much more complex cats are, including their need for routine.

I'm going to write up a verbal agreement for daily visits, and ask that she send me regular email updates.

Thanks again everyone! I feel much more at peace my decision!

Yay! Good decision. Cats are very unlike dogs when it comes to boarding. Cats need to be on their own turf to feel safe, dogs adapt more easily and are okay around other dogs, cats, not so much. And cats are fine with their own company, although I agree with some of the posters who suggested a friend for your kitty sometime down the road. I have three cats, they are never bored with each other.

Definitely get a contract in order for times they will come, that they are not allowed to come in with company (the story about the boyfriend smoking in the yard just kills me!) and what is expected. I am licensed and bonded by the pet sitting company I work for, I have a copy of contracts if you want to see one to work from. Let me know, I will email you a copy.

Good decision, especially for a cat that is not so comfortable in strange situations anyway.

I'm glad she'll be comfortable at her home : ) Sounds like a good arrangement with the vet office, in that they will all know whether she has been visited and obvious if someone else needs to kick in, Plan B. And it's very convenient for all. Maybe they'll pop in sometimes on the way home too : )

I used to call my kids when away to talk to them through the answering machine, lol. I'm sure it was a bit confusing, but at least they knew I didn't drop off the face of the earth and still loved them : )

At the vets, I just saw some sort of an air freshener and other products with pheromes, which is used to relieve anxiety and stress. Might want to ask about it.

That's 'pheromones.'

As long as you've got people handling the suitiation I'd not worry, but it should be everyday

I think you've made the right decision.

I have dogs, but I've used a pet sitter exclusively for the last 8 years. I typically travel for work about 3-4 times a year for up to a week. And my dogs love the pet sitter, and it works out to be cheaper than boarding them, plus they get to stay at home.

I've boarded one of my dogs back before I found the great pet sitter I use now, and I ended up not only having the boarding bill but a bunch of vet bills because she'd start vomiting due to the stress. So I highly recommend pet sitting, particularly if you find someone really good!

I will be going to Thailand for a month in the July/Aug time frame, and am still undecided how to leave my
two cats Prescilla and Max. Max is 3.5 yrs old male persian cat with dog paws that still eats out of my
hand every day. He is the main concern, as he has taught me over and over that he will starve himself to
dehydration otherwise. But the last 3 months have been better for him in the sense that I recognized the
need (as someone mentioned above) to have a daily routine when at home. Like having a set time when
leaving for work and coming home. Like not studying or spending too much time on the computer while at
home. Don't know why other than it's complicated.

So it is Max who joined "the family" of Prescilla and I at just 6 weeks of age, and ever since has been
intimidated from eating by Prescilla who hisses at him. So the last 3 months, since moving into a B&B
with a view, and about 1500 sq ft of play space, and 5 litter boxes, that my cats can be seen playing and
sleeping together often. And lots of windows too. But Max soon figured out that he didn't have to let me
off the hook so soon, and was starving himself every day while I was at work so that I would have to hand
feed him when I got home. So I realized that what he needed and wanted, was for me to show Prescilla that
he was important. So I decided that I would hand feed Max with Prescilla present. And wha la! Max feels
important in "the family" structure, and now wants to cooperate. Another thing I found helpful is leaving
for work at the crack of dawn (here in Vermont it's 6am), and not spending too much time in the morning
getting out the door (prepare the night before). Also not spending too much time at home. Also putting
the feeding bowl back in its central location in the kitchen after feeding him in my bed (which is
just placing the bowl next to me, instead of having him eat directly out of my cupped hand).

As far as spending time studying or on the computer, I think it's a problem because (a) I'm their sole
provider and am single, and (b) they take it as being selfish (they expect attention). On the other side,
they do fine when I am away during the daylight hours. Don't know why. Leave for work at crack of dawn,
and return just before dusk. If I need to study, I leave and either go back to work or find a book store.
I return and go to bed immediately. It is an intermediate step until Max and Prescilla get to "re-know"
each other. Prescilla has never seen a healthy Max, and neither have I. Except one time when I went away
for 2 weeks when Max was one yrs old and I placed him and Prescilla in a vet/boarding place. Max came
back all healthy looking and confident around Prescilla. His coat was healthy and not dehydrated-looking.
I eventually concluded, after a lot of thought, that Max was eating in front of Prescilla, either in the
same cage, or in a cage nearby, and with the constant protection of nearby humans, was freewilled to eat
as he pleased.

On another note, this whole thing of mess Max found himself in, could most likely be due partly to having
been taken from a breeder's house, run by a couple (ie TWO providers), and taken from his remaining
sibling sister cat. He was from a litter of 4 and had probably seen his other siblings taken just days
before. All just to go into a home where the sole provider was not home much, and the other "kitten" was
a large mature spoiled street-smart female (I got found her in the streets of San Diego). Well, you get
the idea. I started the hand-feeding the next day, as soon as I saw the dueling between them. And
promised to myself I'd do it for a year max(imum). Oh well.

Anyways, I can't bet that I will have 3 years of neglect fixed in 6 months. I put an ad up on craigslist
for free room and board for free petsitting services, and have gotten a dozen or so responses. Just not
sure if Max will go into hiding from seeing strangers in the house, thus increasing his chances for not
eating. Boarding for a month seems long. The landlord lives next door, and has pet-sit before, so it
might be doable to have her pet-sit again.

Taking the cats with me to Thailand is scary, especially with the hot weather there and the
plane-sitting-on-the-tarmac thing. And the H5N1 thing. Vermont is much cooler weather.

And yes, I paid $$$ for Max from a breeder, and yes his coat is off white with hints of grays browns and
golden browns. Why are the cats you pay money for so difficult? Prescilla was free, but she's the plain
nothing-fancy black and gray tabby. Standard stray cat formula there.

Any thoughts/ideas would be most appreciated. I'm pretty sure that a paid petsitter for an hour a day would do just fine, but was hoping for something cheaper. Even then, I don't think a petsitter would be able to hand feed twice a day, or if Max would let a stranger do it. Probably not an issue, since (a) Max now knows he's important, (b) Prescilla knows to respect him or else, and (c) Max knows the handfeeding thing is a control gig, that won't work if I'm not around (I know he eats out of the bowl when I'm not around for like more than 14 hours or so).

I know, it's complicated!

Stephanie

What a great thread. I leave for vacation tomorrow for a week and am absolutely stressed out leaving my cats. One fat cat who hates other people (and the other cats) has to be boarded to get her daily asthma meds. She's going to absolutely flip and who knows what this stress is going to do to her. At least the vet can watch her. The other 2 will get daily visits from my relatives who will feed and change the litter box.

When you think about it, they all will have food, water, clean place to poop, so what am I stressing for? Their feelings? And every year I come home and they roll around for a minute or two and then head off to sleep. But I'm glad I'm not the only one who worries about the cats!!

I am moving to brisbane and have to put my cat on a plane tomorrow. So completely understand i wont see her for a mth been crying all day. Leave her with someonethat love her as all cats need is cuddles food and someone there. My cats flying for 5 hrs and i know she will meow all the way as hates traveling too but i have to move so have no choice. Asked vet for valium but said it was too dangerous, so i hope she will be ok as i love her more than anything in the

We used to give one of our anxious cats 1/2 a Xanax a day with no problem.

If vet still believes this is too dangerous, we once flew a two-legged 5-hr flight with an adopted cat and gave him 1/4 of a tablet of children’s Benadryl just before the trip. Obviously discuss with your vet first, but the Benadryl route should be harmless to the kitty and make her drowsy.

I think, for longer absences, it is best to find someine to stay in the house full time, to offer support, affection, oversight, cleaning and feeding, grooming, play, attention. This is a particularly good solution for anxious or unwell cats.