posted 10-13-2003 02:07 PM         

I adopted a 3 year old cat (my first cat ever) who officially became mine about 3 months ago (although she more or less lived with me for a few months prior to that). We have developed such an an amazing bond with each other, and each day is a learning experience for the both of us as we better learn how to communicate with each other. We are the best of friends and it is so obvious how happy she is living here.

How could there be a problem in this paradise, you might ask? Well, it's my family who live a couple of thousand miles away from me. My brother just had a baby and there has been a lot of pressure on me to come for a visit, and it has actually been quite a while since I've been back (going on 2 years now). I do want to come for a visit, but I the thought of leaving my kitty in the hands of a stranger is something that just breaks my heart.

I can't take her with me (she would have to endure a long plane ride which I wouldn't subject her to) and I don't like the other options either - having a professional "cat-sitter" come in each day to care for her or bring her to a cat boarding place where she would stay for a week until I return home. Neither of those options feel right, and they would mean that she wouldn't be able to go outside for a week until I get back from my trip. She has never been inside for more that a day or two at a time, and this trip would be for a week or more. I just can't bring myself to do that to her. She is so attached to me, she doesn't like when I go out for even a few hours, and meows loudly (in a scolding way) when I return.

So I told my family that I can't come at this time. As much as I'd like to see everyone, and as much as I am in need of a fun vacation, I feel that my first responsibility right now is to my cat, who depends on me for everything. I know that she will be very upset and confused for the whole week while I am gone, and it would break my heart to do that to her. She has only been in my life for 6 months, and I have promised to always be there for her (unlike her former owner). As a result of all this, my family is mad at me now, especially my mom. They all think that I'm being unreasonable and should do whatever it takes to come see them and the new baby.

Have any of you ever gone through something like this? Do you think that I'm being silly about leaving my cat for a week? I would love to hear your comments, suggestions, or similar experiences that you may have gone through.

Thanks!

posted 10-13-2003 03:49 PM         

You're not being silly at all! I went through the same thing when i went on a weekend vacation without my babies! After that vacation, the others were a bit easier. I have used everything from professional home pet sitters, to boarding kennels. My preference is to keep them in the house. If you don't like the idea of a pet sitter coming to your house, whynot aska friend who is also a cat lover to house sit for you?

If you do choose to go with a home pet sitter, check their references, their qualifications, ask how much time they will spend with the animal, make sure they change their water and litter every day, etc. Meet with several so you can make an informed decision. Also ask your local vet if they can refer you to someone they know and trust.

posted 10-14-2003 03:40 PM         

A friend of mines cat pood/peed all over her side of the bed when she returned home from a 3 week work trip.