cattery or home :/ ?

[chocdonutyy]

I have three moggys aged about 4, 3 and 1yr old. Indoor only and get on well most of the time, no major fights or anything :)
For the past few years they have gone to a cattery if I go away, but have left them at home if i've gone away for just the one night so they are used to being alone, and obviously when I'm at work .
I just wondering about leaving them this time as it is costly for all three plus they have to stay 3 nights as I can't pick them up after a certain time. (the flat feels weird without them!) I worry about them being cooped up together in a small cage for 3 days plus ollie always seems to lose a bit of weight as I don't think he eats much when he's away (He's a bit odd anyway lol)
Any advice?

[Justusemyname]

You can't leave them alone for two nights so find somewhere where they will be happy.

[shaska]

I'd either ask a neighbour or friend to pop in and feed them or invest in some auto feeders depending how long you're actually gone for. I've done two nights with auto feeders and my two before, but it was an evening departure and morning return so only really one proper day alone. They were totally fine, would do it again.

[Pippidoeswhatshewants]

Find a better cattery!

This is a good guide as to whether to leave your cats at home or not
www.longcroftcathotel.co.uk/choosing-the-right-holiday-care-for-your-cat/

[Fluffycloudland77]

You've got to have someone check on them every 24hrs according to the RSPCA, afaik it's not enshrined in law but they have the power to cause you a lot of trouble if you don't.

I wouldn't risk it at all though, id be too worried about the fridge catching fire or a break in to do it.

We use a very good cattery. All the cats look very happy there. Apart from mine who looks like his worlds ended and will probably flick his poo everywhere in protest.

[BlueKarou]

Contrary to everyone else on this thread; if I was going away for 2 nights I would leave my 3 cats in my house.

I also have 3 cats, but they're a bit older than yours; between 5 and 7 years old. Two don't get on very well, but both like the third, so I wouldn't want them all three together in a cattery cage, and I wouldn't want to split them so one was on her own. Also, two out of the three get very stressed when travelling.

They'd be left with more than enough food and water (all three eat dry food so it's easy to leave plenty out) and have a cat flap to the garden where they're happy to go. I have no doubt that this is better for them than being stressed out in a cattery.

You know your cats the best - weigh up the options, you'll work out what's best for them.

[shaska]

blue if mine were outside-going I'd be more flexible about leaving them too, though would still use auto feeders. The main issue for mine is trays because no matter how many I leave they'll use clean ones first, so after about 36 hours even four trays all start to be deemed unsuitable and then we get 'accidents'. Also being indoors is a more lonely thing for them I think - less to do, more potential for curiosity-related problems.

[f1fan2001]

Look online for a cat sitter who can call in and feed them and empty the trays for you once or twice a day. You can also find ones that will spend time playing with your pets.

[kinkytoes]

Don't leave them alone all that time. Have you got a friend or relative who can pop in twice a day to see them?

Alternatively if you did use a cattery could you ask someone to pick them up for you just before you return home so you don't get that empty house feeling (I totally get you on that score!)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Ours is in the cattery till Tuesday morning, I'm unbelievably miserable without him.

Seriously considering going to bed.

[HazleNutt]

I've had tons of cats and none of them have ever liked travelling and had always got very stressed in new places. But would probably not even notice if we were gone for a few days. So would definitely leave them home. Could you ask a friend or neighbour to drop in to check up on the cats?