Freedom or cuddles??

[Coroico97]

Would love some views please! During our two week holiday this summer we have two choices for our beloved cat.

Firstly, he could stay in the house he has been settled in for a year, with free access to big garden that he loves. A friend will visit daily to feed him and give him some love if he happens to be around. House will be free of pretty much all furniture as we will be moving when we get back from holiday. Will leave blankets and other bits of course but no beds or sofa to sit on. Landlord has let us move out essentially but allowed cat to stay as new tenants not moving in immediately. He has cat flap that works with his chip so there would be no unwelcome visitors. Essentially he would have access to great outdoors but no company or much familiar stuff. Would he go looking for another family without any familiarity left at the house?

Second option - he could stay with friends that know him well where he would have lots of attention but would not be able to be outside. And would be more than initial two weeks inside as we would then be moving so he would have to be inside for following two weeks in new house of course.

I really want to do the best thing for him. We have left him at home before with friend coming to feed him but never in an essentially empty house. Would he be happiest with freedom or company?!

[Toddlerteaplease]

I swore, I'd never put mine in a cattery. But now have to due to their health. My girls are indoor cats and used to have a cat sitter. I'm so much more relaxed with them in the cattery. And the one I picked is fantastic. So don't rule that option out.

[Coroico97]

Thank you. You are right - a cattery might be a good idea, it’s just that our cat is very nervy apart from with us. Jumps at his own shadow! Other cats would totally freak him out!

[Monkeysaymonkeydo]

I think leave him home with someone to feed him. If he's nervy with other people then being in a strange house with new people and not being able to get outside might be more stressful for him. I left my cat for 2 weeks with a cat sitter coming once a day. He was a bit sulky when I got home but I found out he'd popped to the neighbours for a few cuddles so he least got some loves too.

[Want2beme]

Hmm, tough one. I'd be inclined to leave him in the home that he's used to, rather than send him to your friends, but I'd also give the cattery idea some consideration. If you leave him at home, maybe you could leave something of yours with your scent on for him to cuddle up to and leave a radio on low for him to listen to. Will the cat flap be locked at night? It's best for him to stay in at nighttime. Enjoy your hols.

[EachandEveryone]

Mine love their posh cattery with outdoor access

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I’d look into a cat sitter. Mine is amazing and I’d never put him into a cattery when she can look after him (not that I could do that to him anyway).