Advice needed on leaving cat during holidays

[sirmione]

Our lovely rescue cat had her first vaccinations in January & vet told me she’d need boosters annually. Just been back to vet & was told she should have had boosters one month after initial vaccinations & that if we put her in cattery over Easter as planned - she risks getting sick from other cats. Very annoyed about this. Never had a cat before so don’t know score about these things. ANYWAY would appreciate a bit of advice on the following. For background she’s 8-9 months old, sociable, loves going out but tends to stay in the garden, pops in & out all day. Never goes to the toilet outside, will hold it until she comes in. She once stayed out all night when it was v v cold - but strolled in at 7am the next day like it was no big deal (lots of fur).
Option 1 - she stays in the house for two weeks. Cat person comes in once or twice a day to feed/change litter. Feel this is mean as she loves to be out.
Option 2 - I set up tiny oil tank room attached to garage with a bed, food & water. It’s not heated & a bit stinky. Someone would come in once a day to feed. Would prefer to not have litter tray as will STINK. She would have access to outside via small window. No access to house at all.
I am in rented and unfortunately can’t do a cat flap.
TIA

[thecatneuterer]

Option 1. She would have been shut in in a cattery anyway. And cats prefer to stay at home rather than go to catteries. It's not for ever. She'll be fine.

[sirmione]

ooh catneuterer!! while I’ve got your expertise is 3 weeks in the house a bit too much or does the same advice apply? we’re away 3 weeks in the summer (all arranged pre-cat appearing in our lives)

[thecatneuterer]

Probably the same advice applies. Although I suppose it depends on your experience with your cat feeder this time. And it would also depend on the cattery. If it's particularly lovely, with outdoor runs and such, then that would also be an option.

[PaperdollCartoon]

Try Trusted Housesitters.com - that’s what we did last holiday and it went very well. Cats can live their normal lives. Ours kept inside for two weeks would destroy the furniture.

[thecatneuterer]

Yes, depending on how dependable your cat is, the ideal scenario for Summer would be a cat sitter who could come in the morning feed and let out, and then come back in the evening to feed and let in.

[viccat]

Our charity does catsits for adopters and we specifically advice people to NOT allow the cats outdoors while they are away. The reason being that a cat with no one to come home to is more likely to go off and find somewhere else, and get lost. And it's also more risky if something happens outdoors.

Keeping her in for two weeks is absolutely fine and staying in her home is much nicer for her than going to a cattery anyway.

[sirmione]

Thanks for the responses, all very helpful. Feeling reassured sitter is the way to go & cat won’t be traumatised for life!