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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not know what's best for my cat?

70 replies

deadduck · 13/01/2014 21:36

I've inherited a lovely 10 year old cat. Basically, he got kicked out of his old home by a friend of my DD, and she volunteered for him to come and live with us. He's been here for a few months, and we love him. He's perfect for us, especially because he's an indoor cat (I would not have any outdoor cats because of proximity to main road). I think he feels happy here despite us being out durning the day(apparently he got bullied by the other pets in his old home) and he likes us too. A lot. He sleeps with me every night and follows me round the house talking to me.
Here's my problem: I would like to go on summer holiday for a fortnight, abroad (I am from abroad, so it's a long-overdue family visit. I did think this through before (I thought) and planned for our lovely bunny sitter, who comes once a day, to feed and water him and chat to him. But now I'm not so sure any more. Is this enough? Would it be better twice a day? Is a cattery better (I am somewhat weary of that option). What do you do? I have no prior experience with cats, and don't think I could afford a house sitter I also never thought I'd get that attached.

OP posts:

kinkyfuckery · 13/01/2014 21:40

If he is social, which it sounds like he is, I'd not want someone to just pop in once a day. I'd take the cattery option.
My local cattery is £8 per night. I just factor the cost into my holiday budget.

WaffilyVersatile · 13/01/2014 21:40

personally I would think that what you had arranged would be fine! far less stressful than a cattery

Tulip26 · 13/01/2014 21:42

Get a recommendation for a cattery from a friend. He will have to be vaccinated with proof. I never use them, I get someone to come over, twice a day is plenty.

Be aware of open windows if you go away, mine got out of the first floor onto a sheer drop and didn't come back for two days. I was going mad with worry! Not like him at all so don't go through what I went through.

Joysmum · 13/01/2014 21:43

Get somebody to pop in twice a day. No way I'd subject mine to a catery.

Original poster

deadduck · 13/01/2014 21:44

See, this is my dilemma: To weigh up company at cattery (do they get that there) against staying in familiar territory alone! I just absolutely want to make the right choice, especially because he's been unrooted once before.

OP posts:

Charlesroi · 13/01/2014 21:44

I think it would be better to leave him in his lovely new home, if possible, as it's familiar.
Make sure there are a couple of water bowls (in case he kicks one over) around and get your sitter to check him twice a day. It probably won't cost much more than a cattery.
Be prepared for him to be very huffy when you get back

musicposy · 13/01/2014 21:49

Our cat got injured (not badly but an abscess on his paw) just a few days before we went on holiday. My parents always come in a couple of times a day but suddenly I was very worried about leaving him - was this enough?

We spoke to the vet (who'd given him long lasting antibiotics) and said what do we do? a) keep to planned arrangement b) take him with us c) cattery.

I thought b and c had the advantage of someone keeping a good eye on him. But vet said a. Said cats are far better on their own territory if you can possibly find a way to do that. So parents came in as planned and he was fine.

It's a tricky one but I'd go for familiarity over company.

Original poster

deadduck · 13/01/2014 21:52

Thanks musicposy, to hear that a vet recommends that is reassuring.

OP posts:

musicposy · 13/01/2014 21:53

Charlesroi lol to huffy! We always have to suffer a bit of tail waving and quite a lot of "who are you, IMPOSTERS, I've forgotten you even exist," until he can't keep it up any more and is all over us purring!

RandyRudolf · 13/01/2014 21:53

I think if you're lucky enough to have someone pop in a couple of times a day he will be fine.

Silvercatowner · 13/01/2014 21:54

My vet advised us to do the visiting person to the house thing rather than a cattery. Its what we've always done.

Original poster

deadduck · 13/01/2014 21:58

For those who lean towards leaving him home rather than cattery, do you think 14 days is too long? Should I opt for 10? I don't want to go at all anymore, pathetic

OP posts:

billyokey · 13/01/2014 22:00

I would say avoid the cattery if you can, especially since you say he was bullied by other pets in his last home - there might be mean cats there!

WeddingComingUp · 13/01/2014 22:01

We have an 'outdoor' cat who has a cat flap. When we go away a friend or family member comes over once a day to put food down. She can still come and go as she pleases through the cat flap.

I've always felt that this is better for her - her routine doesn't chance, she's in the same environment. Although I know she will be a bit lonely for a few days I feel this is better than the stress of moving her to a cattery where she'd be a lot more cooped up and have new people/noises etc.

oldgrandmama · 13/01/2014 22:03

I'm a crazy cat lady. Leave the cat at home, with someone coming in twice a day to feed, sort tray and cuddling the puss. Play with him too if there's time. He'll be much happier than in a cattery.

RandomMess · 13/01/2014 22:03

Keep him at home, perhaps someone from the family he came from could come visit as well as the bunny sitter?

Original poster

deadduck · 13/01/2014 22:05

Yes, wedding, with an outdoor cat...I always figure they've got lots of friends out there. Mine's an indoor one though, and the only company (other than the person who'll come visit twice a day) would be two indoor bunnies who he could stare at (they're in cages).

OP posts:

WeddingComingUp · 13/01/2014 22:06

We're going away for a fortnight this year which is the longest our cat will have been left. I've planned on asking my dad to pop in for a bit longer just on a couple of occasions. Even if he can just stay for a couple of hours, have a cup of tea and make a fuss of her whilst watching TV for a bit.

Knowing our luck the times he comes for a longer stay she'll be out and miss him completely!

WeddingComingUp · 13/01/2014 22:12

I don't think mine has any outdoor friends! She's a lovely animal to us but she seems to hate other cats and chases them out of the garden if she sees any!

It's what's put us off getting another cat as I don't think she'd take to it at all.

whois · 13/01/2014 22:15

Not catery! Get someone to pop in once or twice a day would be belter.

Original poster

deadduck · 13/01/2014 22:16

Random, the original plan was that they'd look after him, but it's my DD's BF (they're 18), and right now, it doesn't look as if they're going to last the duration. And I don't want to think what he'd do to my cat if my DD dumps him!

OP posts:

claraschu · 13/01/2014 22:22

We just took care of our new neighbours' indoor cat for 3 weeks (dropping in every day). The cat was always very glad to see us, and a bit lonely I am sure, but perfectly ok at the end of 3 weeks. Catteries are very stressful for cats.

WelshMaenad · 13/01/2014 22:30

Someone popping in will be fine, honestly. And you're my new favourite person, your concern for your new friend is adorable.

Dambusters · 13/01/2014 22:39

My cats a would prefer a visit or 2 a day that being in a cattery.

wobblyweebles · 13/01/2014 22:40

Maybe look for a house sitter?

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