to not know what's best for my cat?

[deadduck]

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.

[frostyfingers]

He'll be fine at home with regular visits. May be worth putting a radio on a timer so he's got some background chat going on every now and then.....

[deadduck]

Thanks all, I feel a lot better now reading through your experiences I will go with the bunny sitter, and trust that he'll be ok, and I'll probably aim for a ten day holiday instead. Having been majorly uprooted once before, I think it's best if he stays home. I have also potentially lined up a friend as a house sitter but he's still deciding if he's allergic to cats or not

[ComposHat]

Good idea frosty I do that when I go out for our cat. She likes Radio 4 Extra the best, lots of talking.

This might be a good idea if you've not got one already:

Pet fountain

So he always has a supply of running water when you are away. It just needs topping up every day or so.

[Meerkatwhiskers]

Keep him home. We've done both and although my 9 yo never minded the cattery she is a home girl so likes staying at home. She is glad to see us when we get home too. Unusually. We had stroppy cats too lol. Mind you she acts like she hasn't seen you for a week when she has been out the garden 20 mins lol

Oh and go for the 2 weeks. He won't mind

[AcheyFanny]

My Mum just left her three at home for 12 days with a friend going in twice a day. They were fine, she reckons they have no comprehension of time.....

We used a great local cattery a couple of times in the past but found our cats were a bit unforgiving and quiet for a while after.

[deadduck]

ComposHat, thanks for the pet fountain, that looks ace.

Radio 4 or TV sounds like a great plan, too.

[ComposHat]

That's okay, our cat went for the fountain in a big way. I managed to confuse her by moving the fountain this morning. She's not the sharpest tool god bless her.

I thought two years of radio 4 would have turned her into a feline genius, but alas not.

[ForalltheSaints]

My parents cat is fed twice a day by neighbours when they are away, and they reciprocate when required. Once a day is not enough in my view.

[HesterShaw]

God, this is such a dilemma isn't it :(

A cattery for two weeks is a long time. We have used them in the past for a weekend, but alas no more as our total bloody prima donna puss developed a "thing" about them and went on hunger strike and afterwards acted as though she had been maltreated - cowering, yowling, being sick on purpose etc.

She hates catteries. She loathes strangers. She would completely freak out if someone she doesn't know i.e. not me or DH came in to feed her. Stroking? No fucking way! So we have to take her to my parents or his - both 300 miles away - if we go on our holidays. Weekends away, she has to come with us.

She is 11 years old. How long do cats live, again?

[HesterShaw]

But yes, the radio is a good idea. A talky station.

[ComposHat]

If people cant get in more than once a day. An An automatic feeder might be a good idea.

[Lovethesea]

I agree home too. We did with ours for the first time last summer and they were fine with someone popping in twice a day.

I just remembered they sleep 18 hours a day so it passes quickly anyway!

[Bootycall]

what's all the Cattery judgyness?

mine go to a fantastic 'holiday home for cats' and come back as spoiled rotten. I also don't worry as I would with someone just popping in.

[mrsjay]

I love you have a bunny sitter I had my cat in a cattery once she hated it and was very stressed when she got home so we always got our neighbour to do it cat was an outdoorsy cat though but my neighbour or my aunt sometimes would feed her and pet her once or twice a day I think if you pay your bunny sitter to cat sit and come round to see your cat 1 or 2 times a day would be better for him imo

[deadduck]

hehe, Hester. Up to 20 years, I read..

[HesterShaw]

I'm not judging catteries. My bloody cat is. I would love if she didn't pine and go on hunger strike at a catterym it would make my life way easier.

[mrsjay]

that is how i felt hester but it just wasnt worth the hassle poor cat was just so stressful and because jaycat was an oudoor cat she couldnt obviously go for a wander, I am not judging catteries honestly the one i used was lovely

[whois]

Yes, wedding, with an outdoor cat...I always figure they've got lots of friends out there

Cars are territorial and solitary. They don't have friends 'out there'!

[LEMmingaround]

definately leave him home - get someone to pop in a couple of times a day and to make sure he is indoors of a night

[LEMmingaround]

whois - you clearly haven't read slimky malinki