Should we take the cat with us into rented accommodation?

[KatyMac]

It's only for 3 weeks; thee will be people in the house everyday so she won't be by herself

She is quite timid and straight after we go away so she will be in the cattery for another 2 weeks

It all seems like too much change

So it would be 3 weeks in a rented house, then 2 in a cattery?

Will you be the 'people' in the house everyday when you rent?

yep - it's not ideal is it?
Well I will - DH will be in the rented

I've always had cats who were OK if they were where I was - so I guess I'd try to minimize separation. Which means the rental and then the cattery I suppose. Other people may have had different experiences.

She is definitely DH's cat (much to his disgust )

So I think it's the only option

DH is not keen

What precisely isn't he keen on, KatyMac - and why?

Running around in the dark if she gets out & lost (which I kind of understand)

I don't think you should let her out in a new place if you are only there for three weeks. It's not long enough for her to feel that it is home and she might go astray. I think she would prefer to be near you but it's best to keep her indoors.

How much would it cost for the cattery for 5 weeks and would they do you a deal?

The cattery prb would do a deal - but I'm not sure I could

We wouldn't intend to let her out, but........

She is a litter cat & she rarely chooses outside (apart from yesterday when she went out the front door - which she never normally does - & wee'd in the plant pot on the doorstep: stupid cat)

I'd personally keep her in for the duration and go for the rented. However, the price of that is constant vigilance and if you think you might genuinely not be able to do that, you'd perhaps best identify a good and caring cattery to avoid having her go missing.

Having said which, I would try my utmost to avoid 5 whole weeks in a cattery, however good, for a timid cat.

Your call, I'm afraid.

I would also avoid 5 weeks in a cattery. Yes, do take her with you, I would.

I know
My instinct is to take her - but DH is scared of the possible 'loss' situation

Speaking from experience (as a very experienced cat rescuer), I would recommend the cattery for 5 weeks. A timid cat is more likely to settle there (they hunker down and just get on with it, IYSWIM) rather than 3 weeks in a strange house, 2 weeks in a cattery and then a new house.

Plus, you'll know exactly where the cat is, won't be stressing about her getting out and won't have to take her into rented accommodation.

I know, but DH & DD are now fixated with taking her

But at least it is only 3 weeks rented, 2 weeks cattery & home (no new house)

She is an oriental & very people orientated iyswim

But I understand your concerns (& probably agree with them)

She spent yesterday evening on DD's bed then slept over night with DH (I'm away)

She ate this morning and went in the litter tray

The fact she is at the cottage is keeping DH there "to keep her company" rather than at the house where the building work is; so that is good

If he wasnt there he'd get the sulk.

Probably

Or she would wipe her bum on his pillow

She is still eating & (so far) she hs left us no messes

Day 3 and she has been for several walks on a harness & lead; but tbh she would rather sleep on the bed next to the heater

Well to be honest, I'd rather be sleeping next to the heater than walking outside in the cold!

Sounds as if she's doing OK. I based my thoughts on my own boys so if she's an oriental, it's equally likely she's going to prefer being with her people to a cattery. I know she'll still have to do two weeks there but my personal view was that that will be better than 5 given how she relates to you all.

Good luck with her. You're going to get the most ferocious sulk when you get her back from the cattery so you better be prepared for that.

Me too - it was SO cold yesterday

Still eating & using the litter tray - so I think she is OK