Anxiety about leaving cat for three weeks

[Orangelover]

We've got a holiday booked in January/Feb for three weeks. I've taken little cat to a cattery before and found one that he really loved. Proper cat lady runs it with only space for two to three cats but she is so attentive and genuinely spends loads of time playing with them and giving cuddles - something our needy boy adores.

He's been here a few times, but for our holiday in August she couldn't fit him in. I found another cattery which was more of a traditional cattery with a lovely lady that ran it. Nice and clean, nice big pen but I got the feeling that she wasn't quite as attentive with the cats. Our boy was so clingy for a week or so after coming home, and he looked so sad when we picked him up.

We've now booked to go away on a once in a lifetime holiday (not normally big travellers!) and first cattery that he likes is closed for the middle week of our holiday. I'm gutted because I feel like I would have felt comfortable to leave him there for three weeks because he seems so happy and content there. The other cattery where he went this summer can get him in but I really don't want him to be miserable for three weeks. It seems like such a long time.

OH thinks I am being mental and says he was fine there (he was really). He says as long as he's fed, warm and dry he's fine. Which I know is true but I'm so wimpy leaving him. We've tried leaving him at home before and he didn't seem keen on that either. Doesn't cope well with no one in the house for long periods. He doesn't like going out much so I worry it will be too boring for him.

I just feel really anxious at the thought of leaving him for so long. Does anyone else get like this? Am I insane?

I'm going away at Christmas, and my girls usual cattery is full. It's fabulous. And they love it. I've got them booked into the one my parents use for their cat. I'm sure it's fine, but I'm a anxious about it, For the same reasons.

My pair are genuinely one of the staff favourites, and they get loads of fuss. They post pictures on Facebook and WhatsApp me with videos.

I want to visit it but can't as my parents cat is currently there as they are away for a month and I don't want to upset him. I was hoping they would put him In the one I use as the pens are bigger, and this is the longest time they've left him. As I'm in loco parentis for him I have really missed the pictures and updates.

I also know they'll be fine, but I totally understand how you feel.

I totally understand how you will feel, no other catteries or cat hotels nearby?.

Could you not get a cat sitter? I have a lovely woman (works at a local vet) who comes in daily, feeds, gives meds, cuddles and chats. Cats are so attached to place.

Cats get really anxious when removed from their own environments. It’s always better to arrange for them to be cared for in their own homes.

Mine are fine in the cattery. They love watching the ducks and chickens. They do have a cat sitter. It I wouldn't leave them at home for more than 2 nights on their own.

Totally understand.

Nothing useful to add, but he will be ok.

We use a cat sitter. She comes to the house twice a day. She stays for a while to feed the cat, change the litter, checks everything is ok with the house and importantly gives the cat some play time. She sends photos to us each whilst we are away and leaves a report for when we get back. She is the first call I make when I know our holiday dates.

Oh I completely understand. We have a very needy boy too (and three bonkers girls). Could you get a cat sitter? Ours comes in twice a day, feeds them, plays with them, empties litter trays.

She really is wonderful. Absolutely adores cats. We had I think three meetings with her before she first looked after them.

We've never left our cats for longer than three nights though. So for a three week holiday, I'd worry that two x 1 hour visits a day wouldn't be enough company for them. Tbh, if I were in your shoes I just wouldn't go on the holiday. But I'm fully aware that that is completely mental 🤣

Do you not have anyone who can come over to your house and just let the cat in and out and feed it? Would probably be best and save a bit of money?

Thanks for the replies.

We've left him before and had family feed him but I just feel three weeks is a long time. And I know my mum gets anxious in case he goes out and doesn't come back when she gets here to feed him etc. It's a lot to put on family members for three weeks as well.

He's soooo needy - constant cuddles and affection when we're at home. I work shifts and it's not that often there isn't someone around for the large part of the day so he's not used to it. I have a feeling he'd wreck the house from lack of attention...

My parents live close but my mum is soooo allergic to cats so can't move in to look after him properly.

Im going to have a look at some more local catteries I think. See if I can find one that might suit him better. If the first one I take him to wasn't away I would be fine leaving him there because I know she gives him lots of loves

I am fully aware of how psycho I sound. No one in real life would even have this conversation with me including OH. It's a good job the litter tray understand I just love him so much...

Pic attached in return for advice

Such green eyes! Handsome!

Oh, wow, he's a beauty.

I couldn't leave my cats either for any length of time , using a cat sitter.

Its more fraught than leaving them at a cattery, tbh.

Google cat hotels as well.

I would get a live in cat sitter IIWY - not much more expensive than a cattery and at least your cat is in his own home and will have someone around a good chunk of the time.

You can also get a tracker collar if you are worried about him going wandering whilst you are away.

@Fluffycloudland77 the other cattery I use is basically a cat hotel that's why I like it. We were one of her first customers and her prices are so good. She wouldn't even let me tip her she just loves cats... I wish she was open.