Special needs pets- working away

[CountryBumpkin12]

Hi all I’d be grateful for any advice. I have a very special needs cats, he can’t go to the toilet by himself (he has a catheter for peeing and sometimes can’t poop) following a car accident.

He’s happy as Larry and can still do back flips so it’s not a case of him having no quality of life, but it’s a huge commitment (5 times a day to take out the pee) and lots of leaking and the house is now gross.

I don’t begrudge it and am happy I have given him life (and super grateful to experimental vets)

However, I need to travel a lot with work now covid is here. Any advice for sitters? Id ideally like someone to live in but think it’s too much of an ask as it’s a bit of a stinky life now ha ha.

Is this too much to ask of someone? It’s causing me sleepless nights knowing I need to work but wanting to be able to not worry when I’m away.

I also have a blind cat who is fine but often missed the litter tray- what a life I lead!!

Any advice or similar situations?

Sorry now Covid restrictions are clear!!

Get a pet sitter. My husband is a pet sitter, his own business, mostly cats and he is totally dedicated to them. Treats them like his own.

Look around your area and always get one
Who is recommended. We have had a horrible one in the past.
My husband will do catheter things, administer tablets and give diabetic injections.
Once u find one u like it takes the pressure off. It's a lot of trust to give at the start but any good
Pet sitter will come and have a good chat free of charge before hand, and talk about the expectations.
My husband reports back every visit, even if it's just a few lines like princess well, every thing fine, or more detailed reports and sends pictures, if the family ask. Sometimes they will say don't message cos it makes them feel bad they are not there. Some families have cameras in their homes so they can check in whenever, which is fab while u are away.
But once u find someeone you will be so not stressed and the more u are away the more they will be used to ur pet sitter.
I actually need tp find my
Own pet sitter for this year now u have just reminded me again!!

Could you find a cattery that Is run by someone with veterinary knowledge. Mine is run by a vet. And id have happily taught the staff their do do any procedures if needed.

I think the issue you will have with a sitter is that many won't be able to commit to five visits a day. I say that as a cat sitter myself.

Even if I "lived in", my main income is from dog-walking and I'm out doing that for most of the day - in between pick ups and drop-offs, I just wouldn't have the time to commit to five visits each and every day.

I'm not normally a fan of catteries but I think in cases where your cat has special medical needs, they're a necessity really. You'll have staff on hand 24/7 and there'll always be someone available to sort his catheter, help him poo and clean up any mess.

The other option is to pay for vet boarding - so your cats go and stay at the cattery at the vet with 24/7 staffing and supervision.

Thank you so much for the replies! @crazeekat your husband sounds amazing, where is he based?

@fairylightsandwaxmelts I didn’t know vets offered that- is this a UK thing? This would be ideal, my other cats could stay at home and he goes to the vets- totally happy to pay for this to have the peace of mind! If you are UK based could you let me know how to find these?

I already feel better, thank you all

You'll need to speak to your vet practise - I know not all places offer it but maybe your local practise can recommend someone?

Somewhere like this:

www.amcvetlondon.co.uk/cattery/

Thank you so so much @fairylightsandwaxmelts he’s booked in at the vets and he’s having an overdue (routine) procedure whilst he’s there! My cat sitter will look after the others who only need the basics!

I can’t explain how much of a relief this is, thank you