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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Leaving 8 week old kitten

24 replies

Favouritefruits · 15/10/2024 09:51

I’ve just adopted two of the loveliest kittens, one is blind and only had one eye the other is tiny only 8 weeks but didn’t have a mum so needed to be in a family home to receive the care she needs rather than a cage at the sanctuary.

I’ve only had them since Sunday and just had news a relative has died and the funeral is in Edinburgh on Tuesday which means me getting the train on Monday and coming back Wednesday. I’m absolutely distraught at the thought of leaving them. My niece said she’ll stay for a few hours during the day and sleep at night but as she had work that’s the best she can do. I’m so worried about leaving them. A cattery won’t take them because the youngest hadn’t had both her injections.

what i’m try to understand us will they be ok? I can’t sleep worrying over them !

OP posts:

helpfulperson · 15/10/2024 10:13

Could you get a catsitter to come in for a bit around when your niece can be there? Or any friends who would sit for a couple of hours? They really need someone there most of the time.

helpfulperson · 15/10/2024 10:14

If necessary could the Sanctuary take them during the day? Sorry for the double post.

musicalfrog · 15/10/2024 10:15

Get someone to house sit.
Pay them if you need to.

espressomartinii · 15/10/2024 10:25

They may get a bit lonely but they will be ok, as long as you have someone coming to feed them and spend a bit of time with them everyday. Sounds like you have your niece doing this anyway. They also have each other to play with. It's only 2 days, they will be ok.

AlwaysGinPlease · 15/10/2024 10:27

If you can't get them properly cared for whilst you are away, you shouldn't go. Simple.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 15/10/2024 10:49

I'm afraid I definitely wouldn't leave new kittens (especially one who is blind) for that long with just someone coming in for a few hours to visit. Kittens of that age need both regular feeding and keeping an eye on them so they don't get into trouble.
In your position I'd get a house sitter or not go.

Beamur · 15/10/2024 10:53

Contact the place you got them from for advice.
They .might ok your plan or suggest they take them back for a couple of days.

yorktown · 15/10/2024 10:58

Sorry for your loss and what a difficult situation to be in.
Can you afford a catsitter (or even more than one catsitter) who can come in and fill more of the hours?
Do they need specialist care and is your niece ok with doing that?
Can you go for less time - an early train Tuesday or late back on Tuesday?

Your kittens are adorable.

CocoapuffPuff · 15/10/2024 10:59

I'm really sorry for your loss, but I'd not leave kittens that age alone for any length of time. A few hours at most, and they still get themselves into the most ridiculous scrapes (we had 3 at once, cos we're softies and couldn't leave one behind at the rescue centre). If you don't know anyone who can actually move into your place for a couple of days and be there most of the time, can you go to one of the "trusted petsitter" type companies. They're all insured and pre-vetted etc. They might be able to help at short notice. Your vet might be able to recommend someone too.

Plump82 · 15/10/2024 11:03

When I think about what my cats got up to when we first brought them home at 12 weeks, I'd never leave them at 8. They get into EVERYTHING. Even places and things you hadn't even considered might need cat proofed. Someone really needs to be with them all the time.

Original poster

Favouritefruits · 15/10/2024 11:17

I’ve tried to get a cat sitter but none seem to stay over just come and visit twice a day, anyone got any contacts I’m in the north west.

OP posts:

Julianne65 · 15/10/2024 11:17

My friend adopted two kittens and is getting married soon. They are both still quite small and the rescue agreed to take them back for the two days she will be away getting married. When they go on honeymoon her DH's mother is coming to stay at their home to look after them. Might be worth asking the rescue since this is not something that could be planned in advance. They might agree to have someone look after them for you. My condolences to you.

Solent123 · 15/10/2024 11:21

Do they get on okay? if they've known each other for less than a couple of weeks then I wouldn't do this but you could get a large dog crate with bed/toys/food/litter tray and leave them in that for when your niece is out of the house so they can't hurt themselves.

ChaoticCrumble · 15/10/2024 11:23

Unless there is a relative you particularly need to support, I think it's ok to not always be able to go to a funeral. Obviously opinions will vary! But you have two living beings to worry about.

Cailleach1 · 15/10/2024 11:27

Failing a dog crate, which I think would be safest as they wouldn’t be able to access anything dangerous, would putting them in the bathroom when your niece isn’t there be an option.
With their litter tray and water bowl/ kibbles. Nothing else on the floor, and the toilet lid taped down. That way there are no cables to chew, or things to fall over.

sashh · 15/10/2024 13:07

Try cats protection, I once fostered a couple because their human was in a refuge. I have known local volunteers attend to give medication to a cat. Obviously offer a donation.

Next contact local vets, a vet nurse might be willing to pet sit

Contact them place they came from.

Original poster

Favouritefruits · 15/10/2024 15:57

Thank you, I think I’m feeling very emotional with the loss and I just want what’s best for the kittens. What annoys me the most is is I planned not to go on holiday for a least a year, i never even thought of this happening. My niece will be gone three hours both afternoons so I’m trying to rack my brain for a teenage I know who I could pay just to sit with them. If worst comes to worst I won’t go.

OP posts:

helpfulperson · 15/10/2024 16:06

Have you asked a car sitter if they could come in for an hour during that three hours? So kittens are only alone for an hour at a time.

AnotherCrazyCatLady · 15/10/2024 16:28

I am so sorry for your loss. 💐

FWIW, I agree with those above that unless they can be looked after (in essence) full-time, it would be better not to go. They are too small.

bluegreygreen · 15/10/2024 16:55

If it really is just for 3 hours on each of the 2 afternoons a play pen/dog crate with everything they need might be the safest thing to do?

coffeesaveslives · 15/10/2024 18:40

I would cat-proof a room and leave them in there for the three hours a day your niece is gone. At that age, they shouldn't have free-roam anyway so I can't see an issue with leaving them in one room? We did that overnight for kittens with no problems so I'm not sure why it would be a problem during the day.

DeliciousApples · 15/10/2024 19:21

Sorry for your loss.

Can you fly up and back in one day? Maybe relatives could meet you at the airport?

Ragamuffin8 · 15/10/2024 21:48

Have you tried getting a cat sitter from Cat in a Flat or one of the other sites? you can pick someone with reviews that can ideally stay with them?

Or ask if any nurses at your local vet cat sit?

Good luck, they’re adorable :)

MaidOfAle · 16/10/2024 01:02

sashh · 15/10/2024 13:07

Try cats protection, I once fostered a couple because their human was in a refuge. I have known local volunteers attend to give medication to a cat. Obviously offer a donation.

Next contact local vets, a vet nurse might be willing to pet sit

Contact them place they came from.

Sadly, Cats Protection Lifeline fostering is only available for DV victims in refuge.

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