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The litter tray

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Away for 3 nights at Christmas...AIBU to lock my cats in?

30 replies

Deargodletitgo · 12/10/2025 23:16

They are usually outdoor cats, although locked in overnight. Ideally I'd have a cat sitter who would stay over and make sure they were in and safe, but the person I usually use is unavailable. Neighbours could pop in and feed but the cats can be little tykes with coming in when called. Unfortunately one cat hates the cat flap so if need a door left open all day and potentially night if she wasn't home when then popped over.

Plan B is they would be locked in the house for 3 nights, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning and i get back Monday evening. Neighbours could pop over and feed them and change litter.

They would not be pleased, although given the cold one would probably be not too worried.

I should say I get anxious about them being out overnight as I have previously lost a cat to a night time road death, and one of these two has form for getting locked in houses and sheds (they wear trackers).

Am I cruel or does it seem like an ok compromise?

OP posts:
Deargodletitgo · 13/10/2025 09:21

AutumnCosy2025 · 13/10/2025 02:06

Personally think it's fine, but they might not? Bring them back a treat.

hood you enjoy gge markets, I love them! Thd atmosphere. Gluewein & food. Don't tend to buy much 'stuff' as rarely find anything you can't get here (just the odd 'memory' Christmas Decimation for myself)

I can't travel at the moment, so won't be going this year 😢

I've never been but since I have my children this year I thought let's do something special. Want to go Christmas things, history things and art galleries. Plus lots of yum food and drinks.

Hope you are back to travelling soon

OP posts:
Zov · 13/10/2025 10:07

Deargodletitgo · 12/10/2025 23:39

Luckily they have already agreed. They often go a away for a week or two and I pop over and feed their cat, although he's a lazy sod that doesn't venture far and poos in their bath!

Oh dear, little devil! 😆

Zov · 13/10/2025 10:09

The cat pooing in the bath reminds me of when we left the cat flap locked in error, and went out, and one of our cats had done a poo on the window ledge. The SMELL when we came into the lounge! 💩 😬

user1492757084 · 13/10/2025 10:25

Lock them in.
Double the litter trays.
Leave a food tray on a timer. (Or two)
Have two water bowls.
Cat beds in sunny places.
Shut some doors of rooms so that cats mostly have access to floors without carpet.
Often cats remain in small accommodation happily when at a cattery.

Three days is fine.
Let neighbour know in case of a fire.

Mumsgirls · 13/10/2025 23:11

I would sooner they were in, better be safe. I have a great cat sitter and my ex stray boy loves being in. One night in summer he sneaked out, got bitten and wound was hidden in long hair. Ended up with drip and treatment for infection.
Your cats will probably sleep and then sulk at you on rejturn

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