I’m going on a 10-day holiday next week, and my cat (my first pet that isn’t from my family) is staying at my parents’ place. I’ve never been away from him for more than one night in the two years I’ve had him. We do everything together – coffee dates, shopping trips, walks, and weekend getaways. He’s a rescue and has had three previous owners, so I’m worried about him feeling left out. My parents say they’ll look after him at their house. He loves them but prefers being with me (he cries and meows to get to me). He’ll have the company of their dog, whom he also loves, but I’m just so worried he’ll think I’ve abandoned him. Will he be okay?
He’ll probably be fine. Cats are a bit independent and can surprise you with how they handle things. Give it time, and he’ll adjust.
He’s with familiar people and in a familiar setting, so he should be okay. Cats don’t deal well with too much change, so he’d be more anxious if he went with you somewhere new. He might miss you but will be alright in the end.
@Dru
Leave a couple of shirts you’ve worn so he can smell you. It might help him feel a bit more comfortable.
Jai said:
@Dru
Leave a couple of shirts you’ve worn so he can smell you. It might help him feel a bit more comfortable.
Should I call her?
He’ll be fine as long as your parents give him plenty of attention and keep him fed and watered as usual.
He might act a bit off at first, but when you come back, he’ll probably just be like ‘hey, what’s up?’ and won’t be too fussed about it.
Cats are pretty independent. He’ll get over it in a few days, but he might be a bit mad at you when you come back. Be ready with extra cuddles and treats!
Keep him away from any keyboards so he can’t invite his cat friends over. Gus’ parents went to Paris and he threw a party while they were away. Just a heads-up.
The cats I had didn’t really care if I was gone, but one of them was super attached. Four days away meant two days of silent treatment, and two weeks meant a five-day ignore phase. Then she switched back to 100% ‘I own you’ mode. She didn’t stop eating or grooming herself; she just punished me the way cats do.
Go on your holiday and try not to worry too much. Enjoy your time away and come back refreshed.