To a non-cat or even non-pet person, this may seem to be an irrelevant question. Many of you maybe think about it, but what do you do with your cat during the holidays?
Maybe it’s because Sophie and me have bonded so closely. I spend a lot of time at home, working. She’s right there to oversee everything. When the holidays roll around, I try to figure out what would be least stressful.
Some might say why bother. Put out some food, fill the water bowl, and they’ll be fine. Wrong. Cats, my cat, is a social creature. She craves human attention. And since I take being a pet owner seriously, I’m not going to do something that I feel is not in her best interest.
I’ll never forget returning from a weekend trip when my last cat was still alive. Poor thing was hoarse from all the crying she did.
Kennel her.
I’ve tried this. My logic was that she’d get plenty of attention. There would be lots to distract her. Even with the proper attention, she was stressed. Keeping a cat in a cage for more than a day or two is just not right, IMHO.
Take her with us.
Sophie travels well after she settles down. Unfortunately, with the small pick up that we have now, there is no room for a bed, a kennel, a litter box. Not an option.
Get a cat sitter.
This has been the single best thing I believe I’ve done for my Sophie. Her sitter comes once a day. She feeds her, plays with her, combs her. The sitter will also check the mail and water the plants. You can find a reliable sitter at the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters website. The cost is right in line with kenneling your pet too.
I’d strongly encourage this route over trusting the kid down the street. Sitters are bonded, so you can feel confident the pet and your home will be safe. You leave the impression that you’re still in town. The advantages are clear.
Holidays are stressful as it is. Be a responsible pet owner and work out your plan for what to do with your cat during the holidays. Photo by badlogik
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