[champ]

I have 6 cats. I’ve had them for 6 years. My apartment is on ground level and I took out 3 flaps of a shutter for them to have access to the outdoors. I live next to a park and all has been well with them. I rarely have friends over and when someone other than myself enters the apartment, most of them run to get outside or hide. I feed them dry food in 2 bowls that are always full for them to go to if they are hungry and also give them a can of cat food a day (2 when I could afford it) at night when I return home from work. I want to go on a vacation for about a week and am wondering how I should deal with this situation. Can I just leave them a lot of dry food :?: What will happen when they don’t see me? I’ve seen them everyday since they were born. Also, friends who I would trust to feed them a can and not use my apartment, thusly possibly scaring them, live far away, and make this not practical. I may be able to find someone who lives closer by :?: If so advised. Do I have to/can I prepare them for not seeing me :?:
Thanks for your help.

 

[drjean]

Ideally, find someone to stay there while you're gone. If there's a consistent presence, the cats will get used to them in a day or two. There are petsitters that do this. Or have a petsitter just come once a day to check on them, give them fresh water, make sure they have food, etc. They really must be monitored at least once a day. You absolutely cannot leave unattended them for a week; that's illegal under animal neglect and abandonment laws, not to mention dumb!

Most pet-sitters will want to come over and meet the cats first; but close the window so they'll all be there!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[sashywashy]

Id have to go with the Doc here. when my parents leave walter and come down to visit me here, they have my grandpa and grandma come down to the house twice a day to attend to the dog and the cat. But he doesnt just feed them and hit the road, he usually makes dinner at my house for himself and my grandma so he can be there with him for a few hours, so the cat can at least have some attention. cats are very independent animals, but not that indpendent. find someone to sit for them, even if you have to hire someone. good luck!

 

[champ]

thanks

thanks