I'm going on two back-to-back trips over two weeks soon. I'm worried about how it will affect my relationship with my cat when I get back

553 Views 4 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Cal's Mom, 7 d ago

AaronZC

Discussion Starter · 15 d ago

Hi everyone. Hopefully this is the right section of the forum. I'm looking for advice on what to expect and preventative measures regarding my cat's relationship with me following my time away.

I'm a relatively new cat owner. My girlfriend and I live in an apartment together with our 14-month-old female ragdoll who we've had for almost a year now. This is my first cat.

The cat is very used to our company as someone has been home with her the majority of the time ever since we've gotten her. However, on Sunday my girlfriend and I will be going away for 5 days and will be taking the cat to stay with a trusted family friend for that time. I'll only be back for one day before I have to leave again for a week. My girlfriend will not be coming on the second trip though and will be able to care for the cat as usual.

My anxiety comes from the fact that I've heard that being away from your cat for long periods of time can cause them to feel resentment / estranged from you when you get back. In my case, not only will I be gone for about two weeks, but for 5 of those days the cat will have neither of us around, in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar person, only to have me come back for one day, and leave again. I can only imagine how confused this will make her.

What level of estrangement do you think this may cause my cat to feel from me when I'm finally back? Can this be a long-term thing, or am I likely to be able to repair my relationship with my cat quickly? Is there a chance that she will never feel the same towards me afterwards? What can I do to prevent this happening? And lastly, any advice on leaving your cat with someone else for several days is appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance

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catsinthegarden

· #2 · 13 d ago

It depends on your kitty's personality. Some cats will "punish" you by ignoring you for a while. Most of my cats would become very clingy after I got home.... following me around, wanting a lot of lap time, etc. I doubt there will be any permanent change in the way she feels about you, though she may become anxious at the sight of a suitcase! Give her lots of love and attention once you're home and she should get over being away from you.

Be sure to send her favorite things (bed, blanket, toys, etc.) along with her when she goes to her caregiver. Also, a piece of clothing that you've worn (and not laundered) so she will have the comfort of something that smells like you.

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lynncat

· #3 · 13 d ago

AaronZC said:
Hi everyone. Hopefully this is the right section of the forum. I'm looking for advice on what to expect and preventative measures regarding my cat's relationship with me following my time away.

I'm a relatively new cat owner. My girlfriend and I live in an apartment together with our 14-month-old female ragdoll who we've had for almost a year now. This is my first cat.

The cat is very used to our company as someone has been home with her the majority of the time ever since we've gotten her. However, on Sunday my girlfriend and I will be going away for 5 days and will be taking the cat to stay with a trusted family friend for that time. I'll only be back for one day before I have to leave again for a week. My girlfriend will not be coming on the second trip though and will be able to care for the cat as usual.

My anxiety comes from the fact that I've heard that being away from your cat for long periods of time can cause them to feel resentment / estranged from you when you get back. In my case, not only will I be gone for about two weeks, but for 5 of those days the cat will have neither of us around, in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar person, only to have me come back for one day, and leave again. I can only imagine how confused this will make her.

What level of estrangement do you think this may cause my cat to feel from me when I'm finally back? Can this be a long-term thing, or am I likely to be able to repair my relationship with my cat quickly? Is there a chance that she will never feel the same towards me afterwards? What can I do to prevent this happening? And lastly, any advice on leaving your cat with someone else for several days is appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance

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lynncat

· #4 · 13 d ago

I travel a lot for work and there were times I had to leave my cats with family or pet sitters. My cats adjust very well to change because I have had to move so often and travel for work. I just make sure a radio is playing and they have food , water , toys and someone checking on them. I have a pet camera so I would talk to them and give them treats through the camera. They will remember you and still love you !

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Cal's Mom

· #5 · 7 d ago

I have a ragamuffin - close cousin to ragdolls.

We've gone on a few vacations where we leave him in the house and have a pet sitter come for about 2 hours at a time to give him love, check on the litter robot, feed him, play with him, give him wet food, etc. The longest stretch of time we've ever done this is (gulp) 9 days. We have Apple Blink cameras in the house to monitor him and make sure he's ok. We can also talk to him through the cameras. Mostly, we see that he is sad. Just kind of mopes around until the sitter comes by.

When we return, he's shy at first...then wants to play, get pets, chin scratches, everything. Within a day, he's returned to his usual tagalong self.

I don't think you are leaving for very long, and you are letting him stay with people. Ragdolls are social cats. Your cat will enjoy being with people. My guess is that when you return, he will be fine and probably give you more attention than usual

We can't be home all the time for our pets. It's okay to let them get used to that, because they thing they will learn is that you will eventually return.

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