[Anja]

I have a five-year-old Bombay that has been with me for just over a year. Miss Patty doesn't scratch the furniture, doesn't miss the litterbox, doesn't turn her nose up at dry food and doesn't run away from my friends. She's so low-maitenance, it's scary.

So this is my problem: This cat has bonded to me and loves me so much that I hate to leave her. I travel at least three times a year for extended periods, and everyone I've left her with has commented on how much she misses me. Don't get me wrong--she eats and sleeps just fine, but when I come back she gets very needy and I feel terrible. I swear, I've had dogs that are more indifferent--this cat is on my lap whenever I'm sitting at home, and she'll crawl under the covers at night just to be close. Even if I sleep on my side, the cat will settle down on top of my hip bone!

I would understand more if I had her from a kitten, or if she'd been abused, but I got her socially well adjusted, happy, and playful. Does anyone know how I can encourage her independence without seeming to punish her? I love her closeness, I just don't want her to miss me so much when I'm gone.

Thanx for any advice,
Anja

PS..it's just me and Miss Patty here at home...boyfriends and friends come and go, but her well-being is completely my responsibility.

 

[Anja]

Thanx everyone for all your helpful advice...I'm considering very seriously all your good suggestions. Right now, I bought Miss Patty a panic mouse--you know, that toy which costs $25.00 and mimics a real human dangling a toy on a string? I couldn't believe I was going to such extremes, but when I set it up in the living room, she really went for it! So that does keep her pretty entertained when I'm at work...but if you buy one, get a battery charger as well!! Those AA's run out quick!

Yeah, Leopard....Bombays love play, laps and plenty of food! I didn't know my cat was one when I brought her back from the SPCA...she's listed as a black domestic short-hair. She's not pure-bred, but once I started reading about the Bombay personality, I knew that's what I had.
They're pretty hard to resist...and love that lush fur.