Topic: D day tomorrow - Gonna miss my babies :( (Read 7687 times)

jessica · « **Reply #44 on:** January 12, 2012, 14:12:30 PM »

I would say use a pet sitter. There are plenty out there and offer some great prices.
I use a website called tendea.co.uk. Gives you a load of results and people offering their services

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #43 on:** June 20, 2011, 13:05:53 PM »

I'm sure they'll be fine. I always worry when I leave my boys (not done so for a few years) but invariably I suffer more than they do!

Incidentally, something that's always concerned me about sitters - what happens if the sitter is ill and can't do visits?

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #42 on:** June 18, 2011, 12:59:41 PM »

Have a great time Simon, they'll be just fine I promise

JackSpratt · « **Reply #41 on:** June 18, 2011, 09:36:23 AM »

Lovely photos.

I know what you mean, I dread leaving my brood when I go anywhere.

maryas · « **Reply #40 on:** June 17, 2011, 21:46:53 PM »

Testing the camera out?????????????? You've been testing it every minute since you got Archie

Lovely close ups

Si, you need to enjoy your holiday - they will, loads of temptations and a lady giving them attention for 2 weeks, they will have the time of their lives. Does she have a camera phone? She could send you the odd pic of them 'Not Missing You'

Hope you both have a wonderful time.

Mary

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #39 on:** June 17, 2011, 21:14:10 PM »

They are gorgeous and have a good holiday

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #38 on:** June 16, 2011, 05:51:00 AM »

Not long to go now Simon

They'll both be absolutely fine, just don't forget to bring them back a pressie

I'm just back from my hols, I left my sister and hubby in charge of the boys and left out daily charts for them to tick when each care aspect has been accomplished ie feed, water, treats, scoop trays, playtime, headcount on leaving the house and repeat again at night. I also left an A4 page of user instructions on how to to care for them, a copy of my will which details what should happen to the boys if anything happens to me and another A4 sheet of paper (with very small typing

) detailing the boys history/personalities/likes/dislikes and what I want to happen to them etc etc

They were both alive and well on my return, I also got picture message text updates while I was away

Shiroi-Neko · « **Reply #37 on:** June 15, 2011, 23:44:28 PM »

Go and enjoy your Holidays!

Fire Fox · « **Reply #36 on:** June 15, 2011, 22:08:25 PM »

Archie won't forget you as your scent will all over your home, Ella is there to 'reminisce' with AND it's only two weeks. Even if he did (which he won't) he would then experience the joy of realising how lucky he is all over again!!

Hope you have a relaxing holiday.

Bryony84 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 12, 2011, 21:17:13 PM »

I had this same problem a few years ago when I first went on holiday after getting my girls. At the time I went with the cattery as it was the mum used and came recommended. I regretted it in the end as although the cattery was great and the owners were lovely I felt terrible walking away and leaving them somewhere unfamiliar and cried all the way home and a lot during the holiday. When I got back I decided I would prefer to use a cat sitter in future and after some investigation found a lovely local lady.

She came round to meet me and the cats, had loads of paperwork/police checks etc. She took their microchip and insurance details in case anything happened and was incredibly thorough. I have used her several times since and she's always been wonderful. She writes a little diary of each day she comes in and sends me text updates if I'm away for a while. I think you've made the right choice. I feel so much more comfortable leaving the girls in a familiar environment with plenty of space etc.

Judecat (Paula) · « **Reply #34 on:** June 11, 2011, 00:53:48 AM »

Quote from: Ella & Archie on June 11, 2011, 00:19:56 AM

I think I am going to be crying for most of the holiday somehow.

I think, for what it is worth, that you have agonised over this enough, have made the best possible decision for Ella and Archie. You are going to get text updates ect, and you should just relax and go for the holiday and try to enjoy yourself as much as possible.

The kitties will probably suprise you and be perfectly happy. Not to mention make you suffer guilt when you get home and exhort loads of treats, just because they can. Mine do it every time, and they adore June next door.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #33 on:** June 11, 2011, 00:28:06 AM »

I am sure that Archie wont forget you, I mean you are leaving his home for a couple of weeks and then he has to supervise your re-entry

shirleyp01 · « **Reply #32 on:** May 10, 2011, 09:32:19 AM »

I am so pleased you have made a decision that suits you all , enjoy your holiday and they will be fine

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #31 on:** May 08, 2011, 18:44:40 PM »

I reckon you've made the right decision,. they'll both be fine so just enjoy your holiday

Jiskefet · « **Reply #30 on:** May 08, 2011, 17:28:04 PM »

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 08, 2011, 15:28:01 PM

Jiskafet, I so wished you lived near me.

Well, cats do miss their slaves, so most of them are only too happy to have someone fill the vacancy and give them some fuss. And of course, they smell a number of different cats on my skin and clothes, so they instantly know me for a cat person.
For a very timid cat, I will sometimes spray just a little feliway on my hands or clothes, or spray some in hte house, to help them relax a bit more.

CuteCats · « **Reply #29 on:** May 08, 2011, 15:42:57 PM »

Quote from: Ella n' Archie on May 08, 2011, 13:06:10 PM

Well after much soul searching we met with a registered cat sitter today and felt really comfortable with her, so Ella and Archie will be staying at home during our holiday.

I still feel awful about going but I know Ella would find the change awful, would hate being in a pen and with Archie being so young, there would be no respite for her from his constant livewire attitude!

Eeek I hope she remembers us when we get back!!

They tend to snub you a bit after holidays! Got to punish you.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #28 on:** May 08, 2011, 15:28:01 PM »

Quote from: Edd on May 08, 2011, 13:10:40 PM

That is good - especially for Ella who has had so much change recently - bless her.

Out of interest are you going to keep them indoors whilst the cat sitter is looking after Ella and Archie?

I was wondering this too?

Jiskafet, I so wished you lived near me.

Jiskefet · « **Reply #27 on:** May 08, 2011, 13:56:49 PM »

Have Ella aand Archie met the sitter, too?
I always make a point of meeting the cats, and giving them some fuss if they like that.
And if not, I will just sit down and leisurtely talk to them while looking away just a bit with half-closed eyes. Seems to work every time. It is so funny, I sit for very shy cats, and the owners will tell me I will not see much of them, and most of them will be snuggling up my leg or kissing my hands....

madamcat (Edd) · « **Reply #26 on:** May 08, 2011, 13:10:40 PM »

That is good - especially for Ella who has had so much change recently - bless her.

Out of interest are you going to keep them indoors whilst the cat sitter is looking after Ella and Archie?

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #25 on:** April 28, 2011, 11:02:01 AM »

Not trying to dissuade you from a sitter, but it's just occurred to me that maybe it might be good to get Archie used to a cattery whilst he's small? Kittens tend to be very adaptable. I also remember the first time I put Jaffa and Mosi in a cattery together. I was a bit hesitant to have them in the same kennel as Mosi mithered Jaffa no end at home (Mosi was just coming up to 1 at the time). So I actually booked 2 kennels and asked the staff to put them together for some time each day and see how they got on. When I returned the staff said they'd left them together all the time as they got on well, cuddled up together and that Jaffa was less nervous in general when he had Mosi with them. It really seemed to improve their relationship as they were on neutral territory. Just a thought.

Helen M · « **Reply #24 on:** April 27, 2011, 17:24:29 PM »

As a cattery owner, all cats are different and some adapt to staying in a cattery better than others and some never will. It is always a good idea to firstly visit a number of catteries not just to see the accomodation but to see how the cats there appear and to see what the owner/staff are like. In additon a trial run can also be a good idea so that you can find out how or not your cat settles in. Any good cattery will tell you honestly how your cat behaves and if they settle in and will let you ring up and will update you.
As well as allowing you to bring things from home to help them settle in.
It is your peace of mind for your cat's welfare that is important which ever method you choose.

Jiskefet · « **Reply #23 on:** April 27, 2011, 16:48:49 PM »

I am a sitter myself, for the Dordrecht Cat Care Society, and I love cat sitting.
Most cats, even the shy ones, really take to me. If a cat is only interested in fresh food, I just clean the litter, wash the bowls and refill them, while talking to the lord or lady of the manor. But if a cat shows any kind of interest or affecttion, or seems lonely, I will stay for a while (sometimes quite a while), to talk to them and cuddle them.

I have several regulars, who recognise me the moment I come in, and will greet me like an old friend.
My own cats have several part-time slaves.Usually, one of my neighbours will take care of them, but my cleaning lady always kind of hopes they will be on holiday, too, so she can step in. She loves my cats to bits, and they graciously accept the adoration.

So I'd prefer a sitter any day.

The only time I took a cat to a cattery was when Tosca was injured and wearing a collar. She needed special attention, so she had to stay in a pen, anyway, and being a feral cat, no-one can handle her but us. So I took her to a cattery, the owner of which also resocialises stray and feral cats and kittens. She was the only person I knew I dared trust with Tosca.

CuteCats · « **Reply #22 on:** April 27, 2011, 15:58:02 PM »

Quote from: shirleyp01 on April 27, 2011, 09:58:04 AM

This is always a difficult one, we always left the girls in their own home but we did have a very good neighbour, who looked after them while we were away and they did not have to change their routine.
Unfortunately our neighbour has now moved but I wouldnt trust them with anyone else, we dont have family nearby.
We dont get a holiday anymore but I dont mind, we just go out for days when we have holidays.
Some people may not agree with this, but it is what suits us.

We generally have days out instead of holidays too. If one of us wants a short break however, there's always at least one of us at home. Happier for us and the cats this way.

tab · « **Reply #21 on:** April 27, 2011, 10:06:23 AM »

My friend Pat now looks after Amber as shes already in the tower block so doesnt need a security key from me. When Mogs was around though I always used a cattery as Mogs was on meds and I didnt feel it was fair to ask a friend to be responsible for that. Amber is also on meds but as they can be put in food and she loves Pat its fine. That said if Pat couldnt look after Amber I would happily put her in the cattery and know that she would be fine

love
Tab

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #20 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:59:38 AM »

Quote from: maryas on April 27, 2011, 09:46:12 AM

............... I bet one of your neighbours would have seen to them for youo with all the cat lovers you are surrounded with.

Good point Mary. Get in with the neighbours as quick as you can. Even if you can't set something up for this holiday, there's always next time.....

shirleyp01 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:58:04 AM »

This is always a difficult one, we always left the girls in their own home but we did have a very good neighbour, who looked after them while we were away and they did not have to change their routine.
Unfortunately our neighbour has now moved but I wouldnt trust them with anyone else, we dont have family nearby.
We dont get a holiday anymore but I dont mind, we just go out for days when we have holidays.
Some people may not agree with this, but it is what suits us.

maryas · « **Reply #18 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:46:12 AM »

Cat sitter, especially as Ella has just lost Effie. I think they are better in their own surroundings even if you are not there.

I always worry when on holiday and I know I'm being stupid cos my friend Joyce who only lives 7 doors away comes and sits with Bonnie and plays with her about 3 times a day and gives her Dreamies and pleanty of food and water. Even puts the central heating on for her.

It's a pity you've not lived there longer cos I bet one of your neighbours would have seen to them for youo with all the cat lovers you are surrounded with.

Mary

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #17 on:** April 26, 2011, 22:18:50 PM »

I bet ya got cat sitters queuing up and fighting each other for the chance to look after the furry babes Lottie.............

Sorry peeps...........I can't help it...... I'm such a pushover for NFCs ....... if only I lived further up t'North

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2011, 22:05:02 PM »

I use a catsitter as mine can't go to catteries. The cat sitters I use are absolutely brilliant though, they always drop me texts whilst I'm away to let me know how the cats are doing and always look after the cats brilliantly plus they will water any houseplants you ask them to, move your post from behind the front door to wherever you want them to put it etc.

Mine had the mammoth task last year of looking after the adult cats and 2 litters of kittens (10 kittens in total) whilst I went down to London to a hospital appt (the first time I've ever had to go away when I've had kittens) and they did a fab job of looking after everyone and the kittens had absolutely loved having someone new to play with them. The fact I've got cats in different locations (ie last year I had stud boy outside, Minxy and her litter were in the kitten room and Boopy and her litter were in the kitchen) didn't faze them at all they just get me to leave a list of who is where and what the occupants of each location get fed and they sort it for me. I love my petsitters

blackcat · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2011, 21:43:46 PM »

I have always used a sitter whenever possible. It keeps the cats in their accustomed environment and allows them to be together in it. In a cattery they have to re-establish the dynamics that operate between them in a smaller space and that can lead to stress (not to mention all the new smells and routine). I have had live-in sitters so that they even have a body to curl up against at night. Apart from the financial benefits if you have a lot of animals, I feel it is better for the cats.

Having said that, I have also left my cats at catteries, and have found them in good health and mental condition on my return. I think it rather depends on the cat. If it is a highly strung cat, homesitting may be better. If it is a relaxed cat, as most of mine have been, then either is just fine.

lornab · « **Reply #14 on:** April 26, 2011, 20:45:53 PM »

Here's a suggestion for you, What about trying them with a short stay at the cattery as soon as possible before you go away properly, you don't even have to go anywhere but it would give you the opportunity for you to see how they react. I can't see it being a problem to sort out as most catteries are fairly quiet during school term time.
What you really need to avoid is dropping them off on the day of your departure and then being worried sick about them for the whole holiday. If it doesn't go well for a one or two nights stay then you will know you need a per sitter.

I am lucky enough to have relatives willing to sort out my menagerie when i'm away, the only time I used a Cattery (which was owned by my Hubby's best mate) the girls hated it.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #13 on:** April 26, 2011, 18:16:46 PM »

I always meet my cat-sitting clients before their owners go away (I try to pop in a couple of times just to get to know the cats a bit and for them to get to know me) I've sat for really nervous cats who their owners say will hide away when strangers come, but even on a first visit most cats come out of hiding (it helps to have a bag of cat nip toys, feather sticks etc - and treats of course

) and when I start the cat-sit even really nervous ones have been won over

by the first day. I do similar to Leanne's sitter, and give the owners a 'report', usually at the end of the cat-sit, with photos of the cats and a little write up about whats been happening.

I tend to stay a while, prob about an hour, and either play with the cats, have a little walk around the garden with them, or just sit with them on my lap, so they have a bit of company both ends of the day.

If I was ever to go away (ha!

) I'd want a cat-sitter to come in, I don't think I'd want to put mine in a cattery - I know catteries often have 'family' rooms, but not usually big enough for my 8 to be kept together I don't think.

Rosella moggy · « **Reply #12 on:** April 26, 2011, 17:19:30 PM »

I think Ella and Archie would opt for a pet sitter. Would also say they have to be kept in if Ella is that scared of other peeps.

I'm another "unlikely ever to have another holiday" as we have 7 and it's just too much work and stress trying to figure out how best to play it for 7....

CuteCats · « **Reply #11 on:** April 26, 2011, 17:00:19 PM »

I don't have holidays any more, but used to use catteries. I don't think our cats are settled either with a sitter or at a cattery, but could depend on the cats in question. I went for the cattery because I felt the cats were safer there. Didn't trusts relatives to sit as I think the cats would have escaped and they're uneasy with strangers.

Leanne · « **Reply #10 on:** April 26, 2011, 11:28:32 AM »

Cat sitter for us.

We holiday at least once a year for 10-14 nights, we also have 2 trips a year to see my MIL in Devon for 3 nights each time, and then there are the odd visits to friends over night. Anytime we leave the house overnight we use our cat sitter Katie.

We are incredibly luckily, we've been using Katie for 4 years now, when I first found her on line, she came round and we had a chat, checked out her references etc, the biggest thing was Jess took to Katie straight away. This was really strange as at the time he was a shy boy who wouldn't go near strange people who came into the house, but he went straight to Katie and sat with her.

For us leaving the fur kids with someone who loves them and adores them as much as we do is a big plus point, also we have to trust Katie to come into our home. (Katie has also brought Jess back presents from her holiday, and brought both boys Christmas presents)

The first time we left Jess for 17 nights was when he started to get cystitis on our return and I still believe this was the catalyst to his blocked bladder 4 months later. Since then I've found leaving the boys really really hard, I get myself in such a strew over it for days before we actually go.

For me I wouldn't use a cattery, our boys are mainly indoor cats so when we're away its no different for them during the day. Katie comes in twice a day, feeds them, changes the litter trays, takes them for walks if the weather is nice and makes a fuss of them. She always texts me when shes been in with an update no matter where in the world we are.

I always leave Katie reams of notes and details she must think I'm a mad woman.

We've had an occasion recently where Katie couldn't sit for us so my Sister and Dad did a visit each but I found it quite stressful and wouldn't ask them again unless we were desperate.

We're very lucky to have an amazing cat sitter who adores our boys as much as we do. Once we get back from being away they'll always sit in the window and watch for her car for hours, to me that says it all.

Oh are we usually pay her £10 a visit so it adds a fair amount onto our holiday costs.

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #9 on:** April 26, 2011, 10:58:24 AM »

I actually prefer a cattery because although it's obviously stressful for a cat to go to a strange place with strange people, a good cattery will go out of their way to help the cat settle in and will allow lots of personal things from home so that there are familiar scents. I've always thought that a sitter would be bad for Jaffa because if a stranger came into his home he's run and hide and I would be more concerned about the long term effects of him feeling frightened in his own home than the effects of him being frightened in a cattery. I'd be worried it would cause behaviour such as weeing outside the tray due to stress and that he'd continue to feel stressed after the sitter had gone and I had returned. Plus it would be difficult for a sitter to make sure he ate his meals as he would probably refuse to eat anything whilst the sitter was there (he'd probably hide under the bed) and then there's be no way of knowing if he'd eaten if afterwards or whether Mosi had. Plus if he hid it would be hard for a sitter to make sure he was ok. Then there'd be the worry that a sitter would accidentally let them out. I know a good sitter would be on their guard for that, but unless you know a particular cat well it's hard to predict how they will behave when you ope that door to step inside.

Jaffa is a nervous cat but the cattery I use have always been very good with him and slowly brought him out of his shell. Last time I went to collect him, a member of staff told me with a big smile on her face that that morning when she had given him a stroke, he'd started to purr. Even though I know Jaffa doesn't like going there, I know that they take good care of him and understand that he's frightened to begin with and interact with him accordingly.

Of course it's been a while since I've been away and if I have to leave them now I'd have to reassess my options and weigh up the alternatives (esp as Jaffa is no longer vaccinated annually), but a cattery isn't always the worst thing for them and at least you know they are safe and someone is keeping an eye on them all day.

tab · « **Reply #8 on:** April 26, 2011, 09:41:19 AM »

Ive used a cattery with no problems at all. I would visit and have a word with the cattery. It may be possible to do something like put them together during the day and separate but in view of each other at night so Ella gets some rest.
love
Tab

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #7 on:** April 25, 2011, 19:40:32 PM »

If you go for a sitter I would keep the cats in while you are away. Too many cats end up going missing, injured or dead when owners are away....mainly I feel because they go looking for their owners.

Angiew · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2011, 19:24:58 PM »

Never had mine in a cattery but catteries seem to do well and most cats cope. of course , there are good and bad catteries......

If you go down the house sitter option it must be someone who is trustworthy, so get references. We paid for a house sitter the last time we went away - cost more than the holiday but the cats were all happy and contented, house clean and tidy and even a fresh loaf of bread in the kitchen when we got back!

poor Portia's (RIP) owner has been trying to set up a cleaning business in Coventry and expanding into the pet minding

so if you go down the home sitter route references are a must.

That helped a lot!

Miroslav · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2011, 19:13:23 PM »

I'd go for a sitter and preferably someone you know and trust or a professional.

Only ever went away once when mine were kittens and the bloke I trusted, fed the cats, changed the litter etc, but stole from me

so now would only allow someone I really trust or a professional with good reviews.

When my flatmate used to go away for a week, Chubby refused to speak to her for hours after she came home and Chubby spent alot of time with flatmate. I was here the week she was away, but it made no difference. A few strokes on the head and some treats and she was anybodies again though

I don't like catteries as they are taken away from their home which they know, so it's double trouble for them as you are going away and they are being taken away from their home.

Author Topic: D day tomorrow - Gonna miss my babies :( (Read 7687 times)