worried about going on holiday...

[ginge66]

Hi, I know exactly how your feeling last year I left my 3 cats for the first time to go on holiday for a week. My mom and dad came round daily to feed them and they had their usual 24hr access to the cat flap, unlike me who spent a lot of time phoning back to check on them they were absolutely fine. I have just come back from another week away and this time I didn't fret as much and again there were no problems, so I would agree with some of the others stick with their usual routine, try not to worry too much and enjoy your holiday.

[Bazsmum]

I would also keep them in...cats act very differently when there slaves are away! 

[Millys Mum]

I would either keep them in or book into a cattery in seperate pens if you think they wont be happy sharing. They are much more likely to wander off being alone so much and with a different routine, i would also worry if one was injured how long it would be before it was noticed and acted on, 12 hrs is a long time if you have been hit by a car 

[Kay and Penny]

I wouldn't keep them shut in - if you do, you will have the same worries next time round, which might be for longer than a week

if they are OK this time you will know what to do any future time you are away

[Janeyk]

A few years ago I was catsitting for my neighbour, cats were allowed to come and go as normal, but one of them went missing as their normal routine was different, i.e. still getting fed twice a day, but not by their owners etc.

She turned up a few days later and had been seen around by other neighbours, but it was such a worry.

If you could keep your two in, at least you would know they're safe, but I do see your reasons for maybe not doing this 

I agree with Clare, it would be too much of a worry - it's a worry leaving them anyway (although like Gill I never leave mine just have days out  ).  What I would try and do is get your sister to supervise them going out if poss then they aren't kept in all the time.

[Gillian Harvey]

If they know and like your sister there shouldnt be a problem as long as she gives them some attention...........lots  LOL.

I would let them come and go as normal personally cos the less change to their home the better.

I agree with Gill, the least change, the better, I'd let them come and go as they do now. They know your sister and from what you say, its likely she'll spend more time there anyway  I'm a cat sitter, and look after 4 cats, one of which often isnt in for a whole day (sometimes longer), and I do still worry, but this is what he does normally even when his owners are there. These 4 cats have outdoor access 24/7 so to shut them in for sometimes 10 days they would be climbing the walls. I'd rather have them happy coming and going as they please and its what their owners want too.

[clarenmax]

A few years ago I was catsitting for my neighbour, cats were allowed to come and go as normal, but one of them went missing as their normal routine was different, i.e. still getting fed twice a day, but not by their owners etc.

She turned up a few days later and had been seen around by other neighbours, but it was such a worry.

If you could keep your two in, at least you would know they're safe, but I do see your reasons for maybe not doing this 

[Dawn F]

mine come and go as they please but the garden is catproofed, not sure what I'd do if it wasn't 

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

If they know and like your sister there shouldnt be a problem as long as she gives them some attention...........lots  LOL.

I would let them come and go as normal personally cos the less change to their home the better.

I have never been on holiday since I had cats, only away over night occasionally.

[michelle_w]

I am due to go away 20th sept and I am worried about what to do with my 2 cats. I hate the thought of leaving them! When have been away for a night or 2 my sister has popped in twice a day to feed them and give them a fuss. But am worried about leaving them for a week. They have a cat flap so can come and go as they please. My sister will pop in twice a day and probely stay over our house atleast half of the time as she still lives at home with my dad and am sure will be glad to get away! I am just worried something will happen to one of them why I am away. What do other people do? If I lock the cat flap and keep them in for a week there will be havoc. When have kept them in the night before vets etc they just claw and the cat flap constantly. Jack is bigger than poppy and they are not the best of friends anymore so I worry about them being enclosed together for a week - another reason dont want to leave them in a cattery.

Will they get lonely and come looking for me if they continue to be able to go out? Sorry to sound soft but ive not left them before and know I will worry about them why I am away!