Board or pet sitter for our kitty while we're at WDW? Help!!

[Simba's Mom]

Please help us decide whether to board our kitty or have someone come in to feed him when we go to WDW. We've always done the latter. However, we moved a month ago and our 2 other cats have both run away, one permanently, one keeps coming and going for days at a time. This is our youngest kitty that's left, and the only one we've never let out, and with the track record around here, we'll NEVER let him out. This is where my new idea of boarding comes in-it seems the only way to guarantee he'll stay safe and in the house while we're away. Want to enjoy my vacation, knowing my baby (Hey, he's my substitue grandchild) is safe. But I'm sure he'd be happier staying in his own home. Safety? Happiness? I called a local kennel today, and they seem real nice and have a good reputation with people who've used them. And they do tours on a drop-in basis, so I'll go over and at least check it out tomorrow. But I'm so worried he might be miserable in a strange "cage". You cat lovers-did your cat survive the "trauma" of being boarded? What should I do?

 

[Robinrs]

I never board my cats, they are very territorial and need their surroundings to be the same more than they need US! I have come close to doing it many times but never had the heart to!

I have moved a lot also and know what it does to them. It literally traumatizes them! But moves are more important and more permanent than a vacation, so I substitute ME with my sister.

For some WEIRD reason, all animals have never been able to tell the difference between us, I suspect we have the same scent???? This has been all of our lives! Thank goodness because all of my cats, even the shy ones, love her!

I hope you find your lost baby and you find a way that you can be comfortable leaving this one with!

 

[Beauty]

Hummm I have 8 cats that are all indoor only and we get someone to check on them each and every day while we are gone on vacation. That being said the person who checks on them is a close family friends and he knows that NONE of them go outside and he is very careful and caring with them.

Do you have someone that you trust like that??? If you do I would think someone kitty-sitting would be more stress free on your baby.

If you don't trust anyone like that then I would say to put your baby in the kennel for safe keeping.

Good luck.

We are leaving for Las Vegas for 2 weeks the first week of June and even though I know they will be well cared for I'm still going to miss my babies something horrible.

 

[Grog]

You might want to check with your vet and see if they can recommend someone that can come by and feed your cat. We've never had to go that route, but I do know that our vet has a small list of people who do this, and all of them have references.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We have our neighbor girl come in once a day and feed the cats (17 and 1), plus scoop the box, bring in the mail, and feed the fish. Normally we leave our dog with my parents but they are going with us this time, so she's coming over several extra times to walk and play with him. She's done this before and probably walks him twice as much as we do! She's 13. Our own DD#1 who is 12 did the same for their rabbits when they were gone for a week. Kids that age, if you have one you can trust, are great for that job because they love animals and love to make a little extra money. You would just have to explain very carefully and forcefully that they cannot let the cat out and must be very careful coming and going out of doors!
The plus side to the kennel would be if your kitty got ill they could take care of it--I always leave a note that whoever is watching the pets is authorized to get veterinary care for them if needed.
Robin M.

 

[chager]

We have a vet tech come in and feed/water the cats when we are gone. She charges either $25 or $30 a day (I can't remember which) She also gives our oldest her meds and monitors her conditon. All our cats are indoor cats. Our middle cat would never survive in a cage. She freaks out if she is confined. (makes me wonder what happened to her before we adopted her ) Due to the oldest having many medical issues we don't want to stress her any. The youngest has never been caged so I can't say how she would react. It works out well too because she brings in the mail and can just generally keep an eye on the house while we are gone. Last time she cleaned the litter box out 2x a day. She is excited about the Litter robot we have now. She will only have to pull the bag out every other day. Really easy.

Only you know your cat's temperment. I have seen cats do well being boarded. It all depends on the cat. Like I said my middle one would freak. She can't stand being detained anywhere. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[catsrule]

My nephew comes over and feeds them and stays over night a few nights. They hate going anywhere (vet). . They hate when we go on vacation also.

 

[kadaten]

We used to have friends come over and feed our 2, but now that we're down to one kitty that does not like to be left alone, we board her. We worried the first time since the trip to the vet has always been stressful for her, but when we got back, we picked up a normal, loving kitty, rather than coming home to a somewhat freaked out kitty. The once per day that the neighbors came over just wasn't enough for her and she really was going out of her little mind any time we were away. Our other kitty who died in December never minded being alone when she was an only cat, but this one certainly does!

So, I guess I'm telling you to judge by your kitty's temperment

 

[airhead]

...at my house this time. I usually board my dogs,but this time my brother and his family will be staying at my house for the 2 weeks I'm gone. I live near the ocean,so it will be like a vacation for them!

 

[poohtown]

i understand your pain. I hate boarding my dog but I feel it's for the best. She is strong both physically and tempermant (she's very excited and jumpy) and I would be uncomfortable the whole vacation wondering if she got away from the sitter. I feel bad putting her in the kennel but i'd feel worse if she was lost.

 

[Maleficent13]

JMO, but you sound like me. I think for YOUR peace of mind, boarding sounds like the way to go. If you leave him at home, you'll be worried daily that he's escaped, which will put a big worry over your vacation. Better to know he's safe! I've done both in the past, and mine was fine with the boarding.

Good luck!