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Hey Karen!
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My cat sylvester is 16+. He seems very healthy and active for a cat of that age. He's very attached to us and his daily routine follows mine. Wakes up with me, follows me to the bathroom, then the to kitchen, sits on my books when I study and doesn't go back to sleep till I'm in bed.
I plan on travelling soon for a month or so ... and will be leaving him with my dad. Is there anyway to ensure that he will be alright for the next month? Some way to keep him comfortable? He waits at the door if I go out for a few hours!!
Hi Michelle,
Your picture brightened my morning. The first few days will be rough on him. He will miss you and might get a little stressed out. Get some Feliway spray and have your Dad use this. It mimics a cats' happy pheromones and helps to relieve stress. Before you go exercise and get sweaty in some sweats or tees. Bag a couple without washing and have your dad put one out for him once a week in his cat bed, (if he has one). The shirts will trap your smells and comfort him. Make sure he has his favorite toys and bed. Have your Dad play with him. Get him a laser pointer. It will good for the both of them.
Tell your Dad to watch out for him trying to make a run for it at when he opens his door. Some cats have been known to try to get out and look for their human companions. You don't want a call from him saying your cat is lost. If your Dad goes out and Sylvester is left alone in the house either have a radio left on, (cats love country or classical), or leave the TV on. This helps to keep him calm. Have your Dad feed him some special treats. Food does a lot to help keep cats calm. If I think of anything else I will add it for you later. Have a good trip. Be ready for when you get home. He will ignore you for the first week or so. It is just him saying he is pissed that you left him. He will return to normal. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks a lot Karen! Im going to try all of that! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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