Expert: Tina - 12/1/2007

Question
Thank you for taking the time to review my question. Here goes! My cat is VERY territorial, doesn't like anyone but my fiance and I. It is usually just us in the apartment. In the past, we have only been away from Moonie on vacation for 2 days max and left her alone with plent of water & food. She is 9 & 1/2 yrs old. We brought her home at 8 weeks. My fiance & I will be on vacation for our honeymoon for 8 days. I am so worried about Moonie. I have a friend who will check on her twice daily. Please help with advice as she is so scared of everyone but Lou & I. I was thinking about having my friend over a few times before our departure so she can hopefully get acquainted with the new human's scent. My friend is an animal lover as well as a very lovable guy, however, Moonie's world is me, Lou, and our home, no one else. We hardly have any visitors, my nephews & friends stop by but very rarely, we usually do the visiting. Please help. We leave in January. THANK YOU !!!!!! :)  

Answer
Hi Claudia,

Your idea of having the friend over a few times before you leave is perfect - it's best to change as few things during a trip, and meeting the petsitter with you present will reassure your kitty. When your friend comes over, don't have him or her pay too much attention to your cat, that tends to make them feel freaked out. Instead just have your friend come by for dinner or a casual visit and ignore your cat but hang around for a few hours. Hopefully, your cat may venture out while your friend is there and if she does, tell your friend to continue ignoring her. Your kitty doesn't need to adore your friend but she'll definitely feel reassured if she's smelled and seen her before in normal circumstances.

Cats do very well staying home during vacations, they are very territory oriented and going to a boarding facility or vet is a lot more stressful than staying home and having a stranger come twice a day.

In addition, you may want to leave behind a few clothing items that have been worn by you and your fiance, leave them on the bed or your cat's favorite sleeping spot, your familiar smell will reassure her. In addition, you may want to get some Feliway, a product sold in pet stores to help reduce territorial aggression and urination, but it also helps calm and reassure cats, as it mimics the pheremones given off when acts rub their cheeks on something... it comes as a spray you can spray on furniture and doorways or a plug-in diffuser. Start using it a week before you leave for best results.

Another reminder, leave a list of emergency contacts for your friend, including the vet's phone number and directions to the closest emergency clinic - just in case.

By the way, I recently read a book which I am recommending to everyone who wants to do the absolute best for their cats' health. It is "Your Cat: Simple New Secrets to a Longer, Stronger Life" by Elizabeth M. Hodgkins, DVM. It's the best $20 you'll spend towards your cat's health and longevity, especially regarding nutrition!

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Cat-Simple-Secrets-Stronger/dp/0312358016/ref=sr_1_1?...

Have a nice vacation and don't worry about your kitty, she'll be fine!