AboutNorman Auspitz Expertise I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
Question We are moving from the UK to France this summer. In addition, we will go to the States for 6-8 weeks while we are “homeless”. We have a one year old male neutered Siamese cat “Tiki” which is a much loved member of our family. Because of the length of time I am of course concerned about finding the best care for him while we are away. I considered taking him with me but the two long flights and the fact that we will be staying at a home that already has 2 cats and 2 dogs makes me feel this would be too stressful for Tiki. Since we do not have a home, home care is not an option. Two months in a cattery also seems cruel. He is very attached to me and very socialble. What is the best option? And will he remember me after 2 months?
Answer Renee,
I would find a very nice boarding kennel close by in the UK. I say the UK, because, if anything happens and the move does not happen, you have to consider the quarantine. He will do fine in a nice facility for two months. Once you move and bring Tiki to your new home, he will readjust to the new digs and probably be fine with you after a couple of weeks of reacquaintance. If he does not remember you immediately, it will all come back!
I agree with you that uprooting him to a home with soe many pets for a couple of months and bringing him back will be more traumatic. Ctas do not like change, so the best option is the option that provides the least amount of stress.
Please check out any facility you will leave him with and make sure, besides the normal feeding and litter pan service, he will get some individual human attention a couple of times a day. I would be leary of veterinary facilities since they may not have a separate area for boarders away from the cats who are ill!
