After a busy month of taking care of kitties, I would like to share a few tips with anyone who is considering leaving their cats at home and asking a professional or friend/family to come by with visits. I do believe that leaving your cat at home, in a familiar environment, is the least stressful option. However, as most cat owners are aware, the smallest change to a cat’s routine will surely cause them some “emotional discomfort”; which is why it is important to know your cat and her habits and make sure that your leave doesn’t disturb her routine entirely:
- try not to change temperature setting. I realize that it may seem wasteful to some, but lowering the temperature while you are away adds to the cats confusion and stress.
- Many owners ask if they should leave the TV or Radio on. I suggest to do so only if normally there is someone home most of the time, or if you can, program the stereo system or TV to turn on or off at certain times.
- Don’t leave the kitty in the dark! Use timers on lamps or ask the caregiver to turn lights on and off.
- Let the scent linger…leave some dirty laundry out for the kitty (preferably out of reach if he’s anything like Vasco 🙂
- Don’t clean their bedding just before you leave, and in general don’t introduce any new scents just before your departure.
- Similarly, don’t move any objects or furniture, wait with the remodel till you’re back from holidays.
- If you know that no matter what you do or don’t do the cat will still have a hard time dealing with your absence consider plugging in a pheromone diffuser, such as Feliway
- A cheaper alternative for anxious cats is Rescue Remedy It is a really good product that I’ve been using on Ilyich with great success.
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