Comments on: Kitty Home Alone

Question: Kitty Home Alone

elder18 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:48:07 -0800

How do I keep my kitten comfortable when I'm on vacation?

My wife and I are going on a road trip for 5 days. We have a 3 1/2 month old kitten. We have people who are going to feed her, play with her, etc., while we are gone, but what else can we do so she's not so lonely?

We thought of boarding her, but we think she'd be more comfortable at home in a familiar setting. Thanks!

By: ShadePlant

ShadePlant — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:50:47 -0800

Leave her some t-shirts or other items you have slept in so they smell like you.

By: countingaugust

countingaugust — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:55:27 -0800

we often leave classical music playing softly; it's supposed to be calming for the cat.

By: vickyverky

vickyverky — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:55:34 -0800

Leave a radio on, preferably a talk radio station, at low volume. For some reason, my cats found this reassuring -- the hum of human voices seems to be calming if there isn't an actual person around all day.

By: birdherder

birdherder — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:07:33 -0800

I used to worry about that but realize that in reality the kitten is probably enjoying some of the peace and quiet without the humans around. Just make sure kitty is well fed and her litter box is clean and everything will be ok.

By: LolaGeek

LolaGeek — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:16:00 -0800

Seconding leaving the radio on (low) for her. Also, make sure the people who come to take care of her are really going to play for a while, not just dump some food and leave (unless she's very shy and won't come out for strangers in the house, in which case having them stay around would probably be more stressful to her). I've cat-sat for young kittens before, and always hung out for at least an hour to play, pet, and snuggle.

By: BlooPen

BlooPen — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:09:13 -0800

Mine is/was always happy to have a favorite sweatshirt or something of mine to sit on and sniff while I'm away. She'll probably just nap a lot and be happy to see you when you get home.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:35:14 -0800

We put timers on our lights so our kitties wouldn't be in complete darkness all the time at night.

By: Jason and Laszlo

Jason and Laszlo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:53:29 -0800

I sort of "hid" some treats and catnip toys in high (but not dangerous) places where kitty might find them by accident or if exploring on a boring day. (I bet kitty found them all in the first hour I was gone).

By: dlugoczaj

dlugoczaj — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:59:21 -0800

We put timers on our lights so our kitties wouldn't be in complete darkness all the time at night.

Does this really matter, or is it anthropomorphizing?

(For the record, it's my husband who says that cats are perfectly equipped--and happy--to be in the dark and me who wants to leave lights on for them, so I'm not trying to be a snot.)