Hi, just wondering what's your thoughts on cat care whilst away? I'm going away for 2 nights so been looking into catteries or someone who comes into my home a few times a day to take care and check on my Bengal, what does everyone else do? She is 7 months old and used to me leaving her for work etc, but this is the first time I'm having to leave her :(

Cattery.

For me I wasn't happy with the idea of them being alone at all for more than a working day ( give or take a few hours ) not least because of what they might decide to do to my apartment if they got bored/the chance of them doing something to hurt themselves.

Note that's a short stay in a cattery, so she probably won't settle that well, but a short stay now might be good for her later when she needs to stay longer. I did intend to put mine in a cattery a few times as kittens to get them used to being away from me/in strange, cat-filled surroundings, but never got round to doing it.

Personally I would use a house sitter/visitor.

I would never put my cat into a cattery as they can get extremely stressed and then get ill.

They are much happier in their own environment.

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Oscar and Jasper (or one ear and two ears as dh calls them) black rescue mogges

RIP my sweet baby Dexter, Snow Bengal 19/5/14 to 5/3/15 and my lovely dear old friend Muskey, Brown Burmese put to rest aged 15 on 14/11/15.

Debbie

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The little monsters 3

I personally wouldn’t use a cattery for such a short stay. If you were gone for 5 days or more, then yes, that could be a more suitable option, but not for 2 nights. She will feel unsettled and will feel much more comfortable at home. It would be ideal if a friend could stay over at your house for the 2 nights, or 1 night even. But at the very least if she is able to come in a few times each day to feed her and give her a good hour of play, that should be fine.

I've boarded Raiden for a week before, but only because I was terrified he would escape when my pet sitter came and left through the front door. Raiden is an escape artist, big time! And who wants a message from your pet sitter that the cat got out -- she can't find him as he won't come to her and she has other pets she has to deal with and you are 900 miles away and helpless? I guess it depends on whether your kitty will be fine with a pet sitter! Most will come over prior and get to know the kitty, which will help a lot. I have left a cat alone for two to three days with a feeder and water reservoir that held a lot of food and water, and put out an extra litter box or two. But then, that cat was not a bengal and she slept 20 hours a day! If you can get someone to come in a couple of times a day and to stay and play with your kitty -- not just feed and leave -- it might work out okay for just a couple of days.

I have planned for my mum to come in twice a day to feed and play with her, she is used to my mum and loves her so I really do believe this is my best option! I'm really not keen on putting her into a cattery if I'm honest. I'm hoping my sister will also pop in for some playtime with her for me too. I often work nights so she has got used to me not being there overnight. I'm away from Friday lunch to Sunday early evening I'm going to really miss her!

Having family come over that she's used to is the BEST idea! I know you will miss her but I'm sure your mum and sister will be in touch to keep you posted.