Spike88
New Glasgow,Nova Scotia Canada
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I thank you for taking in these cats and worrying what to do with them i would not adopt any of them out as the others would miss them. i would go with the decision you made to have them in their own home, leave on a radio and heat. have a pic of each available in case on gets out let the vet know you will be away and give permission for medical care if neededespecially with the older one. As long as they have food, water and some human contact and each other they wiil be fine. i looked after a cat for a lady in the hospital for 6 weeks. I did what you said and the cat was fine when her mom came home. Dont feel guilty about leaving them. You are being responsible by not breaking them up and having some one look after them but be prepared to be snobbed at when you come home by the 3 of them. sorry for the posting errors as my 13 yr old cat is snuggling in my arms
Margie UPS~44
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Code2High
Ridgecrest, CA
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Joined: 12/21/2004
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Oh honestly, who turns people loose with keyboards? A housecat wouldn't go "feral" in two months living outside alone, and will certainly not do so living in its own house with someone coming over to take care of it. And no, cats are NOT pack animals. They do form relationships with one another, however, and those relationships can help them through times when their humans aren't available.
Your cats will be fine with your sister's care. If you feel they may be stressed, get a couple of Feliway diffusers (much cheaper via the interenet, Amazon has good deals or www.petsuppliesdelivered.com) and refills to cover the time you're going to be gone. Put them in the areas where the cats hang out most. This is kitty happy gas, and works really well in a lot of situations where there may be increased stress. I typically fire one up when I go on vacation for a couple of weeks and have done the same with my parents' cats. It just keeps them a little more relaxed.
* This post was
edited 11/15/09 12:33pm by Code2High *
susan
They didn't call her "Plain Gravy" for nothing.
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granite
ohio
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Thank you Code2high for your common sense, reasonable reply. Your answer is right on imho.
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Retired andLoveIt
Charles City, Ia
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I have been gone for up to two weeks in the past. My neighbor came in every two days to fee them and keep litter box clean. When I got home he told me that the only sign that he saw of them was in the litter box. He did a great job and I would ask him to do it again but he has been diagnosed with cancer with the future uncertain. He also just had both knees replaced so it is with quite a bit of effort for him to get to the basement to clean the litter boxes. I would gladly pay him to do it if he could.
I've had the older cat for at least 15 years and she was no kitten when she came to my house. She is showing her age and I am somewhat afraid that she will crawl in a corner and die. My sister is 76 years old and I don't know if she would be capable of finding her.
I do have a dilema and I hope I can comeup with a good answer in the next few weeks.
Randy & Dianne
2006 F-250 Lariat Superduty 6.0
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Having someone come by and spend time with them every other day is a pretty good plan. I guess what I am saying is I hope the caretaker likes cats and will spend some time petting, brushing, & interacting with the cats while you are away. It's very nice of your sister to help in this way. I know it will help make your home look lived in, too since she can turn off and on lights, etc. while she is there.
I am a bit unclear about what you mean by this Randy:
Quote: ........I will leave the heat at a reasonable temperature with the neighbors keeping a eye on the thermometer in the window.
......
Please keep in mind cats love to be warm. Actually in cooler conditions cats are more prone to developing respiratory infections. So if you plan to turn your thermostat down lower than it would be while you and your wife are home, I hope you will consider their comfort and not turn it down too low. Laying nice comfy blankets on your furniture will help them stay warm and keep their hair from forming layers on your couch, chair, bed, etc. You might want to consider closing off some of the rooms (including the vents in those rooms) so the cats are contained in a smaller area that would be easier & less costly to heat. That would help their caregiver be able to check on them because they would be easier to find, too.
Have a great trip!
* This post was
edited 11/15/09 06:00pm by CatandJim *
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
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Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, trust in those Who cherish you.
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Spike88
New Glasgow,Nova Scotia Canada
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great advice Cat
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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If someone is checking on them a couple of times a week, attending to their food, water and litter box, they will do just fine. You found them, took them in, and believe me they are much better off with someone checking on them a couple of times a week than dragging them along if you think it will be uncomfortable traveling with them.
We can't really ask our pets if they like traveling until we try. Just like we can't ask them if they would prefer staying home. It is up to us to make the decision and the pets learn to live with it.
Poppy cock to abandoning your pets. I think you are making a good decision and they will be happy to see you when you get back home.
Enjoy your trip!
1998 Nissan Pathfinder
2004 Shadow Cruiser 18ft.
Living and Boondocking Mexico
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Retired andLoveIt
Charles City, Ia
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I will put the thermometer in the window facing their property so that they will see if there is problem with the heat before it is too late. I'm thinking at least 60 degrees maybe 65. I will leave shades up enough so that they can lay in the sun during the day.
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Cats love sunny spots. 65 with the help of the sun shining in a few windows should work pretty well for your pets. 
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forty4san
Full Time, Some Place
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My sister leaves her 6 cats home all the time. Cat sitter checks on them. Be thankful you have a family member that will take care of them.
Susan I
2008 McKenzie Starwood 32 FKD TT
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03 Dodge 3500 Quad HO Diesel DRW 4:10 
Fulltiming, On the road somewhere.
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