"Cats can take care of themselves."

"Cats won't overeat."

"You can leave a cat alone for a weekend, it's not like it's a dog".

Which one of the above statements is untrue? If you guessed all of them, you win the prize. I used to think they were true. In fact, I would leave Puss alone for a weekend. She had plenty of food, plenty of water, and a litter box. What more did she need?

How about companionship? How about some playtime? How about medical attention if she got sick? I was lucky; Puss was always healthy and happy to see me when I got home. You may not be so lucky if you leave your cats alone when you travel. It's like playing Russian roulette: sure, 99% of the time your cat will be just fine, but could you ever forgive yourself if you came home to a dead cat?

What to do with Kitty

You have several options when you have to travel but you can't take kitty along:

• Have a neighbor, friend, or relative take care of kitty.
• Hire a pet sitter.
• Board kitty at the vet

No matter which you choose, you need to leave instructions:

• What food, how much, and when
• A number you can be reached at
• The number and address of your vet
• The number and address of an emergency vet
• What toys kitty enjoys
• Where all supplies are located (I find post-it notes work really well)
• What treats are okay, and how often and how much
• Location of carriers

If the person taking care of kitty isn't a professional, you also need to leave instructions on what signs indicate kitty is sick and should go to the vet:

• Refusing to eat for more than 24 hours
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting several times in one day
• Lethargy
• Trouble breathing
• Nothing in the litter box (pee or poop)

I don't actually recommend leaving your cat at the vet's. You may think it's the best option because they'll know what to do if kitty is sick. It's very traumatic for kitty to be taken away from her home, however, and she might be exposed to a virus at the vet's. Most vets do not have anyone on the premises at night, either.

I do recommend having someone come in twice a day. Cats — especially kittens and older cats — can get sick in a frighteningly small amount of time.

Make sure that whoever takes care of Kitty writes you a note every day. Even better, have the caretaker leave a message on your answering machine. Then you can call every day and find out how Kitty's doing. Or if the sitter has email and you'll have access to email, they can email you about Kitty every day.

Keeping Kitty Happy

Looking after Kitty is more than just making sure she has food, water, and a clean litter box. Make sure whoever is looking after Kitty knows that you expect them to play with Kitty, and pet Kitty — assuming, of course, that Kitty enjoys being petted.

There are a few things you can do, too, even though you're not there. Try leaving some towels you've used or some old sweatshirts around. You've probably noticed that Kitty loves to lay on your clothes. That's because they're saturated with your scent, and Kitty finds that comforting.

Some people record themselves, and have the sitter play the recording for Kitty. Then Kitty is comforted by the sound of your voice.

Take a moment each day, at the same time. Close your eyes and breath deeply. Picture Kitty doing the things she loves to do, eating, grooming, and just generally being happy. Send thoughts of love to Kitty. It's difficult to know if this really helps Kitty, but is sure can't hurt and will probably help you.

There's absolutely no reason why you can't enjoy some time away and come back to a happy, healthy cat. I have traveled many times in the almost eighteen years I've shared my life with cats. I was lucky in the beginning. Now I would never leave my cats alone, and I credit my pet sitter with saving my cat Cleo's life: she recognized that she was seriously ill and took her to the vet, even though she was unable to get in touch with me.

Happy traveling!

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