What can i expect from my cat while I am away for four months?
Hi,
I live with my very sweet 3, almost 4 year old cat. I adopted her when she was 2, and she is really attached to me. She is shy around other people, but when it is just me or my boyfriend around, she will sit really close and purr, perch herself in my lap, and sleep in my bed. I am planning on doing a study abroad program from mid january until the end of may. I will not be able to return home and visit her during that time. I plan to leave her at my aunt’s house, where she will be the only pet, as she is now. I was wondering how I can expect for her to behave both initially when i leave her at my aunt’s and when i get home, when i take her back to live with me again. Thanks!!
It is kind of difficult for me to bring my cat for a visit with my aunt prior to leaving her there, as i live about an hour away from her, and the trip requires a train ride. My kitty currently lives just with me, but at my aunt’s house she would have my aunt (who is really excited to have her), my uncle and my 16 year old cousin living with her. My boyfriend watched the cat while i was away over the summer for about 3 weeks, but he stayed at my house with her. I asked him how long it took for her to warm up to him, and he said about a week and a half, but she was in a familiar environment.
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Awww~
anyways, make sure you go to your aunts house a few times a week and introduce her to her many times. She will think she is a close person to you and feel way more comfortble.
However, its different with every cats, since your cat is shy except with you, She oviously feels more comfortable with you. so your cat might be a little distressed when left alone away from you. He will get used to it. some cats dont even eat or sleep!
but I bet your cat will be fine:) MAKE SURE TO VISIT YOUR AUNT A COUPLE OF TIMES WITH YOUR CAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!!!!
It’s going to be stressful for her, but cats can make the transition if the new ‘owner’ is calm and kind. She won’t forget you if that’s what you mean. I had lent one of my pets to my sister while she was away at school (living off campus) and after 4 years I got her back and she remembered me just fine. She loved being an only cat during that time.
Well it won’t be like a dog where they come running up to you. THere will probably be an adjustment period. My gf and I used to switch staying at each other’s places and would have to leave the cat at her place, and even if we were gone for like a day or two, he would be all grouchy and biting and extra playful. I read cats are "bored" when they are left alone– as long as your aunt plays with him it may not be so bad.
She’ll probably be naturally a little jittery at first in her new surroundings but as long as your aunt gives her a sense of security,kinda watches over her not to run off at first and a good source of food she’ll adjust and probably really take to your aunt.And she’ll definitely remeber you and be happy when you get back.Cats are smart and they don’t forget their buddy’s that treat them well.She’s gonna rub all up on you when you get back.Good luck on the study adventure.
She’ll be fine and healthy as long as someone who likes cats is looking after her. It took time for her to adjust to you and your boyfriend. She’ll probably do the same with your aunt and her family. She’ll hide at first, for a few weeks probably, then get lonely and curious and start bonding with them too.
Don’t worry too much especially if you trust the family. It will be fine while you have your experience of a lifetime.
I did a similar thing, and left my kitty with friends. She was so happy to be back with me when I came back, and cats are survivors-they’ll adapt to any environment, and thrive in a loving and attentive one.
Make sure you provide a credit card number with a vet and instructions as well, in case she gets into something she shouldn’t or gets really sick-it will make things easier for your aunt to make decisions on your behalf. And of course, stay in touch. So much easier these days with email etc!