Common Myths About Cats
Myth #2: Cats Can Be Left Alone for a Few Days at a Time and Will Take Care of Themselves
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Not true at all. This is a natural follow-up to the point above. If a guardian is going to be gone for more than 12 to 14 hours, someone else should be assigned, or hired, to look in on or take care of the cat. Cats who are left alone for long periods of time can get into all sorts of trouble, become depressed and even get sick. For example, a cat who develops a urinary tract infection can become critically ill in less than 24 hours.
Therefore, if you are even planning just a short weekend getaway, a petsitter or friend should be looking in on your cat. This person should plan to stay for a minimum of one hour so as to be able to observe the cat and make note of any behavioral abnormalities (ideally, it should be someone who knows the cat fairly well, the better to notice if something seems "different"). Of course, the petsitter should be provided with contact information for the guardian, as well as the phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and copies of all pertinent medical records.
Therefore, if you are even planning just a short weekend getaway, a petsitter or friend should be looking in on your cat. This person should plan to stay for a minimum of one hour so as to be able to observe the cat and make note of any behavioral abnormalities (ideally, it should be someone who knows the cat fairly well, the better to notice if something seems "different"). Of course, the petsitter should be provided with contact information for the guardian, as well as the phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and copies of all pertinent medical records.
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