Last December was the first time, in a long time, that we managed to have a family holiday. And last week we did it all over again! We packed our suitcases and headed off for some quality family time in the sun. That’s right, we had a holiday! As the holiday was getting closer everyone one had one question for me, ‘What do you do with your cats when you go away?’ Well, it’s simple really…there’s only one place I’d put them! The Great Catsby of course.
I closed up the day before and gave the building a good clean after the last guests had left. I took my 3 girls, Lola, Trixie, and Nala down to the cat hotel. As they’re housecats, they each go down in a carrier. I would hate to lose one on the walk down the garden. Luckily my parents were on hand and they came to look after them.
Why I wouldn’t leave my cats in the house alone
There are several reasons why I couldn’t let my parents or a pet sitter come to the house daily to look after them. For me, with them being house cats I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if one of them tried to escape. As house cats, Nala and Trixie aren’t used to the big wide world, they don’t venture into the garden. Having lost a cat (Tigger) to the road, many years ago I don’t want to go through that pain again with any of my babies. For me, having someone come to the house a couple of times a day is too risky. Nala is the master escaper, not only do we know how to stop her from escaping in the first place. But we can catch and handle her, at over 8kg she’s not an easy cat to handle, especially if you don’t know her. Being in the Great Catsby gives me complete reassurance that they are safe, there’s no risk of them going anywhere.
As Lola is a typical Bengal she is prone to some behavioral issues (or temper tantrums) especially when she doesn’t get her own way. Over the years I’ve become accustomed to her triggers and can recognise the warning signs before anything arises. Since the passing of her best friend and companion, Lewis, she hasn’t been so keen on sharing the litter tray. If she’s the first to use it then it’s all good. But if Nala or Trixie even steps foot in a litter tray then we have a problem. Regardless of how many litter trays are in the house, there is never one just clean enough for her. In order to keep the peace, and not cause her unnecessary stress, I let her out for the loo. Trying to keep one litter tray for her sole use in a multi-cat household is impossible! If anyone has managed it please tell me your secret, I need to know the magic you used.
After 10 years of being a house cat (and my shadow), Lola is really good outside. She doesn’t wander off, she goes to the loo and comes straight back. Unless there are people there, then she wants attention! This is the main reason why we wouldn’t have a pet sitter, or even my mum, come to look after them in the house. Lola would use the sofa (or worse) as her toilet as she wouldn’t use the tray in protest! Being in her own room with her own litter tray is the safest option all around. I get an unspoiled house and she gets her own ensuite!
As well as the carnage from Lola, Nala and Trixie need human contact (don’t they all?). They’re used to living in a busy home with my boys running around. Someone is always here. To suddenly leave them in an empty house would confuse them. For them, being in the Great Catsby not only means that they get regular daily visits and cuddles from my mum but also the neighbour. Our next door neighbour likes to look after the koi in the pond. He pops round twice a day to feed the fish. He loves making a fuss of them whilst they’re out on the balcony noseying at what he’s doing. I know I couldn’t replicate that enrichment if they were home alone.
As much as I hate the thought of leaving them, knowing that they’re all safe and happy is a huge relief. My lovely mum sends me updates so I get to see them too which is amazing…now I know how you all feel when you get my updates!