I knew this would happen. The hard part of leaving on a trip is leaving my cats.
They are fine. I know they will be great! I knew travel would be on the horizon so that’s why I have two instead of one.
Still…
But all is ok. I have a great house sitter that will be taking good care of them. She knows all about their favourite grand chase of the fishing line feather toy and how Skye likes to be brushed (which makes her crawl on her side along the carpet LOL). And how Lake is a little skittish and prefers to watch from the sidelines.
She knows about the fancy dancy cat water fountain that they are now officially addicted to and how important it is that the water is ‘cold’ and ‘fresh’.
And how slightly topped food is like a brand new feast in their eyes.
And how spotless those two litter boxes stay. I have them upstairs in my hallway (of all things) so I stay on top of it!
My son says to me everyday, “Why don’t you put the litter boxes downstairs?! They scratch in there at night!”
My reply? “I’d never keep them this clean. They like it like this….”
Trust me. Those boxes are crystal clean. I’ve taken a hobby approach to them. You know those zen sand boxes with mini rakes?
WEEEELLLL…. I make sure the litter is perfectly flat when I’m done. Very cat zen-ish. Just because.
😀 <—- You are losing it woman!
Oh my GOSH. I just googled cat zen. It’s a THING!
Made on Grumpy Cat Generator… because I’m going on a trip and I have time for such things…
Oh goodness… I spoil them so. Because they spoil me right back.
So to show my appreciation, my house/cat sitter is getting some surprise treats each day she hangs out with them.
It’s nothing too fancy. Quiet and rather subtle… but with an explosion of happy hiding inside!
And her instructions will be, she must indulge in the presence of the cats. Of course!
I know I’m fretting for nothing. These two do well in my absence. Probably a little too fine. They never pine by the door upon my return (in fact I have to beg for their attention!). And truly enjoy hanging out on their cat tree in front of the picture window or in my sun filled photo studio downstairs. That gives me comfort for sure.
I even put a big puffy new blanket in the photo studio tonight and they disappeared for a good long while. I doubt if I’ll even see Lake come up for the night.
Hmm…. maybe I’ll plant a few more surprises for them to find to keep them occupied along with some favourite toys. I like it! Treats for the cats too!
But… ahhhh… I just can’t be cured. I’m the problem. Yes, it’s ME.
And thank goodness for that!
Treat bags for one sweet cat sitter… sounds like a party to me.
No staying up too late in my absence now, ya hear?!
Also, Katzen is cats in German.
Lucky and loved cats :)! Hey..my cat always curls up on a sweatshirt of mine if I’ve left it on a chair or the sofa. Do yours do this? You could leave one out for them to curl up on when they’re missing you. Love the treat bags idea!
Hi Donna, It’s so sweet how you take care about your kitties and your cat sitter as well. If I’d live close by, I’d apply for that job ;). I understand you so very well about leaving your furry babies, even though it’s only for some days. You’re well prepared and the two will be spoiled while you’re gone. Have a save trip and a lot of fun!
Julia
Awww! I love this! I’m going out of town this week too and leaving our doggies at my sisters house so her friend can come check on them. I hate leaving them and love them sooo much! I love the treat bag idea, too bad I didn’t have more time to put it together. We do buy her some special snacks for when she is there though.
omg Donna your the BEST cats Mommy! they are loved, spoiled children in kitty love home! i bet they high five at night, when your asleep they have been rescued and loved! need to do more for them? leave a few t shirts that you have worn so they have your scent on them, leave them on the floor of the room you want them to hang out in, yes be messy for a few days! they will sit on the shirts and think your around! sounds funny but it works, will they miss you? hope so but with all the treats and fun cat sitter it might be like summer camp to them! have a great travel!
Audrey
Ha! You crack me up! There’s nothing wrong with you. I did the same thing with my Chloe’s litter box. Smooth and flat…
The fact that your babies get to stay in their own domain and haven is the best thing you could do for them. When I cat sit, I stay in the home with the kitty, so all is right with the world….for them and me…:)
I have to agree with Maria who commented above. I have not had the privledge of cat-sitting, yet, but I am a dog-sitter for several families. I also go into their homes and stay until the family returns. It makes a huge difference for animals to remain where they are familiar with everything and are comfortable. So many of the animals I care for are enjoying their senior citizen years, and their owners are uncomfortable with the idea of boarding their animals, even for just overnight. I’m sure your kitties will be fine while you enjoy your trip. Will they miss you? Of course they will, but you are providing the best case senario for all involved. Great idea with the daily treat bags. Enjoy your trip.
Why have cats if you can’t spoil them? I have a sign in my house that reads “My cats aren’t spoiled, I’m just well trained” and it is sooo true. Sounds like you should make yourself one, too! lol
Your cats will be fine while you’re away, but they will miss you. You mentioned they don’t pine at the door for you, mine do if we are away even for a few hours. (I guess that’s what happens when you work from home and rarely go out)
Enjoy your trip to Salt Lake City and your fur-babies will be waiting to hear all about it.
Debbie 🙂
I’m home most of the time too! They’re pretty independent until I walk into the living room near their cat tree. Then they both meow, hop off and want me to either brush them or play with their toys! haha
Other than that, they sleep their lives away in that cat tree. It’s pretty hilarious to see two grown cats permanently mould themselves to their given ‘step’. 🙂
Donna – I love the idea of treat bags for the sitter. Enjoy your time in Utah!
I know how you feel. My husband and I are going away next month from Connecticut to Baltimore Maryland for a wedding. The next day we are driving to Virginia to look for a house because it is just getting to stinking expensive to live here anymore. Any way we have two dogs (pit bulls) and 2 cats – all the loves of our lives. Our youngest son still lives here so he will take care of them and I know he will do a good job but it won’t stop me from missing them. Three years ago we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary by going to Savannah Georgia. We were supposed to be away for 2 weeks but we cut it short because we missed these babies so much. Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself. Your babies will be fine.
This is such a sweet idea for those special people that watch our pets when we’re away. I had no idea that topping off their food just a trifle is like a whole new meal. I always thought my kitty was just a demanding little guy, now I know better.