Question:
Just wondering.... I know some people think it's cruel to leave any pet alone even overnight, but I think it depends on the *type* of pet her/his individual personality.
I inquire about this because it is necessary to leave my pets alone for 2 nights, with a sitter dropping in to feed them, but I know they still hate the fact that I go away on weekends for work.
Hank was so mad @ me yesterday when she knew I was going away, she sat with her back to me when I was saying goodbye, which she never does when she knows I am just going out for the day.... Also the sitter reports that Cub has been "screaming" (honking? hooting?) when I am not there.
I love my animals so much, but it is impossible to transport 2 guinea pigs, a large cat who hates travel, & a chinchilla, with food & accessories, every weekend. I am also unable to quit work. Not that I would anyway, it is advancing my career in leaps & bounds, which means good things for my animals too, if I get a well-paid job: bigger cage for Cub, nice large enclosure for guinea pigs, preventative naturopathic veterinary medicine, Wysong food for Hank, etc. It can only benefit us all, but it is upsetting to know how much they miss me....


Answer:
Neuro, I also think it depends on the animal,
I could never leave Sasha alone for any length of time, 8 hrs would be tops but never at night becuase she sleeps with us and i would think she woudl be incredibly lonely, plus she would probably poop and pee all over the place,,,the cat its not to bad,,,I make sure the bathtub tap is running a little bit, plus 2 food bowls, and a water dish ,,,she does go outdoors to use the bathroom so we leave the bathroom window for her to come and go, same as the chinchillas and ferret, I put 2 food dishes in for both and 2 litter boxes for ferrets, I have my landlords son come down to just change water, the fish we buy them weekend feeders and turn the lights out, hedsgehog, same thing, extra food and someone changes water
now we have never left for more than 4 days and 3 mights, if we were then I would hire someone to come in and take care of everything, ,,,Sasha comes with us whereever we go


Answer:
You got a hedgehog Brandy??


Answer:
yuppers Neuro, I only got her abuot 2 weeks ago, her name is Mrs.Prickles and shes crabby because she is quilling but I will post pics as soon as I get some batteries
actually I shouldt say I got a hedgehog,,,she is Craigs hog


Answer:
I am so jealous, hedgehogs are awesome!!
It sounds as if your pets handle being alone pretty well, except Sasha of course.
I dearly wish I could drive/afford a car, I would definitely travel with all my pets but the bus won't allow it. Cub is always crazy with need to groom me & be near me when I come home, it's so sad..... I don't think she wants another chilla friend, she wants ME.


Answer:
well when I walk in the door I have all little faces watching me ,,,,,once i get it and the car unloaded, we all have oddles of out of cage time and lots of lovins and playing, I alwaya always bring each and everyone home a new treat so they soon forget that I even left


Answer:
Whenever we go away someone comes to watch the chins (she checks on them everyday) & our dogs go to the kennel. We almost *always* end up leaving early because my entire family (including me ofcourse..LOL) also misses the "babies". It really hits you when your away what a big aspect of your life your pets are.


Answer:
If Tinsel didn't need her medication I would leave the chinnies alone overnight with extra food and water. However, she requires medication three times a day so I absolutely need someone to come over and give her medication and attention.
Usually, I travel alone so Tim takes care of the girls, but last weekend (when I almost forgot to get a pet sitter ) I got a friend of mine to drop by and do that for us.
We missed the girls soooo much last weekend and were so happy to be back to give them love and cuddles. They got an extra long playtime too!


Answer:
I would live the chins home alone maximum of one night. I personally don't feel comfortable leaving them alone for an entire weekend because I would be paranoid if something happened to them I wouldn't know about it until I got home.


Answer:
I have left the chinchillas overnight (where I left early on Morning #1 and came home late evening Morning #2) so they were alone approx. 36 hours.
I make sure they have lots of hay, food, and water, and I've never had a problem. I don't think I would leave them any longer than that, though!