Question:
My two kitties are almost 5 months old, and I am going out of town on business for 4-1/2 days. What is best...

My vet has boarding available but there will be a lot of other animals there during the same time. That means the kitties stay in a large kennel without being able to run around. Also, they have never really seen other dogs and cats.

Or, I've seen pet sitters advertised and it would be nice to leave the kitties in their home, but I don't know how I feel about having a stranger come into my house.

What would be best for the kitties? I hate to leave them and cause problems by upsetting them.

Thank you.

Answer:
If you use a reputable pet sitter they will be insured and bonded. Then your kitties will not be as stressed out if they are at home. Just do some research on them first

Answer:
I leave mine at home when I'm gone away, I think it would 'stress' them out to much to be kenneled, and with added stress comes other things that can be brought on by stress like stop eating,URI etc.. do you have a friend that could stop by or a neighbor? That is the route (I) would go, your kitties will be happier in their own home, leave the radio on and a light.

Answer:
The best way is if you have a friend, relative or neighbour you can trust to come in to feed and play with them while you`re gone. Otherwise, a pet sitter but make sure they are bonded and get some references.

An older cat can be left with food and water for 1-2 days (and clean litter) if absolutely necessary but not for 4 1/2 days IMO. And two almost five month old kittens should not be left alone at all.

Answer:
I use a pet sitter. I don't want my cat in a kennel if I can avoid it. She's great, comes for a half hour a day, brings her laser pointer and some toys... She's insured and bonded and I trust her completely.

Good luck

Answer:
Absolutely sitter!!! No matter how good the vet and the boarding place, there are too many contagious diseases and problems that can occur witrh too many cats - too many possibilities of viral illnesses like uti's and so forth,.And a cat is always happier in her own home!!!! Always - cats are soooo creatures of habit and so easily stressed that even the change in scenery is stressful. Hire a sitter - your cat will be much happier and healthier for your choice.

I do not mean to downplay boardinh places- there are some great ones (the Cat Hospital in Hfx is excellent) but if you can afford a sitter, that is just so much better for the kitty. (Unless of course the kitty and the sitter do not hit it off but you can check that out first too buy trying it first before a long trip or time away).

Answer:
I just wanted to update everyone who responded to my question. I did research pet sitters and finally decided to ask my vet if they had one they recommended and trusted. I found a wonderful woman that came in twice a day and took great care of my kitties. I will be going out of town in June and have already reserved the pet sitter!

Thanks for the great advice.

Answer: