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Post by lagatta on Sept 20, 2014 20:31:48 GMT
I don't know whether this properly goes in "free clinic", but a lot of the "elderly parents + other human relatives" threads had little to do with clinical issues either.
I have the opportunity to work facilitating a seminar in Amsterdam, in November and December. About three weeks, meaning I'd be gone for about a month. It doesn't pay well; oh, just like graduate student stipends, but it is only part-time and leaves me more than enough time to work on my own paid work.
But I'm concerned about leaving Renzo for so long with friends. That he will freak out, or die on them. He is 18 1/2. He is fine otherwise, of course he sleeps most of the time, even more than a younger cat, but his appetite and bowel habits are fine, and he doesn't seem remotely senile.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2014 21:27:14 GMT
What about taking him with you?
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Post by lagatta on Sept 20, 2014 21:30:32 GMT
I do not want to make an aged cat have to cross the Atlantic in the baggage chamber!
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Post by htmb on Sept 20, 2014 21:33:50 GMT
I guess you'll need to decide if Renzo would miss you too much if you left him for that long. My cat was very finicky and only liked me. She was miserable when I was gone for any length of time even though my daughter visited her every day.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2014 21:40:01 GMT
Small animals can ride in a carrier bag in the cabin of quite a few airlines.
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Post by htmb on Sept 20, 2014 21:42:14 GMT
For a cat, especially an elderly one, it might be too traumatic to travel and to change to a strange location.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2014 21:56:26 GMT
I disagree. If Renzo is used to spending all of his time with you, he will be happier to go with you than to be left behind. Of course there is always the possibility that you will decide to remain chained to your apartment just for him. I know how that feels.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2014 21:58:11 GMT
I agree that the transport issue is out of of the question unless you were relocating there and were taking him with you.
Cats prefer to remain in their own environment regardless of their owner's absence.
Will your friends be willing to come to your home to see to Renzo's needs? By far the best option if it could be arranged.
Also providing some comfort items a la t-shirts, towels etc. with your scent for him to nest upon.
Cats sleep 2/3rds of the time but, are definitely creatures of habit and routine.
He will miss you but be ok.
It is you that is being more worried than necessary, although, totally understandable.
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Post by lagatta on Sept 21, 2014 0:16:58 GMT
My friends will definitely come here to take care of him. For one thing, I live in a housing co-operative, and one of my main catsitters is a downstairs neighbour, and another has taken care of Renzo here many times and might want to stay here. So have others, though one may be in Cuba at the time. Another will certainly be travelling to her native Argentina, but probably later than my return.
But you must all know how I worry about him. He is really the only being I really love any more. Oh, of course I have many good human friends, here and elsewhere (some of whom I'd see in Amsterdam, and with some luck, I'd be able to travel to Paris, where I haven't been since 2006 - I doubt very much that I could make it to Italy). But the human friends have their own lives, as well they should.
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Post by questa on Sept 21, 2014 2:56:32 GMT
My friends will definitely come here to take care of him. For one thing, I live in a housing co-operative, and one of my main catsitters is a downstairs neighbour, and another has taken care of Renzo here many times and might want to stay here. When I moved house with my elderly cat she went under the spare bed and wouldn't come out for 3 days. I poked her litter box under the bed and she used that OK, but only nibbled small amounts of her food and old softy me hand fed her pieces of chicken...her favourite. I was at work during the day and on the 3rd day she wandered out as if nothing had happened. Sniffed her way around the place then found 'her' chair and settled down. Your cat may look for you, but cats are survivors and adapt well to new situations. From your quote it sounds like an excellent arrangement. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2014 12:58:25 GMT
When I leave on a trip my cat Sadie does a disappearing act of sorts. She will come in and eat but then goes "somewhere".
Upon my return, she doesn't leave my side for days then, gradually goes back to her regular routine.
I used to worry about her the first few times this happened but, it's just the way she is.
My husband's cat, his dearly departed Grazie, on the other hand, would bay loudly. It was awful. No amount of comfort from me would assuage his missing his master. He spent his time sleeping on one of T's shirts or wander around looking for him crying.
I'm glad you have dear friends to care for Renzo. I do understand how you feel. I'm more attached to my animals than I am to humans.
Surely you have gone on trips without him before no? I know he is elderly which can't make it easier for you not to worry.
But, since he's healthy (and certainly well fed!), I'm sure he will be fine.
Try not to let him pick up on your anxiety.
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