About a year ago, a stray cat adopted me and has been my companion ever since. He’s very timid around others and only trusts me. From the moment he arrived, he made himself right at home. I’m about to leave for a six-day trip and am unsure of the best way to care for him while I'm gone. He feels scared during the day outside but seems fine at night. I live in a rural area with no nearby roads, so that’s not a concern. My family will be stopping by daily to feed and give him water, but I’m hesitant about boarding him, as I’ve visited two facilities and worry about keeping him in a cage for that long. My vet even mentioned that he would likely need medication to stay calm. Does anyone have suggestions? I appreciate any advice!
Hello Georgia
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the stray into your home.
A stray cat won’t cope well in a boarding facility, especially if it hasn’t been socialized with other humans and is fearful of strangers. On the plus side, it will be safe within from other animals.
Ultimately, it’s your decision. I have been looking after an abandoned cat for 15 years in an urban area who’s not scared of humans and roams often. I don’t go away much; however, when I do, I leave plenty of food and water (elevated off the ground) in the garden and get someone else to top up his food and water daily. If you are concerned about him, you can increase the family visitations to twice daily. I have also provided shelter, such as a cat house and an outdoor kennel protected from the weather. It might be a good idea to offer additional outdoor facilities that he can retrieve and hide when other animals or people come by.
If he is allowed inside your home and you can train him to use a cat flap, it will provide him with security and the means to get out at night.
I hope this helps
Melina
I had almost the same situation with a stray who only trusted me. Boarding would’ve freaked him out, so I always kept him at home and just had someone stop by. The extra visits helped, but honestly what calmed him most was leaving a blanket that smelled like me in his usual spot. Six days should be fine if he’s in his own territory and someone’s checking on food and water.