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Post by StrayTales on Apr 22, 2002 16:40:53 GMT
Formerly I was a dog person until a starving stray Siamese adopted me on Thanksgiving Day. I have come to the message board to discover the mysteries behind my cat Pilgrim's behavior. My biggest problem/fear is leaving my boy alone while I vacation. I have arranged for teenager to visit Pilgrim twice a day (1 1/2 hours each time) to tend his physical needs and play. Will he still experience trauma from my 10 day absence? I worry because he was a stray he will think I'm not coming back. I have tried a 3 day Xmas vacation (same teenager arrangements), and his personality of independence changed radically. I was told by my neighbor he just sat in the window and pined.
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Post by Xinzerella on Apr 22, 2002 17:55:41 GMT
Hi, I have a Siamese cat who was also upset the first time I went away for longer than a day. Now, however, he is used to it and is not too bothered about it - not that I go away from home very often. I think with cats and other animals, all we can really do is give them time - eventually they will learn from our experience, our body language, tone of voice and actions what is likely to be happening. If they seem worried about something, I say to them "no, it's not what you think, don't worry!" and they physically relax - heave a sigh of relief! It's funny to see.
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Post by Ann on Apr 22, 2002 20:41:47 GMT
A warm welcome to you!
Xinzerella is right. Siamese are creatures of habit and the first time a routine changes it can worry them. Once Pilgrim gets used to the fact that you keep coming back, he'll almost certainly adapt. Do make sure if you go away that you leave an article of unwashed clothing somewhere where he can lie on it. A jumper, blouse or pair of trousers. If your "smell" is still around, it will help to reassure him. Expect it to be covered in fur by the time you return!
Ann
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Post by tutsmom on Apr 22, 2002 20:43:53 GMT
Having someone visit twice a day for 1.5 hrs each time will help. But be prepared--he will do everything possible to make you feel guilty.
A couple of tips, leave a few things--robe, gown, tee-shirt, that sort of thing--that smell like you around for him to cuddle with. You might also leave a short recording of your voice saying what you usually say to him during the day and have the cat sitter put it on when he leaves.
Also, when I used to travel for work, I would call the cats and talk to them on the answering machine so they could hear my voice. I don't know if it helped them, but it made me feel better! (That particular machine had a room monitoring feature, so I could call home and "listen" if they were into mischief--seldom heard anything substantial, but it was a comfort.)
You could also call when the cat sitter is there to check on the cat and have a chat.
Remind the cat sitter to be careful of the doors--you don't want the cat slipping out to go searching for you.
And, be prepared for accidents--I've known cats to spray/urinate by doors or windows to help their humans find their way home. And sometimes in the middle of a bed too. They figure since they use smell to get around, that we must do the same thing.
Have a great vacation,
Tut's Mom aka Sharon
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