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Leaving Pet Alone

Sent to Pet Experts January 06 01:39 PM

Chloe is my   2 ½ year old striped cat. I adopted her at 4 months.

When I adopted her in that November, I had already had a 2-week trip to Mexico planned for February. The person that gave me her (a very close neighbor) said he would look in on her while I was away. I had one other person checking in on her as well. She was just a little kitten and the day I got home she stayed on my lap the entire day.

Last winter, I again had the trip planned. This time I had my neighbor and 2 other people checking in on her for the 2 weeks. I stayed in touch by e-mail, and they said she was doing fine. When I got home she was very happy to see me.

This year, the trip is planned again. But I’m worried about Chloe this year. I was away over the holidays for 5 days. When I returned, she wasn’t the same. She literally acted like she was scared, or as if someone hurt her. I know the person who looked in on her, and he would not do anything to harm her. I’m sure of it. She also was behaving like she was in heat. She would crouch down and make noises. This cat hardly even meows. She was walking with her tail in the air, and one day when I was petting her, she stood up and hit me. I called the Vet, but he didn’t have any real answer, he just said to keep an eye on her and if it still continued I would have to bring her in. Well, it took about 5 days for her to get back to normal.

But normal is VERY routine. We have the good byes and the hellos when I leave and get in from work, and meals are special. I love this cat with all my heart, and unfortunately I am not allowed to have another pet because I rent. I had to make all kinds of concessions to have her.

I was wondering if in this month before the trip if I should break up the routine? Or is there some kind of tranquilizer that I can get from the Vet to calm her down when I’m gone? I will have my neighbor and 2 other people look in on her, but it makes me very nervous. I cannot let this interrupt my life, because vacation is important, but I don’t know what I can do to make this easier.

Can you give some suggestions? Thank you very much.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Info Request
January 6 1:55 PM (15 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
  I wouldn't tranquilize her in your absense. When she behaved that way last time, did you ever have your vet check her?


Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
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ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 383 Pet Accepts
23+ years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
Reply
January 6 2:44 PM (48 minutes and 52 seconds later)
         
Reply to ZooCVT's Post: No, I did not take her to the vet. She began acting like herself. I figured something scared her, and she was lonely while I was away.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 6 2:55 PM (11 minutes and 1 second later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
  I would rule out a medical reason first. She may have been brewing something...low grade bladder infection or maybe something else and got over it when you can home since she never acted like that before. You have to remember when you go she's going to be a bit depressed so tranquilizer her will make it worse...something you don't want to do. I think if your vet gives her a clean bill of health then having people check on her or even having a petsitter stay over will be fine.


Let me know if you have any other questions
Good Luck &
Best Fishes
Picture
ZooCVT -- Certified Veterinary Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 383 Pet Accepts
23+ years of experience w/ sm. animal, fish, exotics, orthopedics, ophthalmology and zoo medicine.
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